It’s like walking into a goddamn nightclub whenever I go into a Starbucks. You know, maybe I just want to relax and enjoy conversation with my friends without having to raise my voice; did you ever think of that? Shit!
Maybe this should go in the BBQ Pit.
so you don’t hang out too long?
It likely depends on the Starbucks - most of the ones I go to don’t have this issue.
However, it’s probably a combination of “the people setting the volume are the ones standing next to the espresso machine/steamer and want to hear the music over it” and
There are other ways to encourage brief customer stays. For instance, Chipotle accomplishes it with harsh decor and uncomfortable seating.*
*with just a touch of norovirus.
We have a chain of coffee houses around here that have removed all the ac outlets from the dining area. Once your laptop or tablet battery dies, it’s time to go.
I mean, it’s probably to get the old fogeys out. Kids never think music is too loud.
I’m sure they thought of that and it’s exactly why they keep it loud. You aren’t making much money for them sitting around - they’d much rather sell someone a $5 milkshake than a cheap refill.
As noted, there are lots of ways they get you out. Uncomfortable chairs, no outlets, wifi codes on the receipt that are good for only 30 minutes, etc. Loud music is just another one.
Oh really. THAT shite makes me wanna grab an enormous LiIon brick, an inverter and a backpack.
Gonna deny ME my amps and volts? Please Lord.
I could power my rig for aaaaaaal day.
Yep, came here to say “because you’re old”. Like me.
I do in fact have a slightly more thought out answer to the O.P.
They crank the music as instructed. They remove comfortable chairs, small tables and outlets for the same reason. COVID-19 drove people into their homes but before and now after it ( s.i.c. ), many- tens of thousands- use their local Starbucks as their free office. Bathroom, power, comfy chair, etc.
None of this behavior helps the coffee shop to pay its monthly vig. None. You are supposed to go in, buy your seventeen dollar cup of caffeine expertly matched with your eleven dollar cruller, sit for no more than twelve minutes, eat, drink, leave.
I appreciate the comforts formerly offered. I also appreciate that they are losing thousands of dollars a day to this kind of space useage.
Driving people away by cranking the music is kind of brilliant. Me, I always have a few pair of Macks so loud noises/ music don’t really present a problem for me.
I thought the founding principle of Starbucks is patterned after the European cafes. Sit and relax as long as you like.
Well, it was founded in 1971 after all, and things change over 50 years or so…
That’s true, but the whole concept of Starbucks was established in opposition to the American “eat and get lost” business model. I don’t think they would totally abandon that.
The flip side is that older people are more prone to hearing impairment, sometimes due to overexposure to loud rock music. But they retain sensitivity to even moderate volumes if the music in question is execrable.
I find the background music at some “fine dining” establishments to be annoying when it consists of Sinatra and Tony Bennett recordings, despite it usually not being particularly loud.
I dunno. I’ve found that having The Girl from Ipanema playing on constant loop really helps my digestive system.
You’d be surprised at what a business would totally abandon if they thought they would make more money.
Still, whenever I hang out at Starbucks, there’s always people sitting there who look like they’ve been there awhile. Including myself. I’ve never gotten the feeling of being given the rush act.
Yeah, I’ve never been rushed out of a Starbucks and I’ve even used it as a meeting spot without ordering several times with no issue. The ones I’ve been to have never had music I recall as being loud. Hell, I barely even remember theee being music at Starbucks. Perfectly fine place to have a conversation. Now I want to go a few and see if I’m just completely oblivious.
You’ve never seen the offers for obscure music tracks at the drink pick-up station? That’s the stuff they play - world music, the easy listening edition. The only time I’ve noticed the music at Starbucks was the one time they played something I recognized (“Twisted” by Annie Ross).
I know the last couple of times I went to a Starbucks I had to leave immediately 'cause there was just plain nowhere to sit. One time it was inconvenient 'cause I had arrived on bike so I just sort of milled around outside to finish my drink.