caffeine stations provide New Yorkers with their daily buzz.(Twentieth Anniversary Issue)(Brief Article)

Crain's New York Business, June, 2005

Who would have thought that New Yorkers were anxious to spend nearly $2 for a small (make that tall) cup of coffee? Oh, but they were, as Starbucks Corp. found out when it opened its first java joint in the city in April 1994. Sure, there are some natives who think that coffee should come in Greek-themed cups and cost less than $1, but plenty of caffeine addicts are lining up for their grande and vente lattes.

Today, there are 180 Starbucks outposts in the five boroughs. Weary shoppers have a place to relax, and freelancers can find a little human companionship while tapping away on their laptops. Who cares if Frappuccinos have 350 calories?