2. Add something to the company's reputation to capture self-indulgent, self-absorbed, faddish youth of all ages. Open a Starbucks on Hastings in downtown Vancouver — if McDonald's can add this or that such as McSkillet Burritos or whatever other gimmick of the quarter it tries on the public, Starbucks could offer a little something extra at one of its stores in Vancouver — something quite pungent, and compete with other establishments. That is, unless the locals have tired of the Cannabis Cafe.

Espresso doesn't do it for me. I'm a brew-of the-day, regular coffee guy. I love Starbuck's various rich, full-bodied and freshly brewed coffee blends, black with sugar only. t have always found Starbucks' places pleasant, if somewhat cramped. I don't think any has struck me as corporate.

Starbuck's would do well to get its prices down a bit. While IMO its in a class by itself for always serving the finest coffee, its drinks and shops operate in a fiercely competitive, wide-open arena with many kinds of fast food, hot drinks and confection places.