The Latte Wars

On my way to work I decide to skip the drive-through and order my cappuccino in person. The restaurant is bright and immaculate. Large flat screen television mounted on a wall displays CNN. Interior design: modern tables, interior veneer stone walls, stone tile flooring. I place my order - a small, whole milk, non-flavored cappuccino. Just one minute later I take the first sip and sing to myself, ???mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm???.

Who would have ever thought that McDonald???s would challenge Starbucks head on? It seems, though, that McDonald???s isn???t attempting to transform entirely into Starbucks. For example, McDonald???s still offers its staple fare of burger and fries. Yet, the high quality coffee products and high-design interior are definitely aimed at stealing market share away from Starbucks. In addition, McDonald???s is already market testing free Wi-Fi service in a few areas (read http://news.cnet.com/2100-7351_3-5172630.html). Starbucks loyalists ??? we can call them either ???Starbuckies??? or the more derogative ???Starbuckers??? ??? will be forced to make a decision ??? ???If I get hungry while surfing the net and sipping my cappuccino, would I prefer an overpriced premade whole wheat tuna salad sandwich or a Quarter-Pounder with large fries????

A McDonald???s cappuccino is not inexpensive, yet slightly less expensive than Starbuck???s equivalent.

Source: http://www.bevoost.com/?p=333

On my way to work I decide to skip the drive-through and order my cappuccino in person. The restaurant is bright and immaculate. Large flat screen television mounted on a wall displays CNN. Interior design: modern tables, interior veneer stone walls, stone tile flooring. I place my order - a small, whole milk, non-flavored cappuccino. Just one minute later I take the first sip and sing to myself, ???mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm???.

Who would have ever thought that McDonald???s would challenge Starbucks head on? It seems, though, that McDonald???s isn???t attempting to transform entirely into Starbucks. For example, McDonald???s still offers its staple fare of burger and fries. Yet, the high quality coffee products and high-design interior are definitely aimed at stealing market share away from Starbucks. In addition, McDonald???s is already market testing free Wi-Fi service in a few areas (read http://news.cnet.com/2100-7351_3-5172630.html). Starbucks loyalists ??? we can call them either ???Starbuckies??? or the more derogative ???Starbuckers??? ??? will be forced to make a decision ??? ???If I get hungry while surfing the net and sipping my cappuccino, would I prefer an overpriced premade whole wheat tuna salad sandwich or a Quarter-Pounder with large fries????

A McDonald???s cappuccino is not inexpensive, yet slightly less expensive than Starbuck???s equivalent

source: http://www.bevoost.com/?p=333

I tried my first Nonfat Carmel Latte and McDonald's today and it was TERRIBLE. It had a very artificial taste and was very chunky with who knows what. I watched them make it and it didn't look like nonfast milk at all.... it looked like water with a yellow tint to it. Spend the extra dollar and get a Latte and Starbucks!!!!

I note your comment that latte's will not be available overseas which is not actually correct. McDonalds in Australia has been offering its customers the McCafe experience where you can get any type of coffee you would like (including Soy Milk and Chai). This has been available for quite sometime. Although my first preference is my local coffee shop (the Coffee Guru), it is reasuring to know that you can get a good latte at McDonalds, even on the highway in the middle of nowhere!

I am not the crazy about smelling french fries and happy meals before my morning cup-a-joe. Thanks for the option Ronald, but I'll go to Starbucks.