Capitolism Bites

Some people,” writes Howard Schultz, Starbucks Corp. founder and Chairman, “even call our stores sterile, cookie cutter, no longer reflecting the passion our partners feel about our coffee.”

Cookie cutter ? You guys ? No way, I mean, all your stores have such a unique flavor.

Oh wait, that’s the independent, local shops that you’re undercutting with your oppressive, Wal-Mart style business practices (He says, sipping his Venti drip, complete with inspirational quote). In all seriousness, this is an interesting piece from the LA times about businesses that get so big they lose their charm, citing Starbucks as an example, and In-an-Out Burger as one who’s bucked the trend.