Starbucks - Moorestown, New Jersey

This to me is an unusual Starbucks Coffee, because, as you can see, there is no huge Starbucks sign on the building or stand-up sign on the sidewalk in front of the building. Only the Starbucks round logo is visible to the public. I like that, especially in this historical town. Moorestown had its beginnings in the Quaker community in the 1600s, serving as the home to the Lenni Lenape Native American Indians prior to that time. It is a quaint New Jersey town that was ranked number one in Money magazine's 2005 list of best places to live in America.



Main Street - Moorestown, New Jersey



The people who live within walking/biking distance of Main Street have a public library, post office, churches, multiple small restaurants, coffee shops, several small clothing and toy stores and a convenience store.  The Quaker Moorestown Friends School is located in the heart of downtown.  It offers a thrift shop and various student activities such as plays, concerts and sporting events to the community.  The only amenity that I feel this town is missing is a decent sized grocery store.  For many years, there was an Acme Grocery across from the Friends School, but it has moved to a new location that is no longer within walking distance.

After parking my car in the lot behind one set of stores along Main Street, I made a quick walk to Starbucks.  I like visiting American towns where I leave my car and walk.  I enjoy the window shopping that this allows me.  It was a cold windy February day.  I was looking forward to my hot tea and a cozy seat. 

Now, I've been to this Starbucks Coffee many times before, but never with the goal to "check" the place out.  I was planning as I entered the shop to sit at a window seat.  I do love to watch the outside foot traffic.  Unfortunately, this Starbucks has limited windows.  The one that faces the sidewalk is too small for a window bar with seating, there is only a small round table and, of course, it was taken.  Although there were two over-stuffed chairs to my left, I decided to check out the back of the store hoping that a leather couch or more comfy chairs would be available.  Nope.  Only tables in the back.  I return to the front and take the over-stuffed chair that is not occupied.  After ordering my Venti Tazo China Green Tips tea, I settled in to write my soldier's letter.  I found myself constantly distracted by the customers.  There was a steady stream of young teen aged groups coming in, taking advantage of their President's Day holiday by hanging out at the local Starbucks.  Because the only tables of four were located directly across from me, this afforded me the opportunity to watch the funny, innocent flirting activities between the boys and girls.   There is something very nice about Starbucks Coffee being the local coffee shop.  It certainly gives this Starbucks a hometown feel.  Many people came in and greeted other customers or the staff making it clear to me that they knew each other. 

COMFORT COMMENTS:  Had it not been for the hometown feel that the customers gave this Starbucks Coffee, I am not sure that I would have many positive things to say about the interior.  It had more of an industrial feel with few windows that were either too small or located too high up to provide the customer with much outside gazing.  With only two comfy chairs, I was lucky to secure one for myself.  However, this Starbucks did have outdoor seating, which is always nice.  And even as cold as it was, two different groups of people used the outside chairs and tables.

SHOP CRITIQUE:   Finally a Starbucks Coffee that gets the clean "stamp" in the bathroom, for the floor and the condiments table.   There was a fully functioning soap dispenser in the ladies' room with no puddles on the floor. Maybe I should start sticking my head in the men's room just to see if they are receiving good treatment.  Staff tidied up the condiments table twice while I was in the shop. 

EMPLOYEE COMMENTS:  I liked the way the employees listened to my drink requests:  first, my one bag in, one bag out; then my, single shot espresso in a eight oz. cup.  But, you know, I've come to just expect that from my Starbucks employees, they are all good listeners. 

STARBUCKS SINGLE OF THE WEEK:  Lia Ices "Love Is Won"

HELPFUL/INFORMATION WEB-SITES:
*www.moorestown.com
*www.mfriends.org
*www.soldiersangels.org
*www.tazo.com
*www.starbucks.com
*www.myspace.com/liaices
And just for fun *www.girl.com.au