WashPo story about small coffee shops

Today's Washington Post has an interesting story of how some small coffee shops have prospered and it may have been at Starbucks' expense: Small Coffee Shops Turn the Tables

On topic, I just discovered that the owner of Vernon Lanes (near the corner of Frankfort and Story) is opening Vernon Coffee soon. He'll have a roastery in the basement and has a beautiful front of the house coffee bar with several tables and funky decorum.

Off topic, the basement was recently recontructed to entertain large parties with a stage, dance floor, and bar. He currently hosts "salsa nights" on Saturdays and the entire space available for private parties (My Morning Jacket had their CD release party there recently). I have no affiliation but I wanted to pass it on because he was so nice to show me every inch of this dreamspace. I caught him picking his guitar when I was snooping downstairs.

Not to detract from your lovely business, though, Matthew. I'm sure there is room for everyone!

There is plenty of room at the table!

I love the Vernon!

As Starbuck attempts to reclaim lost profits (selling stores, $1 mini coffee, breakfast food at some locations), I am puzzled why they don't consider offering free internet. It seems to me that charging for internet usage would put them at a disadvantage to locally owned operations.

Granted, I don't know how much this fee adds to their bottom line; I'm sure T-mobile gets a significant portion, but aren't coffee sales their primary business.

I think Starbucks has ended or soon will end their relationship with T-Mobile ATT Takes Over Starbucks WiFi