how many starbucks is enough?

i know that you have heard this bitching and moaning a million times and you are tired of hearing it, but let me just make you suffer through complaint 1 million and 1. passion and i were walking through an area of midtown that we both used to work in and as a result of our office moves, no longer spend as much time in. we came upon a nice small independent coffeeshop/cafe, only to see that it was shuttered and being remodeled to accommodate a new tenant, starbucks. why do i have a sneaking suspicion that where small independent coffee shop failed, starbucks will flourish? the worst part is that starbucks mines small coffee shops like the one they are replacing for new ideas and recipes and when they have what they need they fill the void left by the departure competitors and drive rents up through the roof. there is a place for homogeneous food, entertainment, and lifestyle but it is a bit hard to swallow when it takes the place of something unique and original. i guess the solution is to enjoy and support those things that you enjoy while you can, because ultimately you can't control the tastes (bland/non-existent) of the general public, which drives society.