Starbucks Is Not Welcome at Yosemite, Say Nature Enthusiasts | Eater

"A planned outlet from a major specialty coffee chain is slated to be added to the Basecamp Eatery food court at Yosemite Valley Lodge as part of a food-court revamp led by Yosemite Hospitality (an Aramark subsidiary); the unit would be integrated into the food court rather than freestanding, a store-manager job listing is already posted, and the rollout is targeted for spring. The proposal has generated strong local backlash — a Change.org petition with over 11,000 signatures warns that it could open the door to further undue development and erode the park’s essence, and commenters have expressed worries about increased litter, plastic waste, commercialization of a natural setting, and the chain’s environmental respect (and coffee quality). Yosemite Hospitality says the change is meant to “enhance the visitor experience” for the roughly four million people who visit Yosemite Valley each year." - Greg Morabito