50 Comments Add your own

• 1. Christoph  |  August 11th, 2006 at 1:45 pm

  Hey Pedro,
  I wouldn’t be to happy with Starbucks coming to Portugal. They even beat Brasileira in horrendous prices but with less quality, I guess. And yes, you are right: Me as an “estrangeiro” or lets say “uma bifa” I love those small old places to have a BICA and I love those bars like “o estadio” ao pé da praça de camoes ou “o adamastor”.
  Anyway, what I was saying is, that it is not hard to imagine, that 10 years from here Starbuck has bought Brasiliera and put a big Starbuck Sign beside the statue of Fernando Pessoa. That would be horrible, wouldn’t it? In this respect let’s hope, that the principles of web 2.0 find their way into coffehouse business, too. In other words: I hope the “long tail” of all those small coffe plazes gets stronger, cause everybody wants his own personal and indivudual place to have coffe and not a place that looks similar all over the world, like starbucks.
  …it is too expensive by the way….

  

  Portugal olé!

  Até mais!

• 2. António Manuel Dias  |  August 11th, 2006 at 2:15 pm

  That still awes me — how can people drink coffe standing? how can people drink it from plastic cups? Is it just the need for caffeine? Fortunately, that seems to be happening only in the morning (coffe shops on the route to work) and at work. In the evening, people continues to “go out to get an expresso (um cafézinho) with friends”.

• 3. Mind Booster Noori  |  August 11th, 2006 at 3:52 pm

  Wow, you’re actualy the first person I know that doesn’t think that this is a bad move from Starbucks… I mean, Portugal has this whole lot of tradition of what we somewhat snobishly call of real coffee, who (Portuguese) would trade a Delta for a Starbucks? Well, I guess that there’s at least one person who would…

• 4. Hugo  |  August 11th, 2006 at 5:25 pm

  I would do too. Starbucks in Portugal finally. It’s about time.
  But let me say, that i will prefere a really coffee instead a starbucks coffee, but i will be a huge client, speccially of Cappucinos and other great drinks.

• 5. Pedro  |  August 11th, 2006 at 6:19 pm

  Christoph :

  Well I wouldn’t trade the more tradional places either, I think I normally choose between them according to the mood and my vacant time. The fact is that StarBucks do have a wide range of coffee beverages and thats a good thing for all the coffee lovers like myself.

  Mind Booster Noori:

  That’s probably one of the main issues that prevented StarBucks form arriving earlier, but the fact remains, Portugal still have place for other types o coffee beverages other than the real coffee as you say. I wouldn’t compare Delta with Starbucks on the plain coffee, but if Delta starts making Caramel Machiatto’s then I would have to reconsider! Until then….

  one thing is for sure, the coffee market will have something to fight for.

• 6. ricardo  |  August 11th, 2006 at 7:45 pm

  I think that Delta is ready for the new flavours.
  And the StarBucks prices for the portuguese costumers??

• 7. Mário Lopes  |  August 11th, 2006 at 9:45 pm

  Hi Pedro! How’s SHiFT’s preparation going?

  It’s a weird meaning for BICA. Afterall, putting sugar on your coffee bevearage absolutely spoils its tasty flavour. In Colombia coffee is not served with sugar. You’ll have to ask for it, give a proper explanation and enroll in a chat with the waiter. Fortunately most people quit due to the extensive work it requires in order to get the sugar

• 8. Vitor Rodrigues  |  August 11th, 2006 at 11:38 pm

  It would be interesting to see how Starbucks will be in PT. I shall say that SB is my favorite place here in California. Except for the morning rush between 6-9am, SB is a very nice place to spend your relaxing moments. The decoration, the music, the people in the other tables. Every time I go to SB after lunch, I always stay for 30 mins, and it is very interesting to see that besides two portuguese guys discussing very actively, the rest of the tables are being used by students doing homework, or someone reading a book, or even someone working trying to escape to the office rush.

  My favorite SB drink: White Mocha with Wipped Cream
  My every day drink: Solo expresso

• 9. Nuno  |  August 12th, 2006 at 12:20 am

  Living in London and commuting on a daily basis, I’ve experimented with all sorts of “grab and run” coffee places - Starbucks, Costa, Nero, A&M,… you name it.

  I can confidently say that Starbucks produces the shittiest coffee around.

• 10. satrbucks?!  |  August 12th, 2006 at 7:53 pm

  tao a gozar comigo?! starbucks em portugal? it is, by far, the most disgusting coffee i have drunk in my life.

  like cup&cino and other wannabes, i hope starbucks fails miserably in portugal. coffee in plastic cups?! only in america..

• 11. Filipe Correia  |  August 15th, 2006 at 3:14 pm

  If starbucks is to succeed in Portugal I guess they will have to change their coffee to real coffee..

  The origin of the word “bica” that I know isn’t the one you mention, so I searched a bit and found a reference to the other meaning.

• 12. Hugo Bizarro  |  August 16th, 2006 at 11:14 am

  I would like just to clear something up. I Believe the explanation given by the name “Bica” - Beber Isto com Açucar is not the correct one. I think that the original name BICA was given after a machine called BICA that extracted, on the early days, the well appreciated espresso (ristretto).

• 13. Pedro  |  August 16th, 2006 at 11:26 am

  Well Hugo, I’m really not sure about the truthfullness of either explanation for the term “BICA” but the thing is at least on Brasileira in Lisbon, when the expresso as we know it started to being served, they coined the term to the explanation I’ve mentioned, there’s even records of “billboards” with that same meaning.

  Where have you learned about the “machine” explanation for the term?

• 14. Hugo Bizarro  |  August 16th, 2006 at 2:47 pm

  Pedro - I have had a training in wich this was refered . The Name of the Brand of the Machine was Cimbali - Bica, I believe. I have also seen this refered on another blog (cf bellow)

  http://216.239.59.104/search?q=cache:w1-fzYqJLcwJ:www.miguelcaldas.com/ex/word/desform/Estudos%2520das%2520Marcas.doc+o+nome+bica+expresso&hl=pt-PT&gl=pt&ct=clnk&cd=8

  Either way I´m also not 100% sure of these explanations

• 15. Suka  |  August 17th, 2006 at 5:03 pm

  I have to say that I love to go out with a cup full of hot coffee. Just imagine: going to the subway in a winter day and drink a hot cappucinno or tea…. hummm nice. And the cakes are very good also.
  And the SB are usually very friendly places where you can relax and spend hours reading or talking to friends.
  In Miami I saw a SB totally directioned to music. There you could find and listen to cd’s and also record your own with your favorite musics.
  Ok… let’s not compare the quality of the coffee, but perhaps they could change it.

  Vitor, my favorite SB is a cuppucino with cinnamon.
  hummm… I miss them already!

• 16. Jacques  |  August 18th, 2006 at 8:20 pm

  Re: #10. Yes, Starbucks belongs only in the U.S. with its over roasted water in a plastic cup. It is the McDonalds syndrome with a Yuppie style. I hope they don’t buy out anyone or anything in Portugal… Proper coffee deserves a re-usable ceramic cup and time to enjoy. The world has too much rubbish everywhere; mostly plastic cups.

  J–

• 17. Pedro  |  August 18th, 2006 at 10:48 pm

  Well Jacques, everyone has the right to comment their opinion on my blog, and I do thank You for commenting the post I had writen, but the thruth is that I’ve been several times to StarBucks abroad and I also enjoyed nice cups of coffee and it was not served on paper cups, I had the impression that papper cups are exclusively for take away, other might comment on this, since I’m not 100% sure at this point.

• 18. Eddie  |  August 22nd, 2006 at 5:18 pm

  SB in Portugal, not sure how I feel about that. I’ve lived in a number of places where SB is king. But I recently moved to the Algarve, (I was originally born here, but spent most of my life abroad) I think in one sense it will bring a new level of competition to the country which is good, but saddened that local businesses haven’t evolved their amazing coffee to new levels so that SB’s coming would be a non issue. Portugal has fantastic coffee; SB has a fantastic atmosphere, and gives the customer lots of interesting choices. And yes, if its stay in you can have your coffee in a regular cup, not a paper cup. Although paper is great, if your on the go and especially in the colder months. I miss my Vanilla Latte’s from SB, but also enjoy Delta and Sical cappuccinos. Guess one option is for Portugal to develop a competing brand, like Canada’s Second Cup. But seems most café’s here are mom and pops without one café having a really strong brand presence, its more about the coffee than the shop from what I’ve seen. Will be interesting to see how SB does here, anyone know where they’re setting up shop?

• 19. Pedro  |  August 22nd, 2006 at 5:45 pm

  SB location in Portugal, It’s probably one of the best kept secrets right now!

• 20. Eddie  |  August 23rd, 2006 at 5:33 pm

  After giving this some thought, talking to some friends and just generally watching people and how they interact with foreign brands…something tells me SB might do very well. There may be some resistance at first, but if they serve a BICA along with other coffee’s they’ll draw people in. How I came to this conclusion, 1. It’s my business literally; I have a business consulting company that focuses on brand differentiation. 2. Simply observing what’s already happening. People here are curious about “America” even though they have their own way of thinking; the other important point is that every cafe in the Algarve (don’t know about Lisbon) is a carbon copy of another. So, if SB brings good coffee at good prices and then provides a nice atmosphere in which to serve all this up…they’ll get good business. McDonalds has the worst fast food on the planet, but there are countless Big Mac eaters at my local mall, that says something. So now imagine a company that actually serves a good product, has good service and provides a nice place to hang out.

  Since the location is a big secret, any idea when this magical even is happening?

  What I’m curious about is why no on here in Portugal has created an equivalent like so many other countries? Any ideas?

• 21. Patricia  |  September 16th, 2006 at 4:45 am

  I totally love the idea that Starbucks is coming to Portugal. Like, i’ve always have this huge curiosity in drink those beverages from starbucks, i think they have lots of choices, different thing/flavours, i think that’s super. I mean, Bica will always be the tradicional, strong “Bica”, but we can have another choices, right?

• 22. Paulo Rodrigues  |  September 20th, 2006 at 6:34 pm

  Its good to see some Starbucks here in Portugal especially at the specific areas such as in Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Funchal. I am a big fan of Starbucks and I love the drinks that they produce. There are various drinks either in cold or hot and offer lots of different tastes than just the same drinks as BICA, Galao, or Meia de Leite. I do drink Bica, in my opinion that Bica is too strong for me, it contains high caffeine which is not very healthy to everyone, Bica causes lots of people to increase their aggressive. Bica is an ideal drink for just once a day instead of drink two or more per day. Starbucks offers lots of different types of drinks with various ranges of caffeines. Actually, Bica is our traditional drink for many years, Starbucks could include/ offer Bica as our traditional, like for an example, there are some soups offered at McDonalds, there are no soups offered at McDonalds in the United States or in the UK, so soups are our traditional meal offered at McDonalds. This one example could do similar to the Starbucks. In my experience, I would like to drink my favorite coffee called Cafe Mocha at Starbucks than Bica, because it contains less caffeine. Cafe Mocha served at Starbucks has only 50% of coffee plus 50% of chocolate.
  For the price, Starbucks has to make a decision about the cost of coffees they make. I believe they will make the standarized costs of all offeeshops here in Portugal. It will create more jobs available for the young people or for the unemployment people.
  I am totally support Starbucks to open some stores here in Portugal. I am looking forward to see Starbucks stores here.

• 23. Andrew (living in Lisbon)  |  October 21st, 2006 at 11:34 pm

  Up until this moment in my life, I think I’ve had 3 Starbuck’s coffee. My first in Tokyo, second in Manchester and the third .. well, perhaps only two. I liked them but didn’t feel the urge or coffee rush to write it on my postcards to friends.

  What I think Starbuck’s lacks in quality, it makes up in variety. To me, this is something that the more traditional coffee countries (Italy is another good example) lack. In Portugal, most people order a café (expresso) or a galão. Yes, some people DO order variations on these 2 but they are definately in the minority. I think the Portuguese will enjoy the change from a traditional café and be surpsied at the different ways coffee can be served up. Starbuck’s will be “em moda” for a year or so but people will not give up what they’ve always loved, a real café from a real portuguese coffee shop. (I don’t recommend the shots of coffee from Starbucks by the way!)

  Italians still have their espressos and capaccinos, afterall, even though Starbucks is available in most large, northern and central cities.

  I don’t think many portuguese restaurants have been put of out business since McDonald’s opened their doors here. I haven’t had one since Big Mac since I arrived in PT 3 years ago because for just €2 more I can get a unique, delicious meal cooked at a local family restaurant.

  Long live the bica!
  Andrew

• 24. MIguel  |  October 22nd, 2006 at 12:58 am

  Face it…its a matter of time and Starbucks is here to stay. Their products are good and convenient, if they were not, howcome they are so sucessful??? Furthermore to all not for Starbucks coming to Portugal, you have a choice you know? you are not obliged to go in a Starbucks, I am sure alternatives will still be around for sure.

  Happy coffee drinking either in the Brasileira or in a Starbucks…

• 25. Bring it on!  |  November 2nd, 2006 at 3:54 pm

  As a die-hard Starbucks addict who has recently moved to Lisbon I can’t wait until a Starbucks opens here. I’ve had Starbucks in a few different countries and their quality control is flawless - a perfect cup of coffee in every place. I love all the traditional Portuguese coffee shops here but I also love carrying around and sipping a hot cup of coffee while running errands (or sitting in traffic) on a cold rainy day. As far as the paper cups - they have recycling bins here right???

• 26. Greg Sherwin  |  November 4th, 2006 at 2:58 am

  One of the pleasures of visiting Portugal was experiencing one of the world’s greatest and most influential coffee cultures. Starbucks will be driven by consumer demand, of course. But shoudl it propogate as it has in some countries, I could not help but feel some form of (seemingly irrational?) sad loss … to see that uniqueness of Portugal’s culture subsumed to being no different than Anywhere, USA. Bring on the Subway sandwich shops…

• 27. daniel  |  December 24th, 2006 at 5:44 pm

  finaly starbucks at portugal??
  that’s very cool and i hope to get one store close to me..to drink one coffe everyday and it’s a shame to portugal to drink these horrible portuguese coffes

• 28. Duarte machado  |  January 23rd, 2007 at 5:15 pm

  oh comonnnnnnnnnnnnn… starbucks isnt comming to portugal to subsitute the original bica, or to get off the market the cafes like the brasileira… mcdonalds didnt move away the tipical portugues rstaurants, and in the same way starbucks has a differente concept… im sure that most ofo those who have written here have ever had the taste of a caramel frappucino or something like…POrtugal is what it is(poor and less evoluted) because of conservative guys like you…

• 29. Benfica Fiend  |  February 26th, 2007 at 2:31 am

  Quem não gosta do café gosta do starbutts. I don’t care who you are or where you are from, the fact is that Starbucks makes disgusting coffee. This fact is best illustrated by the fact that people who tout the “excellence” of Starbucks continually cite “caramel mocha macchiato” and “cinnamon cappuccino” as their favorite “coffee” beverages from that horrible chain–if there weren’t a half cup of cream and a healthy dose of corn syrup in these drinks, people would recognize Starbucks espresso and drip coffees for the hopeless bilge that they are. Ask someone who tries to talk up Starbucks how they like a straight shot of espresso from that chain and they’ll give you a blank stare, or, if they have actually ever had one, an almost hysterical laugh. NOBODY who loves espresso orders it at Starbucks. So all us Delta Platina drinkers will be safe no matter how many cookie cutter shops this chain opens in the malls of Portugal!

• 30. NavraS  |  March 28th, 2007 at 7:44 pm

  man,i like starbucks,they are cool,here in portugal?? WE NEED TWO STARBUCKS,the first in oporto in the place of the irish cofee and the other in lisbon,witch we need to know where it is…if here in portugal we have fedex,apple,and now starbucks,maybe in the near future we don�t need to go to america,then america comes to US.

• 31. Eddie  |  April 9th, 2007 at 5:28 pm

  I recently read an article, where Portugal was listed as having “seriously good coffee” and definately one of the strongest coffee cultures in the world. Plus, lets not forget Howard Shultz came to Europe to learn about coffee and take it back to America. We are the coffee culture they evolved from, so don’t think there’s much to worry about there. We already have great coffee, Starbucks coming to Portugal will give variety, not change Portugal’s love affair for its bica, could they evolve our coffee culture…maybe but that might not be a bad thing. I repect tradition, but don’t want to live there forever…todays innovation will be tomorrows history, so trying new things is important. Keeps the brain functioning much like caffine ;o) But what is important here is we stand for the brands we love that are part of our culture…the Nicola’s, Deltas…and others and push those brands to innovate also, so the money stays in the country. What is Portugal’s best and favorite? anybuddy know…show of hands maybe?

• 32. timmy  |  May 27th, 2007 at 10:03 pm

  Is STARBUCKS in Portugal yet ?

• 33. Cati  |  May 31st, 2007 at 10:42 pm

  I like Starbucks, in theory, I’d welcome it, love their caramel machiato, iced caramel machiato, cinnamon dolce latte, and other seasonal drinks of the sort.

  Regarding Portuguese tradition with ceramic cups? Those are actually disgusting, Itry to touch them as little as humanly possible. Badly washed in most cases, still wet in most others, sometimes you can even find old lipstick on them. I actually was very pleased with the knowledge that the paper cups I used were clean and never been used before. Also, there are only a few places in Lisbon, at least, that actually have good coffee,in most cases it’s overburned, with scalding water.

  I’m not sure I’ll go here, however, in New England, where I lived for 2 years, every beverage is made with pasteurized milk, and itsuited me just fine. In my opinion, UHT milk tastes like shit, and unfortunately it’s the type that post commercial places (well except in some Parque Expo coffees, since many people don’t stand for it either) try to serve to people, just to be able tohave it stocked up for months without the fear of spoiling.

  Also,regarding crap products, see McDonalds. I consider Starbucks a by far better addition to consumer habits than McDonalds can ever be. Also,don’t forget, coffee (expresso, they may not even try to sell the “American coffee” here - diluted coffee, reheated, in the big mugs) quality may turn up to be a lot better here, due to existing higher standards.

• 34. Bruno  |  July 9th, 2007 at 2:46 pm

  I’m Portuguese and i live in Lisboa, i went to Paris last weekend and I went to Starbucks for the first time…
  They have a nice coffe , but nothing compared with the portuguese coffe . The portuguese coffe is the best, i already went to Belgium, Holand, France, Spain, Portugal in this 5 countries the best coffe is the portuguese.
  It doesn’t mean that the other coffes are bad, but is the way that the coffe is served a “BICA” or “Simbalinho” is the best way to drink coffe, with this maner of serving coffe we realy can feel the taste of the coffe..

  But this is only my opinion
  BrunoV

• 35. Ahmed  |  July 27th, 2007 at 12:11 am

  Well it is almost one year after this article has been posted and still no starbucks in Lisboa!
  I think lisbon should have more varieties of coffees, for me i hate the bica and the normal coffe but i love the coffees with other tastes like caramel or french vanilla.
  Looking forward to seeing a starbucks shop near my house hear in lisboa as soon as possible

• 36. teresa  |  October 29th, 2007 at 6:44 pm

  Personally i belive Starbucks will show what a great company they are and eventually some companies will follow the trend and therefore maybe we portuguese wont have the need to work in a foreign countrie .their coffee might not be the greatest in the world but their leaders are and that is what makes starbucks a wonderfull company that respects everyone views and help each employee grown so, maybe we dont need starbucks to teach us about coffee but we certanly need them to show us how to lead as we still have a long way to go.

• 37. Luis  |  December 17th, 2007 at 7:01 pm

  Eu adoro o Starbucks mas econheço que não é para todas as bolsinhas

• 38. João Almeida  |  December 19th, 2007 at 3:56 pm

  It seems the planned date for the opening is 2008.

  during the last couple of years we have seen portuguese people moving away from the more traditional coffee places, places where once people stayed and read book a journal, hangout with friends, meet with girls
  I disagree, in many residential areas cafes you get the same feeling, a place where gather around to spend some quality time.

• 39. Gonçalo Valverde  |  January 2nd, 2008 at 1:16 pm

  Starbucks and cofee lovers? C’mon.. the beverage that they sell there the only thing it’s similar to coffee it’s the color.

  I though that the Starbucks in London where bad, but in NY they can get even worst.. Probably the worst cofee if tasted ever was in New Jersey Liberty airport.

  Sure, if you want some beverage that is somewhat resembling to coffee and want to feel “cool” and “trendy” starbucks it’s a great place to go. If on the other hand you prefer real coffee it’s better you go look somewhere else.

  I would say that the only reason to go to Starbucks is if you’re caffeine addicted and need your daily dose, no matter the flavour. Since fortunately that’s not the case, I usually don’t drink coffee outside Portugal on a daily basis. Execept in Italy of course.. and don’t even get me started on how much better are italian cappucinnos compared to what pass for a cappuccino in Starbucks.

  Ha, by the way.. in the states Starbucks is loosing market share to coffee houses with real expresso machines

• 40. Paulo  |  January 9th, 2008 at 1:31 am

  NO STARBUCKS IN LISBON!! First off, coffee culture is not dying in Portugal, and second, it is NOT Starbucks that will do ANY good. What a repulsive thought.

  I am from California, been to the original in Seattle and all that. In short, i know the place. Not a fan, coffee tastes burned. I go there when there is no Peet’s nearby. But the thought of a Starbucks, Peet’s or anything w/ “Coffee Drinks” in my beloved Lisbon is heart shattering!!

  I will be moving there permanently in a few weeks, and I can’t stand the idea of a Starbucks there. I hope it falls through.

• 41. Joana Paulo Pardal  |  January 9th, 2008 at 4:56 pm

  Just because there is a Starbucks no one is forced to go there.
  I guess that Starbucks its much more than a simple coffee shop. It’s a place to stay and study when its raining outside; its a place to play chess in those specific tables; and my favourite, its a place to drink a double chocolate smoothie with chocolate chips in the Summer…
  But like all the big companies one love it or hate it…
  If it exists those who want to can go there. If it doesn’t no one can go there.
  If I could decide I surely would say YES!
  In fact last October I went to South Korea and was very glad to find a Starbucks shop right next to the hotel. Even my husband that dislikes coffee was happy to drink a smoothie and eat a good bagel…

• 42. Xinha  |  January 13th, 2008 at 1:41 pm

  Starbucks in Portugal? I think it will stick, not because of it’s good products but for “evolution’s” sake. It’s going to be a trend, I can see it know, everyone with starbuks running around, doing they’re lives, using it like a pacifier. Or maybe not,… SB, as Macdonad’s, will morph into to Portuguese needs.

  Can’t wait to see what comes out of this!

• 43. Jorge  |  January 28th, 2008 at 4:27 am

  Everybody knows Portuguese are extremelly picky about their coffee!

  Personal opinion:
  I don’t think this is a great move for Starbucks. They won’t easily get the ‘Starbucks in every corner’ (not sure it’s their intention either though) unless there’s some dramatic change in prices and offer (which I highly doubt). It may succeed though in low numbers… more like an attraction then something that will take over the market. I mean they’ll be competing agaisn’t coffee that is second nature to the portuguese culture (not to mention the already extremelly common coffeeshops, with added awesome pastries to the mix, and so on) and not just is the price difference extremelly steep but the common Starbuck prices are way off a regular portuguese budget.
  Personally I like having a few Starbucks in Portugal, one I might go every few months or so (definitely not on a daily/weekly basis) just for my fix of Caramel Macchiato (on a mug I insist), hmmmmmn.

• 44. Ana Lorena  |  February 10th, 2008 at 6:56 pm

  The first Starbucks I had in my life was in Heathrow Airport, England, while waiting for an airplane to take me to Canada. I had always heard from it and I finally had the chance to actually taste a drink that, for americans, was so normal.
  Although I approve the multinacional coffeehouse to open in Portugal, I think that it’s quality is far from the coffee we already consume here. They tried to open one in Italy and with some events they quickly dropped that idea, and it’s a little surprising to me that that hasn’t happened here.
  I also hope that someday they won’t buy the Brasileira, a place I truly treasure, and transform it into a Starbucks-signed coffeehouse, and take our Fernando Pessoa statue down.

• 45. miguel  |  March 6th, 2008 at 1:32 pm

  starbucks will never buy Brasileira or any other coffee place, because SB goes to other countries as a joint venture, it’s not even a franchiser.

  about the real coffee… well, talk to any italian that have been to portugal and they will say that BICA sucks and that the only really coffee is in italy. how about that to our ego?

  most portuguese say they are coffee lovers but they are not. Most of them are adicts that just drink their bica in 10 seconds. Is that the way to enjoy a coffee? I don’t think so.

  Personnally i like to drink a not-so-strong coffee and in a big cup and have time to REALLY enjoy it.

  my favorite drink in SB(i’ll try to remember the name): Mocca-chip Frappuccino with whipped cream) — summer drink

• 46. Meul  |  April 19th, 2008 at 11:47 am

  Hey guys! I’m living in the UK for the past 6 months (more or less) and working for Starbucks for about a month now.

  About the company coming to Portugal, I believe no such thing will happen as a starbucks in each corner, as it happens in Manhattan for example. It will only be like a Cup & Cinno or whatever. A fancy place to go with friends and enjoy fancy drinks. So don’t fear about Brasileira lolol, nothing will happen.

  Yesterday, I went for a learning and development centre from starbucks in London and I was told by a district manager who is working there for 7 years, that they are opening stores in Bulgaria and Portugal. Lisbon is their first aim.

  And pedro, you are right. Paper cups are only for people in rush and for take away. The customers may want to choose a ceramic mug to enjoy their drink.

  And btw, I’m 100% portuguese, and i love our “home country expresso” and I can tell you their expresso is shit. But i have to admit, on the other hand, they make really tasty drinks.

• 47. Mahlerfan  |  May 27th, 2008 at 12:04 am

  While I am a frequent customer of Starbuck’s here in the states, and have become accustomed to the company’s “Starbuck’s on every corner” philosophy, it is a bit disheartening to see that this same philosophy is now materializing in Europe on a grand scale. London, Madrid, Barcelona… you can’t go more than a couple of blocks without seeing a Starbuck’s or one of the many other fast food joints that dot the American landscape.

  One of the nice things about my recent trip to Lisbon was a complete absence of the proverbial “home away from home.” No Starbuck’s, no Burger King, no McDonald’s, at least in the central part of the city (Beixa, Barrio Alto and Alfama). It gave me the opportunity to try the local cuisine, but more importantly, I had the sense I was really in a foreign land, not a “Little Portugal” section of some amorphous American city.

• 48. Pedro  |  May 27th, 2008 at 12:14 am

  Mahlerfan, I can relate to what you write: part of the traveling is about experimentation, true. Travel without it would be a less than great experience, a nice experience but certainly not as great.

  However there’s also another thing.. for those you aren’t afford to travel as much as we do, and trust me there’s a lot of people in Portugal who can’t, having foreign brands coming over is also an opportunity to try different cultures without leaving their ‘normal’ places.

  Once again I believe that in the middle is the right choice, I’d hate to see the Traditional Lisbon with it’s coffee’s and ‘esplanadas’ go way, but I honestly believe they can and should co-exist.

• 49. Pedro  |  July 14th, 2008 at 5:58 pm

  To be honest, I Like SB although i think portuguese cofee is far better. The SB value is confort, space, those wonderful brownies and the wonderful frapuccino…

  These qualities will never match the portuguese “esplanadas” anyway …

• 50. ross  |  July 16th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

  i found this conversation because i was looking for some information bout sbux in europe. I just want to say that in Italy we still have cappuccino espesso…but we don’t have any starbucks.italian people is too traditional with their coffe momenet to can love so crazily a place like starbucks. and a coffe as starbucks one!I am working in one of them in dublin, here people is addict! in italy a starbucks could exist only in a very touristic place! enjoy your coffee!

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