[Economic woes are percolating down to Americans' morning brews.
Starbucks has faced cut-rate competition in recent months from companies such as McDonald's Corp., which is rolling out a line of premium coffee drinks, and 7-Eleven Inc., which in February unveiled a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign to talk about its freshly brewed coffee. Partly as a response, Starbucks this month introduced Pike Place Roast, a drip coffee, and has distributed coupons allowing consumers to get the blend free on Wednesdays.
Sarafina Rodriguez, assistant manager at the Groundwork coffee shop on 2nd Street downtown, said more customers are becoming their own baristas.
A pound of coffee costs $9.50 to $17.50 at her shop and yields about 40 cups. That would run you $56 at Groundwork.
"It's such a bad habit," Menna said outside a Coffee Bean in Larchmont Village. "It's one of those hidden expenses you don't want to admit."]-LAT
I dropped thee Starbucks habit a long time ago. ITs a complete waste when you can make it at home yourself for way cheaper. Its simple to buy the starbucks brand beans and brew it at home. Every penny saved counts.
