Starbucks sells what?

Starbucks has announced an expansion to its night life venture. Photo Credit / Valentina Caval
Starbucks has announced an expansion to its night life venture.  Photo Credit / Valentina Caval
Starbucks has announced an expansion to its night life venture.
Photo Credit / Valentina Caval

By John Reed

SC Staff Writer

If you lived in Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles, Atlanta, or Portland, your local Starbucks might serve you a little bit differently after 4 PM — the coffeehouse’s Venti lattes become fashionable glasses of wine.

According to Starbucks, the plan is to expand from the 40 locations that currently sell beer and wine in the next few years.

Small entrees will also be available at these locations, making the daytime java stop a new hip nightlife center.

Many students use Starbucks as a haven to settle in and complete homework assignments that they may not be able to do at home or school, which begs the question — will the atmosphere change after 4 PM?

Most college students don’t seem phased by the company’s announcement, and view the possibility of grabbing a glass of wine and a delicious flatbread as a chance to have a low-key night on the town.

“I think it may actually be a good thing, as long as it doesn’t get out of hand,” said senior Victoria Krukenkamp.

“I’ve never been a fan of anything more than the laid-back local bar, so I wouldn’t like it if my Starbucks became the hottest dance club in town.”

The sentiment is somewhat shared by Senior Verones Padilla, who doesn’t spend time “hanging out” at the establishment now and wouldn’t change her habits if beer and wine were offered.

“It’s not going to change my life, as long as everything isn’t going crazy when I run in to grab my 5 o’ clock coffee,” said Padilla.

Remember when it was only “treat receipts” that brought you back to Starbucks for that iced beverage in the afternoon?

Not that ESU students will have to worry about their local Starbucks being integrated into this program any time soon.

If you are dying for a beer with that latte, you would be better served to attend a university with closer ties to a larger city.

“We are a fringe market – we will probably not be a part of this,” said local Starbucks manager Randy Sandt.

Email John at:

jreed18@live.esu.edu