First Ever Loss of Starbucks

The largest coffee restaurant chain reported its first "ever" quarterly loss (net loss of $6.7 million) as a public company. Recently, it reported a plan of closing 600 stores in the U.S.

The chain, Starbucks, has been a big, big player and leader in coffee world. What is happening? Economy + over expansion + competitors? Economy is on a slower pace for nearly every business categories, mostly automobile, retail and others. Starbucks also has been over expanded with several branches not being able to support themselves. New competitors with cheaper coffee such as McDonald's or Dunkin' Donut are sharing the (coffee) cake.

Detail news here

Thailand's 100th Starbucks Shops

Starbucks has just opened its 100th store in Thailand last week. 100th - it's one-hundredth!

First store in Thailand at Central Chidlom (July 1998)
50th store in Thailand at Hua Hin
100th store in Thailand in Ubon Ratchathani

At present:
>1,400 stores in 9 Asian countries
10,000 stores in the US
>2,000 stores in other parts of the world

This chain is growing very fast. Why?
Read very detailed stories at gotomanager's Behind the Premium Price
Photo source: businessweek.com

No-name Seafood Place in Bangkok China Town

A recommendation for people (in Bangkok) who enjoys seafood.

Interestingly, the place does not have the name (do they pay taxes?), there is no menu (need to follow what the cook wants), and it is essential to reserve. It sounds pretty expensive for the location (Bangkok China Town), but I heard that the food is good.

Link to pictures
Link to review (in Thai language)

Bert's - The Well-Being Moment (Made in France)

Interesting newcomer for a contemporary 'French' sandwich shop, Bert's. The chain is big in Paris, started in 2002 - now having more than 30 locations locally and internationally (Dubai, UK, Belgium, Bangkok! and etc). It calls itself a 'contemporary cafe', selling variety of breakfast, lunch, snack to drinks.

Interestingly, it's actually French but has an English name. And the reason is "The English sounding name is intended to bestow an aura of cosmopolitan smartness". If you know (well, I know you know) Au Bon Pain, or Hagen Daz - they are not French but have French names just because of that same reason?!?

The review I read also said "the Bert's-type cafe, imposing a self-consciously youthful style for a well-heeled target market, is flourishing." Is it just a trend?

Yummy Food

This link is an informal review in pantip.com - I guarantee it will make you hungry!