Recently, my friend Kirill asked, “Wonder how much time America wastes in line at Starbucks“. Interesting question, I thought. Let’s do the math.
According the Starbucks 10K filing in 2010, there were 11,131 stores in the US.
According to this analysis by Trefis, there are an average of 449 visits per store daily.
Doing the math: 11,131 stores * 449 visits per store = 4,997,819 visits per day by Americans.
If we estimate that the process averages 5 minutes per visit to go from entering the store to have the coffee in hand is five minutes, we get these numbers.
The time wasted in line at Starbucks by Americans, per day is:
24,989,095 minutes = 416,485 hours = 17,354 days = 48 years
Obviously these are just rough estimates, but the time is significant. Also, some might argue that time at Starbucks is not wasted, as you do get your drink or food. Everyone’s views on the value of Starbucks will vary.
Personally, I don’t mind going to Starbucks, but prefer a lighter roast coffee made from better beans.
6 thoughts on “How much time America wastes in line at Starbucks”
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“Time wasted” presumes that the standee is doing nothing while waiting–anecdotal evidence suggests that most are engaged with mobile devices or conversing with friends/colleagues. Of course if they are playing Angry Birds on their smart phones, that’s another analysis altogether.
> Personally, I don’t mind going to Starbucks, but prefer a lighter roast coffee made from better beans.
I’m getting mighty sick of pretentious coffee aficionados.
It’s just a hot beverage. Get over your self already.
janiejaner: Yes, time wasted is subjective. I do however view game playing as preparation for the invasion of aliens when all humans must be prepared to fight. 😉
Bob: You have to admit that there’s a difference in flavor between dark roast Starbucks and a mild roast McDonald’s or Denny’s coffee. I’m not purist and happily drink coffee at IHOP or Denny’s. But if given a choice, I’d rather drink coffee from better beans with more flavor. Much like beer. If I go somewhere and Bud Light is on tap, I’ll drink it happily. But if I can choose a Guinness or Pilser Urquel instead, I’ll have that instead.
Bob – so much anger! It’s not pretentious to know what you like instead of having some corporation serving you any old crap. I hate Starbucks coffee, it tastes burnt – their mochas, fraps and what have you are okay but sometimes you just want a nice regular cup of joe and that’s why I buy my own too. Plus it’s cheaper.
Bob, I take it you’re happy to eat warmed offal and tripe every day then? After all, it’s just hot food.
Good coffee is radically different to big chain coffee. Smaller places take more time and give more attention to their product. Why wouldn’t that result in a nicer cup? To claim otherwise is just silly.
I love, love, love coffee, but I really don’t care for Starbucks coffee. Not sure what’s wrong exactly. Too bitter or acidic or something.