Starbucks Coming To Ubon Ratchathani

Is it the end of an era in Ubon Ratchathani? Or maybe it's the beginning of a new era. I am not sure but coming soon to an Ubon Ratchathani near you will be a Starbucks Coffee Shop. Are you ready?



When I first starting coming to Thailand in 1994 there were very few places to get a fresh hot cup of coffee in the mornings. Thank heaven for 7Eleven. I need my morning coffee and I would go to great lengths to get it. Most of the coffee available was Nescafe but it was acceptable. I would sometimes walk for 15 minutes or more to find a place to get some coffee.



I was also in the Seattle, Washingtong area when a coffee phenomena erupted there, spurred on by the birth of Starbucks. You couldn't go far without seeing a coffee shop or street vendor selling coffee. It wasn't just coffee then, latte, mocha, cappucino and expresso. I had to learn a new jargon for ordering java. I loved the Egg Nog Lattes during the holiday season. I also loved the aroma I was greeted with when entering a Starbucks. The aroma alone would knock off the chill of the coldest winter days in Washington.



Now in Ubon Ratchathani there is a mini eruption of coffee shops and coffee street vendors. You can see many stands set up on side walks where you can get expresso, cappucino, and americana both hot and cold. Many coffee shops are springing up, some with a bakery and some that offer light meals as well as coffee and coffee drinks. The are excellent places to meet a friend for a chat, sit and think or just sit and enjoy your java while watching humanity go by.



Starbucks thrives in Bangkok, with both Thai and foreign customers. The drinks, pasteries and snacks are not cheap by any standard but many people are willing to pay. I think at times it isn't just the menu but also a status symbol. A place to see and be seen.



I am anxious for Starbucks to open and will be one of its first customers for sure. I think it will be another month or two at least until the grand opening. I will be watching the progress. It is a good location at Nevada Grand Hotel Complex on Chayangkul Rd.. It will be on the second floor with big glass windows offering a view of the complex and Chayangkul Rd.



I will be interested to see of Starbucks can survive here and maybe flourish. It is a social experiment of sorts. If Starbucks does well here in Ubon it might be that other big name chains and franchises will follow. Is the timing right for Ubon Ratchathani? Only time will tell.

Thai Phrase of the Post:

Khun dawng gaan duem arai?

What would you like to drink?