QUOTE (HelterSkelter @ Oct 25 2006, 2:30 pm)

Starbucks is fine as long as it stays in the states,
Why exactly is starbucks 'fine as long as it stays in the states"? What is the difference between them opening there and here in Germany?
QUOTE (HelterSkelter @ Oct 25 2006, 2:30 pm)

but has nothing to do with a Kaffeehaus. A Kaffeehaus has got a history, got patina, got style,
I've no idea what this idea of a "kaffeehaus" is that you have, but I'm sure Starbucks isn't trying to be one. I don't know what the hell "patina" means, maybe that's because I'm just not intellegent enough, and maybe that's why I go to Starbucks. Or, maybe I just like the place. Either way, I shouldn't have to defend that choice.
QUOTE (HelterSkelter @ Oct 25 2006, 2:30 pm)

got real staff, real waiters - not some students on parole,
What are you trying to say here? That students shouldn't work, full stop? That they shouldn't work for Starbucks? If it was a 50 year old serving in Starbucks would that be ok?. If the student brought you the coffee would that be ok? A lot of traditional (especially working class) cafes in the UK have the same setup as Starbucks, where you order what you want at the counter and then get it yourself when it's ready and take it to your seat. Do you have a problem with them as well? I'm with cinzia on this, sometimes it's nice to be able to just decide what you want, order and pay for it and then just leave when you're ready without having to deal with the rudeness that passes for "service" in some places here. In my experience, the places with the best and most friendly service are often those staffed by students trying to earn some money while they study, whether that's somewhere like Starbucks, or somewhere where they are traditional waiters/waitresses.
QUOTE (HelterSkelter @ Oct 25 2006, 2:30 pm)

got Kaffehausmusik (some even live) doesn't look like an IKEA exhibition room and doesn't sell
Litschi-Mocca-Coco-Samboa-Frickin-Hand-plucked-cleaned-Fair-Trade-Frappe-Latte with a itty-bitty tiny hint of cinnamon to it
If you don't like the decor and the cofee don't go there. It's simple.
QUOTE (HelterSkelter @ Oct 25 2006, 2:30 pm)

and you can have a smoke
Are you saying that by definition if it serves coffee you should be able to smoke there? Without wanting to rehash the whole no smoking thread, the smokers on there say "if you don't like the smoke go somewhere else". When I say I go somewhere else because it's no smoking you jump on me for it. Do you not think non smokers should have there option of going for a coffee in a non smoking environment?
QUOTE (HelterSkelter @ Oct 25 2006, 2:30 pm)

It's a pain in the arse.
That's the kind of statement I make when I don't like something but can't present an intelligent argument as to why. Like I said, if you personally don't like their coffee shops, don't go there. Beyond that, why should it affect you at all, and why should it be "a pain in the arse".
At the end of the day, they open more branches because there is the market for them, i.e. people want to go there (nobody is forced through the door at gunpoint). Just because they aren't to your taste, or don't conform to your idea of what a "kaffeehaus" is doesn't make them any less valid, or mean that people who do want to go there shouldn't have that option. Just live and let live, and accept that some people, for various reasons like Starbucks.