Starbucks Is the Best Place to Cry in Public | Eater

"An ubiquitous chain of coffee shops intentionally designed as a modern “third place,” it offers low-cost, uniform coffee and a neutral, comfortable atmosphere where strangers can sit for a while without obligation. Its consistent décor, softer lighting, and employee-as-partner culture encourage anonymity and make it a frequent refuge for people seeking a moment of privacy or catharsis — from a bridesmaid’s tearful reprieve over a Tall double soy iced mocha to someone openly sobbing over a giant Frappuccino in Times Square or quietly breaking down with a croissant before a hospital visit. The brand’s bourgeois touches and aspirational sameness let people of different incomes share the same beverage, yet its corporate philosophy has also been tested by incidents of discrimination that prompted widespread anti-bias training. While specialty cafes tout single-estate beans and cold-brew trends, this chain’s real cultural hold comes from accessibility, sameness, and a permissive, sit-and-stay ethos that makes it an accepted place to cry." - Alicia Kennedy