The Observer, January 26, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 14
Consumers win in Arabica-Starbucks face off
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It's one of the underdog stories of legend. The local, hometown favorite is forced to compete with the famous national big shot that holds sway over millions of people. Who wins this competition? Will a storybook ending prevail, with the local favorite emerging victorious, or will the "big guy" simply steamroll everything in its way?
This seems to be the situation with coffee shops in this area. Local favorite Arabica, which has been nestled in the heart of campus on Juniper Road for 10 years this Sunday, now faces stiff competition from two Starbucks branches, both within very close proximity. In fact, all three are within five minutes' walking distance of the North Residential Village.
So, the question remains. Who will emerge on top? Which company will draw more of the valued college student population? The answer may actually be both.
This may be because each coffee house caters to a different breed of customer. They both serve college students and adults alike, but that does not mean that they are not different. Arabica is more of a local favorite, a slightly more undiscovered gem, while Starbucks is a well-known and popular establishment. Those wanting more of a laid-back coffee shop atmosphere will prefer Arabica, while those wanting the familiar cup of coffee will probably prefer Starbucks. Which the individual prefers depends on his or her personal preferences.
Both locales have loyal followers on campus, who will not change their preferences for anything. Stephen Trompak, a freshman aerospace engineering major, prefers Arabica, saying, "I like how the actual building sort of blends in with its surroundings; it doesn't scream coffee shop. I also really like their large varieties of flavored syrups. I change my usual combo depending on my mood that day."
Starbucks is also not without its fans, such as Abigail McGreehan, a freshman music education/viola performance major who also touted Starbucks' flavored drinks, saying, "I really enjoy Starbucks' wide selection of drinks, both hot and cold. Starbucks is also very convenient for me in the morning on my way to class and very late at night when I need that extra push."
But has Arabica's business plummeted since the new Starbucks was put up on Euclid last spring? According to Arabica's general manager, Mark Balogh, that is not the case. He says that any business fluctuation that the experience is due to the fluctuation of University Circle, not the addition of other coffee shops.
"We have a large loyal following, due to the energy we put into service, our quality, and the atmosphere. These all do us well in the long run." He mentioned that their evening business has declined slightly, but that can easily be attributed to the lack of people, especially females, who are out and about the Circle late at night. Their weekly open mike nights have also seen a slight decline in years past, but that is a common occurrence in all coffee shops. "People still come to perform and to listen, but [open mike nights] are not the cultural concept they once were in years past," said Balogh.
Balogh also stated that one of Arabica's primary goals is to cater to the college student population. Students are his most important customers, always in need of that quick cup of coffee on the cold walk to class. Recently, when the issue of Fair Trade coffee and where the actual proceeds were going from the purchases of coffee came up, Balogh began to carry the Fair Trade brand, and now has between eight to 10 varieties for those students who worry about where their money is going.
Arabica is also not worried about losing any customers to Starbucks. Balogh feels that his loyal customers will continue coming back for the homey feel and quiet friendly atmosphere. "People will go to Starbucks if that is their palate, which is fine. If they want something different, they will come here."
Arabica, which is located at 11300 Juniper Road, right down the street from the entrance to the North Residential Village, will actually be celebrating its tenth anniversary here at their University Circle location this Sunday, Jan. 28. Their weekly open mike nights also begin next week on Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., and continue every following Wednesday. Arabica's normal business hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to midnight Wednesday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to midnight on Saturday and 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Starbucks business hours vary by store.
