In one of those `is this really necessary' moves, Starbucks has changed the packaging on its yogurt parfaits. It used to be that the granola was mixed in with the yogurt. I liked that. I enjoyed searching for the parfait that was the filled to the brim with granola and yogurt.
Now some genius has decided that the granola needs to be packaged separately in a tiny plastic cup that is placed within the parfait cup. First of all, that's not too green. Secondly, it means there is less yogurt in the parfait. I'm sure some clown decided this was more sanitary, but in reality it is just a hassle because the bottom of the little granola cup is covered in yogurt and opening the top of the little granola cup is a pain in the ass.
I don't know if I'll find the complaint box on Starbucks.com and register my concerns, but I might. This is about as annoying as when they went to self-serve coffee a few years back. That short-lived experiment bugged me because it saved me no time as I still had to stand on line and pay to get the cup to serve myself. If I'm paying over $2 for a cup of coffee, someone can pour it for me.
I generally get nervous when successful chains start tinkering with products. It means someone has too much time on their hands. I used to love the Subway steak and cheese. Then one day I came in and they stopped using shredded beef and had gone to cubed beef (yes, cubes!). I even complained to the head of marketing at Subway when we he was on one of my panels. It was to no avail and now I don't go to Subway anymore.
Of course, sometimes products are redesigned for the better, but most of the time that's not the case. These guys need to learn to ask themselves if the change is something that customers are clamoring for or something that will make the experience of the customer easier. If the answer to one or both is no, then leave it alone!
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5 comments:
Rambler, you should change your name to mushy granola guy!
As a lover of the yogurt parfait... and a hater of the soggy granola that sat on top of the yogurt... I say: "Bravo Starbucks!"
you've been lying on that bed too long and there is too much blood in your brain. It's creating more garbage and I've never experienced this mushy granola that you speak of.
Oh the irony! Is this the same Rambler who last week complained about neighborhoods disappearing?
Starbucks? SUBWAY?!! Excuse me, sir.
You are the very element you detest.
What happened to patronizing the local deli owner? Johnny's over on 25th! Home of the Sloppy Johnny.
Johnny (4th generation Johnny) has an elephant's memory for details. After only two visits he could remember how I like my coffee and egg sandwich. Sure, maybe he just thought I was cute and wanted all of my Sacajawea dollars (I have plenty from the train ticket machines, he told me he was a collector, so be it).
Anyway, you won't get that flavor over at the cruddy Starfucks.
FOR SHAME.
Yes, I was going to include a note about my own occasional hypocritical turns. But I do like the Parfait. I like Duncan donuts coffee only now that is considered upscale.
For the most part, I support my local businesses. I just came from Sal & Carmine's pizza (best pizza in the city, Bway between 101-102. I eat and buy all my stuff from the americana deli. I eat at the broadway diner. But yes, I'm flawed. I might add that the neighborhood I buy my pafait at is chelsea or midtown and they're already gone as far as local character goes.
yeah, yeah.
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