Now that everyone is so focussed and in obviously good moods - who has been to this new business and what did you think? I love owner Brian Smith's quote in the Triblocal story: We are fast, friendly and I guarantee this is the best coffee on the block. (No, he di'nt!!!) This is in the former Java Juice location at 546 Crescent.

<crickets chirping>

First person who needs to post on this place is Clam. Since he has not taken the time to get to Honey yet, the least he should do is give us the run-down on this establishment.

I'm just glad that this place is getting a better reception than the last place. I also notice that I get attacked a lot...and to think, I'm so generally lovable.

Java Juice Reception

BTW - My boycott is still in tact.

BTW2 - Is this place really called "Clean Coffee"?

My tastebuds have been brainwashed by the burnt SBUX roast. I have never run into a roast that I have liked as much other than those dark roasts by Intelligentsia. I prefer them the most. That said, I would be hard-pressed to open a business in a town of 27,000 with an organic-based hook that appeals to about 8% of the general population. They exist, but there are very few instances where being in direct competition three doors down from a Starbucks pays the rent.

I hope they do well and prove me wrong...like those gals at the liquor nail place.

I didn't even know it opened; I'm always up for a Starbucks alternative. I'll try it on Saturday during my daughter's dance class.

This is kind of off topic, but at least it does touch on coffee...but...

I've noticed my son and his high school friends have started hanging out at Carabou Coffee to do their homework, sit, chat, generally be a nuisance, probably, but they're at least clean cut, geeky nuisances. So I keep asking myself, why are they going there instead of either Starbucks or Einstein or this other coffee place that used to be Java Juice? We all talk about the fact that not enough people support the CBD, and here are our kids driving up to Roosevelt to do what they could easily do here. (Yeah, I know, Roosevelt Road is still Glen Ellyn, but it's always about the CBD when we're talking retail.)

Any thoughts? I really believe it has something to do with the parking and teenagers not being very good at parallel parking, which is all we have in the CBD, basically. That, and the police guy who's always giving tickets. They do tend to hang out for hours. Also, Carabou does have that nice fireplace area, and probably more electrical outlets for laptops and stuff. But still, it makes me wonder. It seems to me my son and his friends are always, ALWAYS, going outside the CBD in order to spend their hard-earned bucks on smoothies, coffee, cheap meals, entertainment (with the lone exception of the Glen; they do see movies there, sometimes). And I'd think that's an area of concern for this town.

Every time I step into that place it is chock-full of C.O.D. coeds. I believe your question can be answered with this fact. That...and they have a fireplace. AND...the girls that work there are WAY cuter than the girls at SBUX. AND.....you can get 10 cents off your coffee if you answer a relatively simple trivia question. AND....no homeless.

From a cool standpoint, Caribou is a better hangout.

quote:

teenagers not being very good at parallel parking, which is all we have in the CBD

Actually, there is quite a bit of diagonal parking in our CBD. There is diagonal parking along Main (north of the tracks), Crescent (where Starbucks is located) and Pennsylvania. I remember when they were re-doing Main Street years ago, the State (because they were funding part of the project) wanted to have GE switch to parallel parking. We had to fight to keep it at that time, and I'm glad they did...it's a definite plus for our downtown.

But concerning Caribou vs. SBUCKS...I think it is just a better atmosphere. Seats more people and doesn't feel so cramped and crowded. The only time I've ever sat in the SBUCKS downtown is to wait for a train...I've never felt like just going in there to 'relax.'

Scribbler, they also know that their parents are not going to leave the CBD to travel to Roosevelt, so they can't be found just hanging and hittin' on the coeds....Youth favor what they percieve is different than what their parents like, it has been going on for years....

Also, if you want to learn Russian, go to Caribou on Sunday morning, it is a mini KGB meeting......

I still think it boils down to the babes.

Well, I'm sure the babes contribute to the more youthful vibe there, anyway...all good points. Plus, I also know that so many of the retail managers in the CBD get so cranky when the kids are around...I know that my son still carries the memories of half days at Hadley and evil store managers yelling at all the kids. While, as a cranky adult myself, I understand the managers' side, you can't dismiss the impact that has as the kids grow up and have money to burn.

The Caribou's downtown have free wi-fi. Does the one in GE? That would be influential in my decision of where to hang out if I were a teen (and had a laptop)

quote:

The Caribou's downtown have free wi-fi. Does the one in GE? That would be influential in my decision of where to hang out if I were a teen (and had a laptop)

Yes, the Glen Ellyn Caribou also offers Wi-Fi.

I like Caribou but rarely go cuz you can't get a seat. Few years ago after a Hadley event I took my child for a hot chocolate and treat. Each table that seats 4 was taken up by one studing student, the nervey ex-city girl in me told one 'we need this table' and begam to un load. As he moved his belongings to his table, he said as he looked at my 11 year old and said 'I hope you are quite' She didn't miss a beat and replied, 'Do you go to a college without a library?'
I get the social aspect of studing, but I can only wonder how much business they loose from regular customers.

quote:

Originally posted by Buggy24:
I like Caribou but rarely go cuz you can't get a seat. Few years ago after a Hadley event I took my child for a hot chocolate and treat. Each table that seats 4 was taken up by one studing student, the nervey ex-city girl in me told one 'we need this table' and begam to un load. As he moved his belongings to his table, he said as he looked at my 11 year old and said 'I hope you are quite' She didn't miss a beat and replied, 'Do you go to a college without a library?'
I get the social aspect of studing, but I can only wonder how much business they loose from regular customers.

I hope our puppy has already been studded...or produced....begat....whatever. I am looking forward to getting her.

Good line by the daughter, BTW. That's fast on the feet.

I feel like Yoss today.


Get your little Caribou Coffee talk off of my Clean Coffee thread!!

Buggy: Clam is giving you a hard time about your spelling errors there, in case no one knows WTF he's talking about. Also, I like your daughter's comment, too. So innocent and honest.

quote:

Originally posted by GEmom2:
I feel like, Yoss today.


Get your little Caribou Coffee talk off of my Clean Coffee thread!!

Lighten up Francis!

I really don't care - I just liked it when Yoss yelled at the "kids" yesterday!

BTW - I looked at the old Java Juice thread. Who was SwampDawg and the other old coot? That was pretty funny stuff to read at the end of the day.

Last time I went to the SBUX downtown, I saw two odd fellows (who looked headed to the shelter) apparently zeroing in on a female sitting at a table. The female had her laptop open and was clearly trying to do work. She started to pack up and leave, but the two fellows were clearly (and loudly) interested.

Starbucks, frankly, has turned into a corner liquor store for me: I avoid it.

I get the same vibe I get at those little liquor stores. Like: let's hope I can just pay for this and get the hell out before something bad happens.

I'm not kidding.

Whoops. Hijacked. Sorry.

quote:

Originally posted by Clamato:
Every time I step into that place it is chock-full of C.O.D. coeds. I believe your question can be answered with this fact. That...and they have a fireplace. AND...the girls that work there are WAY cuter than the girls at SBUX. AND.....you can get 10 cents off your coffee if you answer a relatively simple trivia question. AND....no homeless.

From a cool standpoint, Caribou is a better hangout.

Great! Now we have dirt old men at Caribou. . . . . Run Ladies!!!!! Oh yea Clam. . .You only get the 10cents if you can answer the question correctly