Finally Starbucks Says No More Squatters
It happens so often, you walk into your local Starbucks and look around to see if there’s a place to hunker down for a while and either surf Internet, catch…
(Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)
It happens so often, you walk into your local Starbucks and look around to see if there’s a place to hunker down for a while and either surf Internet, catch up with emails or try to get work done.
You get your overpriced beverage and look around to find a place to sit. Unfortunately there are so many people that I like to call Starbucks squatters.
If you listen to my show then you know that on occasion, I like to pop in for a cappuccino or a cold brew before going to the gym or whenever I have time. The problem is I can never find a seat.
Starbucks has always had a more or less squatters rights policy since they opened nationwide. They encouraged patrons to come in and get online and make their place your out of home office.
It certainly became much more commonplace during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was very instrumental for people working either from home or out of the office. It became somewhat encouraged by workplaces to work remotely. For a lot of people working from home became rather boring quickly.
If you have a small home office or apartment it can get kind of claustrophobic in a very short time. So, why not head out to Starbucks and your spend your workday where you can get your favorite Matcha lattes and delectable treats
Is this the end of Starbucks squatting?
There is good news for those of us, paying customers struggling to find a place to sit down. Starbucks just released a new code of conduct, which will be posted on the door. It says, "Starbucks spaces are for use by our partners and customers . . . this includes our cafes, patios, and restrooms . . . our goal is to create a welcoming environment."
They say any non-paying guests who misuse their spaces will be asked to leave, and, if needed, staff "may ask for help from law enforcement."
Starbucks also says that they are not going to tolerate customers that are loud or even panhandlers, that includes in and outside of their locations. Hopefully this will free up a few seats for those of us paying customers.
Massachusetts TOP Starbucks Locations
It SEEMS like there is one in every city, every town, and in every corner, in the state. Where ARE Massachusetts TOP Starbucks locations? While I'm Dunk's guy, if I need a coffee and there's no Dunk's near me, I'll pivot to team Starbucks.
The Starbucks Story
According to Wikipedia:
The rise of the second wave of coffee culture is generally attributed to Starbucks. They introduced a wider variety of coffee experiences. Depending on the country, most locations provide free Wi-Fi Internet access.
Starbucks was founded in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker at Seattle's Pike Place Market. During the early 1980s, they sold the company to Howard Schultz who – after a business trip to Milan, Italy – decided to convert the coffee bean store into a coffee shop serving espresso-based drinks.
Dunkin's Vs Starbucks
While Dunks interior design is reportedly designed to get you IN and OUT, Starbucks environment offered a new experience, promoting sit-down and stay awhile comfort. Before the Covid-19 work at home, world, many chose Starbucks as their, home, for work, or escape, from work!
While I don't like paying $5 bucks for a coffee, I am not going to lie. I like the Caramel Macchiato. Just not everyday.
Where Are They?
According to boston.com, there are 94 towns here that have a Starbucks: "To determine the top Starbucks destinations in the state, we looked at the number of stores per 10,000 people and then the total number of stores per town. We required that a town have at least two Starbucks to make the list."
So, where ARE Massachusetts TOP Starbucks locations?
10. Saugus
Starbucks per 10,000 people: .8
Total number of Starbucks: 10
Saugus loves coffee. Saugus is also the only community to make both of our coffee top town lists, securing the the ninth spot on the top Dunkin’ Donuts destinations ranking according to boston.com.
9. Woburn
Starbucks per 10,000 people: .8
Total number of Starbucks: 12
It's a nice town with a lot of cute sections for lunch, dinner and coffee.
8. Hingham
Starbucks per 10,000 people: .9
Total number of Starbucks: 2
$600,000 properties, with coffee to match!
7. Boston
Starbucks per 10,000 people: .9
Total number of Starbucks: 54
Boston of course, has the MOST Starbucks locations. One on every corner.
6. Marlborough
Starbucks per 10,000 people: 1
Total number of Starbucks: 4
Only 1 Starbucks per 10,000 people. Seemed like the were ALL in line this AM.
5. Brookline
Starbucks per 10,000 people: 1
Total number of Starbucks: 6
Birthplace of Conan O'Brien. Maybe we'll see him there this weekend, home for Easter.
4. Cambridge
Starbucks per 10,000 people: 1
Total number of Starbucks: 11
Harvard Square Starbucks. I was there every weekend, when I lived there.
2. Mashpee
Starbucks per 10,000 people: 1.4
Total number of Starbucks: 2
You may pass this Starbucks on the way to the Cape
2. Hanover
Starbucks per 10,000 people: 1.4
Total number of Starbucks: 2
TWO!!! Hanover is a nice suburb of Boston. See you in the drive through for you commute into town.
1. Westborough
Starbucks per 10,000 people: 1.6
Total number of Starbucks: 3
Westborough has much to offer. Right off the Pike, it's a great place to live, whether you work in Worcester, or Boston. You can live on some nice lakes and enjoy your coffee.
