Slash The ‘Latte Factor’ by Moving to Seattle?

Thanks to SH for the pointer… Starbucks is currently piloting $1 coffee with free refills at some Seattle locations in the face of growing competition from rivals such as (gasp!) McDonalds. That’s about 50% less per cup of small coffee than their regular price. So at the moment if you want to take advantage of the price cut you either need to live in Seattle or be ready to move!

I admit to enjoying an occasional Starbucks latte (grande, no-fat, vanilla please) but it’s not a daily vice. But where the ‘latte factor’ really kills me is that since Starbucks charges $4 for a cup of coffee restaurants feel they can charge $2 and get away with it.  If I’m really in the mood for a cup I will suck it up and pay the $2, but when the coffee winds up tasting like pond water strained through an old boot, I send it back and ask for it to be taken off my bill. If you’re going ot charge $2 for a cup of coffee it better be a decent cup. Most days I’ll just brew a cup at home instead. Not only cheaper, but it tastes better too.