News Briefs

Hello and thanks for responding to my comment Phil. I really envy the fact that you are in CR and I am not. :) You must have had a nice cup of real coffee this morning, I had some Americanized version of CR coffee....

I can see why Starbucks wants to try opening up shops in Costa Rica. Cheap labor, with the opportunity to charge more like the rest of the American franchise here. Smart business. I'm sure some people here will patron Starbucks in San Jose, even though they simply cannot afford it, because it's tendy like you said m n. I'm really surprised, the first Starbucks is not opening up in Escazu where most of the wealthy Gringos live. They want to try where the foot traffic is in down town San Jose. I was reading not to long ago, that the average corporate working stiff in metropolitan areas in the USA, spend 200 to 300 dollars a month on coffee drinks and other items in places such as Starbucks just in the morning hours.. Most Ticos can't afford that, not even close to that.

I loved your comment, Phil Duncan. So true. Cafe Rey is my fave. My family lives in CR but I live in the US (why why why)...I get Cafe Rey sent to me, Tradicional of course. People might flock to Starbucks for the free WiFi, but they might even charge for that in CR. I do think the Starbucks founder is a genius billionaire, but it's NOT about good coffee, just good business. It works in Japan, but it won't work in CR, because Asians in general don't like coffee, it's about the social scene, wanna be trendy and look western thing..etc. I believe there are more than 700 Starbucks in Japan. Interesting line of comments..keep it up.

Anybody who wants to pay 5 to 7 dollars for 20 cents worth of coffee product with a little skim milk or Carmel in it, be my guest. I have no doubt Starbucks will have coffee drinks on their menu for 3500 colonies. This is not NY or SF in the business district with people making hoards of cash sipping Starbucks on their way to work. Sure they'll drum up some business by some gringos with nothing better to do than drink outrageous priced coffee drinks shooting the bull. Here's an idea, why don't you suport the coffee shops that already exist in Costa Rica. Starbucks, just might run the mom and pop coffee shops out of business, just like Walmart did to mom and pop grocery stores. I didn't move to Costa Rica to see the American franchise giants take over and charge outrageous prices, even more so than in the USA. But two each his own. I won't step foot in Starbucks, even though my wife will be fired up to go on my dime. My Costa Rican wife had Starbucks at the LA airport once. It's more like candy than coffee with all the sweet crap they offer. Total waste of money for 20 cents worth of coffee products, which target kids as well with their cold sweet coffee drinks. People complain about how expensive things are on Costa Rica already, but they continue to feed the companies that drive up the prices and take the little man out with the right price. I've seen this trend over the last 6 years.

i side with the readers that believe that this coffee is overprised and i also believe that costa rica has better coffee than they have to offer..sorry starbucks...

Starbucks is a great concept. Its coffee, however, is nothing special and costly. Nonetheless, it would be nice to have a clean social gathering place in the area. Just hope it is somewhere in the centre.

Hi Mat C, I'm also going to Costa Rica in February to start a business (Or buy one). Looking for like-minded business investors to join in. May be a restaurant or leisure services of some kind. I have family in Costa Rica and I know the hot spots as well having traveled there before. Anyone may contact me if interested in being business partners: trifle07 at live dot ca

Well this just says it all.."The food distribution giant also manages chains like Pizza Hut, KFC, Wendy’s and China Wok. "...bad management, excessive prices, inadequate staffing, and poor quality control. My guess (for a location) the little coffee shop across from the Gold Museum in SJ Centro will be nervous as the landlord is courted by a "mysterious" real estate management company, and of course the airport to capture all the happy Gringos and Gringas who thought CR food and drink tasted funny ("thank heavens Earl we're a leavin' this here 3rd world island"). Locals will try it as a novelty, but a year later, this food distribution giant will move on to greener pastures. Perhaps a Tico Eco Latte?..mint, green tea, and a touch of envy? As to those who can't find a "decent one"...I don't see a line up at the Delta counter...so long...

People don't really go to these places for the quality of their products but to hobnob with others who hang out and share this "Americano" experience

Those who think their products are great have become victims of their great merchandizing - PURO DINERO!!!

I am so excited and I know many people who are as well. I have tried every single brand of coffee here and have not found one decent one yet. They do not seem to be able to make a dark roast. Even the espresso is weak. I have people bring me back bags of Starbuck's beans from the US and Canada. I have no problem paying for coffee even if it's $5 a cup.