Written Analysis – Formulas: Starbucks

Coffee is a staple for the majority of Americans to start their day.  I can’t even count the number of times I have heard, ‘Don’t talk to me until I’ve had a cup coffee’. Prior to personal health issues, this was definitely me! I would make a run for my iced vanilla skinny latte with 3 extra shots immediately following the morning med pass at the Alzheimer’s Assisting Living community I worked in 3-4 days a week. The CNA’s would have their orders waiting on my med cart, because they knew I would not skip my Starbucks run.

This popular culture class has forced me to examine why America is so obsessed with coffee, namely Starbucks. When I hear ‘Starbucks’, the wonderful smell of brewing coffee fills my nose and I see the iconic white cup with their green logo. So why has Starbucks become so recognizable? Because they have a calm atmosphere, free WiFi, easily accessible locations, excellent customer service, and an efficient operation.

In most urban areas, you can find a Starbucks within 5 blocks of wherever you are and outside of downtown, there is a Starbucks on every major roadway through town. This makes accessibility very easy and brand exposure very prominent. These is a formula for every drink, so that they taste the same every time, and formula for staffing, making sure you receive your drinks quickly. Starbucks has a created a formula for every aspect of their business and in so doing Starbucks has become a household name.