After the May 30th opening of Starbucks in Greenpoint many residents are torn between the new consistent brew that can be found anywhere in the city or to stick with their local caffeine drip.
Brooklyn Label,a hip organic coffee shop attracts many residents because of the laid back artistic atmosphere and the tofu potato breakfast specialty it provides. Assistant Manager of the coffee shop Jessica Higgins believes that her shop does not have to worry about the new coffee house in town she said, “What they have to offer does not compare to what we have at Label. If anything, especially in this neighborhood I think it will encourage people to come here for anything different.”
Although the outlook is positive at Brooklyn Label, which is just one of the local coffee houses in competition with Starbucks. Some residents can’t help but wonder if the new coffee giant chain that entered the neighborhood will bring down some local flavors.
(above is a photo inside Brooklyn Label)
Unfortunately, with any BIG corporations like Starbucks (or Wal-Mart), they are, without shame, trying to compete with the local stores. Since they know that there is a market, they will invest in the area since they have the money. We’ll just have to wait and see if Greenpoint secedes or accept the overpriced java.
Hey it’s all about the bottom line. If Starbucks can make more money than the “neighborhood” shops then they deserve to be there. People complain about certain chains coming into town and ruining their business. While I agree that some chains do lose a certian personal touch with the customers, competition is the name of the game. If a small shop really has something significant to offer, then they’ll stay in business. Don’t worry Ms. Higgins…Starbucks will never serve that potato tofu breakfast thing…ewww!