6
TOP OF THE HILL 2009
BEST COFFEE
647 Massachusetts St. ■ 3000 W. Sixth St. ■ 1015 W. 23rd St. ■ 3201 Iowa St. ■ 4701 W. Sixth St.
2nd — Java Break 17 E. Seventh Street
3rd — Milton's
920 Massachusetts St. ■ Kansas Union
BY STEFANIE PENN spenn@kansan.com
Photos by Mike Gunnoe/KANSAN
In the 38 years that Starbucks coffee has been around, the franchise has maintained a positive buzz and voters said it has made its mark here in Lawrence.
Starbucks, the coffee kingpin, triumphed in this year's Top of the Hill poll, defeating two locally owned coffee shops, Java Break and Milton's Coffee.
Many customers, such as Abby Grosdidier, Leawood sophomore, agree that regularity and good customer service give Starbucks. 647 Massachusetts St., an edge over competition.
"The best thing about Starbucks is that there
is one in about every city, at the least, and they all have the same things, so no matter where you go, you will always get what you want," Grosdidier said. "I also really like how your coffee is guaranteed customer satisfaction. If you don't like it, then they make you a new one."
Frequent customers become very familiar with the menu items that Starbucks already offers, but when it comes time for the holidays, some look forward to the seasonal items that are added as well.
Lauren Koehn, a Starbucks employee, says that the Peppermint Mocha is currently the most popular drink.
"Other seasonal specialties that are out right now are the Egg Nog Latte and the Gingerbread
Latte," Koehn said.
Employees of Starbucks in Lawrence said the coffee shop has more to offer than just quality-tasting brew.
"It is a great place to work because there's great people, good environment and there are really good benefits that come along it," Koehn said.
Now with the change in the weather, this is easily Starbucks' busiest time.
"Right now we are having an influx of customers, because it gets colder and people want coffee more often," said Koehn.
Starbucks is also known for its student-friendly ambiance. When the library becomes too routine, many come to Starbucks to unwind
or brush up on their studies. They offer spacious tables that allow sufficient workspace for any student who is there to study and Wi-Fi service is provided to customers with registered Starbucks cards. Registration is free online, but the card must have at least $5 on it.
"I just love that it accommodates students like me who are there to study or do homework, as well as enjoy a nice cup of my favorite coffee," said Grosdidier.
Second and third place awards went to Java Break, 17 E. Seventh St., and Milton's Coffee, 920 Massachusetts St. and on the first floor of the Kansas Union.
— Edited by Abbey Strusz
THANK YOU STUDENTS
FOR MAKING
IMAGES
SALON AND DAY SPA
TOP OF THE HILL!
$20 OFF
ANY SERVICE
$50 OR MORE
511 W 9TH ST. expires 3/12/10 785,843,2138