Originally Posted by
rideit
I don't think many (any?) people have been 'fooled' into thinking it is the best ever. I think most people see it for what it is (the best brew available within walking distance of terminal Gate G4, or the truck stop in Peoria). It is often tons better than the local chi-chi shop, but usually there are a few locals that kill it, but often people are traveling, and just looking for something consistent and convenient. Starbucks fits that bill. Most people that hate on Starbucks are too young to remember what coffee in the US really meant pre- 1985. In general, it was fucking AWFUL, unless you went to Italian restaurants or French patisseries. Some espresso existed in major urban areas, but certainly not in the airport!
All that said, I am not a fanboi, I always have tried to find the local killer roaster/pression, but it's not always easy, cheap ( or always great).