Hoping to put an end to hemorrhaging sales, Starbucks is moving full speed ahead with a new strategy. In addition to cutting workers' hours and streamlining recipes, the nation's largest coffee chain will be entering a partnership with the country's biggest sandwich franchise, Subway. 
Next month, select Subways will start selling Starbucks-owned Seattle's Best Coffee. In the six-month test launch, approximately 1,900 Subway sandwich shops will carry coffee blends, including the Seattle's Best Blend, Henry's Blend, and the 6th Avenue Bistro Blend. Subway has long wanted to tap into the morning market: earlier this year, Subway announced it would be rolling out a new line of cafés.
Still, I was taken aback to learn that it wouldn't be creating its own label. I'm also surprised to hear that, after closing 600 stores in 2008, Starbucks is expanding its coffee business yet again. Do you think it's a wise move? Would you hit up a Subway to get coffee?
Lacoste
I probably wouldn't. I only hit up Starbucks if I'm going to get a Frappuccino. Which is an urge that doesn't strike that often anymore.
It's much easier for me to go to Dunkin Donuts for coffee (since they are all over the place in Boston). Plus, I like Dunkin coffee better.
1I would still hit up Subway for a sandwich, but would forgo the coffee knowing its origin. I really dislike Starbucks coffee.
2Wow, nice! My two favorite places combined into one? My sister's going to FAINT when she hears this. She's a big fan of both stores.
3Starbucks coffee is not unique and kind of tastes burnt. Plus most of it is not fair trade.
4Sweet! Now I can avoid two tastes I dislike all at the same time.
5mmm it's all about Peet's coffee and in San Fran there's a sandwich shop to die for... long live Ike's!
6Shoneyjoe!
I agree!!!
7i'd rather go to a starbucks for their cinnamon dolce lattes. plus, even though i like subway, they don't have drive-thru's.
8Yes! One time I was in DC which apparently has NO coffee at ALL anywhere. There was a Subway in a museum and coming from Seattle I stupidly assumed that there might actually be coffee at this Subway. Needless to say they did not and I had the worst headache for the rest of the day and really for my whole trip. If Subways everywhere had coffee I think I could find my caffeine fix more readily.
9That´s not a new strategy. They copied that from dunkin donuts.
10In Spain, i only know Madrid for sure, Dunkin donuts is selling together with Subway.
I don't think so. Subway just doesn't scream coffee to me.
11You know, cause, Sandwiches and bitter coffee go hand in hand....If i had to smell nasty starbucks while eating my yummy subway? I wouldnt go back in there.
12The two brands don't go together, so I don't think it is a good idea. Then again people do buy coffee in the middle of the day so maybe folks will get lunch and a coffee. Eh, not sure if it works.
13All I can say to this combo is GROSS!
And Kristin, there is coffee in D.C.
14Um, no... I don't think Subway and Starbucks go together.
15I actually think this is a great idea. My husband will think it's awesome, lol
16Wait... Starbucks owns Seattle's Best? Why does their coffee taste better?
17Starbucks is so overrated to me. I make my own coffee, I use Gevalia brand, and it tastes 10x better IMO. I rarely buy coffee when I'm out and about and I really can't see coffee being good with anything they sell at Subway.. And a trip to Subway just for coffee? Eh.. don't really see that being able to compete with Starbucks and other big name coffee shops.
18I can't stand Starbucks.
19eeww.. the thought of smelling coffee in subway is disgusting. i love walking by subway from the aroma of bread--but to mix that with coffee? so unappetizing.
20I don't think it's going to work...most people that are eating at Subway are probably not craving an overpriced, calorie-jammed beverage to go with their meal. I'm sort of surprised Subway agreed to carry the Starbucks coffee, seeing as they seem so health-focused and all.
21um this combo sounds so gross to me.
22i wont be visiting
uhhh a latte with my footlong? not too sure how i feel about that. i mean i love seattle's best, and i love subway, but together in the same meal...kinda weird. i will probably do it though.
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