It looks like Starbucks is trying to emulate the small-operation coffee houses that many claim it's put out of business for years. In its headquarters city of Seattle, the company is test marketing a concept that will sell beer and wine and host local events like poetry readings.What we find most interesting about this is that the prototype, called 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea, won't even bear the Starbucks name. Instead, these stores, which could roll out nationally if they work in Seattle, will get named after their respective neighborhood locations. Our first thought? "Wow, this is sneaky." There are a lot of people out there who are vehemently anti-Starbucks and blame the chain for its so-called predatory growth. Some are saying they've actually helped the Mom and Pop competition, though. Is this a secret ploy to go after that customer base?Or can we look forward to the thousands of Starbucks drive-thrus out there offering six packs?
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