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Turns out the stripped-down, de-logo-fied Starbucks up on 15th isn't quite the oh-so-original take on a neighborhood cafe that Starbucks intended. Linda Derschang, the owner of Smith, right next door, has sent an enraged letter over to the Stranger.
"Have you seen the color of the new Starbucks on 15th?" Derschang writes. "Noticed the salvaged wood wall outside which is the same as my salvaged wood planter box in front of Smith? Poke your head in and check out the salvaged wood frames on the walls, the vintage industrial light fixtures, and the old wooden seats. A friend asked me yesterday if I was opening a coffee shop next to Smith because it looked so similar—like a sister business."
As much as we sympathize with the local independent being ripped off by the corporate giant, we would also encourage Derschang to look on the bright side: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It's not like Starbucks can come up with an original concept that works. That's why they rip off other people's.
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Well, turnabout is fair play. She just needs to add a nautical theme to the glass on her storefront. Perhaps a wanton mermaid or two?
No,no.....a merMAN.....
According to an article on CHS they are also ripping off Victrola.
Well, based on the picture on the Stranger's site I don't think I've ever been in a pub/brewpub that didn't look pretty much the same as Smith. Though I suppose it's the next door thing that riles...Meh, I say get over it. Whatever Smith has will be better than what the Invisi-starbucks sells. Surely it will still be the same over-roasted they sell everywhere else.