PHOTO: Blueberryjam

Yesterday, I wrote about how Starbucks neglects Van Nuys with only one location in an area where perhaps 100,000 people live. The liberal corporate image of the company, which egregiously advertises its social responsibility and environmental sensitivities, cannot find room in its great, big heart to serve the largely Hispanic communities of the NE San Fernando Valley.

Yet Starbucks has undoubtedly changed some lucky areas in our cities for the better by providing a place for people to drink coffee, socialize and surf the internet. Their stores bring a European conversational environment to the “only business” lifestyle of the United States. In addition, they provide a high quality product that has raised both the appreciation and quality of coffee around the world. Yet as they grow and prosper they also are going downhill………….

Curiously, many of the people who work at Starbucks seem not to know how sell or grind beans. I repeatedly have tried to buy coffee in Studio City, Toluca Lake and Encino and when I ask a barista about getting a half pound of Yukon Blend for a cone filter, it elicits a blank stare. There is huge turnover, and lots of fresh, inexperienced people working there, but what does it say for Starbucks that they cannot even competently sell that product which made them what they are today?

Now they are going to be forming a partnership with Lionsgate Entertainment to promote a forthcoming movie, “Akeelah and the Bee” . DVD’s will be in every store. Ken Lombard, president of Starbucks Entertainment, said, “This is a firm commitment for us to expand the brand into the movies.”

Everyone it seems is happy: Hollywood, Starbucks and all the executives from Lionsgate and their attorneys. Yet the environment of Starbucks, which is now deteriorating as service and standards decline, will further be clouded by the inane and disturbing presence of movie DVDs. What products will Starbucks sell next? Victoria’s Secret coffee scented panties? Where does the coffee and the customer stand now that Starbucks is becoming an “entertainment destination”?

Hollywood has already destroyed the movie going experience with digital effects, surround sound ear blasting audio, product placement and rudeness at the movies. Will Hollywood destroy Starbucks too?