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3 Starbucks testing the Clover

Posted by Geeky Swedes on April 1st, 2008

That was fast. The ink is barely dry on Starbuck’s agreement to acquire Ballard’s Coffee Equipment Co., and now three $11,000 Clover machines are in testing in Seattle Starbucks stores (locations not revealed). Meanwhile, Portland-based Stumptown Coffee has decided to drop the Clover in protest. You have to wonder how Starbucks’ plans to distribute the Clover far and wide impact the “little guys” who shelled out the investment for the Clover, including Ballard’s brand new Aster Coffee Lounge, which has/had the only Clover in the neighborhood. (By the way, Aster is holding a grand opening this Friday from 6-9 p.m.) Meanwhile, Starbucks is getting lots of praise for its acquisition of the Coffee Equipment Company: this Business Week story is called, “Starbucks on the Comeback Trail with Clover.”

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  • Sara
    I really hope that Aster isn't affected by this turn of events because they have a great little coffee shop. I will definitely continue to support this local business over Starbucks.
  • Ben
    Starbucks is a local business...
  • Suthii
    "Starbucks is a local business…"

    But it's owned by 'The Man', so must be evil.
  • Sara
    I wasn't implying anything regarding Starbucks. Yes, Ben, you are correct....it is local too. Perhaps I should have just said that I will continue to support Aster. I am not trying to start any debates about local businesses or "The Man," but simply saying I like this coffee shop and I will continue to go there regardless of what Starbucks does!
  • You'd think Starbucks would have spend 66k (they are testing in 6 shops, 3 in seattle and 3 in boston) to test before dropping however much they spent on the company....

    Stumptown is dropping the Clover. They refuse to buy parts and service from Starbucks.
  • The Pea
    Can anyone describe why this coffee maker is so great? I haven't yet been able to figure that out.
  • Kai
    Hi Pea,
    The Clover works much the same as a french press, which essentially extracts your cup via vaccuum. This tends to leave more oil in your cup, which many drinkers associate with superior taste. Not everyone agress here, some like their brew with all the oil filtered out, but for those of us who prefer a french press type of drink the Clover gets the most from the bean.

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