When I was a tween, Starbucks was like my Shangri-La. There was one in my neighborhood, within walking distance from my house, and it was one of the only places I was allowed to go to by myself or with my other tween friends. So we would go all the time, and hang out there like it was going out of style, sucking down Vanilla Bean Frappuccinos (with no espresso because we were children and coffee is yucky). It was the thing to do, and it was awesome. 

Starbucks has remained a mainstay in my life ever since. Even though I live in a city full of amazingly charming local coffee shops, sometimes I just need a Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew, and you can’t get that anywhere else. I’ve watched the chain change through the years, from a Norah Jones CD-peddling java spot to a Refreshers haven, even to a place that puts olive oil in their coffee.