Why Starbucks Actually Helps Mom and Pop Coffeehouses

This is a great lesson for many start-ups that worry when a competitor comes along, or somebody 'copies' their idea. Your competitors also end up spending money educating your potentil customers.

I wouldn't be a coffee drinker today if it weren't for Starbucks, and will still go to one of their stores, if their is nothing else around. However, I'll seek out unique coffee houses when I travel to get more of an authentic local flare, rather than the now ho-hum Starbucks experience.

I also think local coffee houses can continue to learn from their competitor/Starbucks, and start-ups can do the same. Your product has to be at least as good as Starbucks in order to get my repeat business. Often, the local mom and pop shops just don't reach that fairly mediocre bar.