COMMENTARY: Starbucks and Chick Fil A

Written by Paula L. Ratliff

“Coffee is brewing and chicken is frying” as Glasgow prepares to welcome a Starbucks coffee house and a Chick Fil A restaurant in 2025. Never have the two been so closely linked together than probably in this writing as their corporate philosophies are miles apart. Yet, these are two major powerhouses that may net their owners millions of dollars as they absorb the disposal income from a small community with a county population of 15,282 (2022) with 20.8% (3,178) living below the poverty level of $15,060 for a household of one.

Starbucks has 17,068 locations in the United States with 20% in California. Chick Fil A has 3,059 and hasn’t reached all 50 states. McDonald’s still holds as the number one fast food restaurant, followed by Starbucks and Chick Fil A. And we will soon have all three, right here in Glasgow, Kentucky.

The arrival of these two establishments is indeed exciting news. Everybody loves a good cup of jolt and a few healthier food choices (although most menu choices are not healthy), planking down approximately $12 for a coffee and a breakfast selection.

And chicken? My goodness. We all know Kentuckians LOVE chicken, and we have embraced the largest competitor to Kentucky Fried Chicken, Zaxby’s and Pop Eyes.

Yet, as we extend a banner of welcome, one must question: Will customers remain loyal to existing coffee shops and restaurants, or will we see the doors closing and the unemployment line extending? Has the Wal-mart of coffee houses just swallowed the smaller shops and eliminated the feeling of nostalgia as folks gather for daily updates on life and weather at local establishments? Will the cows be spared as we “eat mor chikin”? Are the beef cattle producers excited with the chicken arrival as “Beef isn’t for dinner anymore”?

Whatever happened to “Get Healthy Glasgow”? Do these establishments further that objective? A quick Google search and it’s easy to find that a Chick Fil A chicken sandwich contains 1,408 mg of sodium or about 64% of your daily recommended sodium intake of 2,300 mg. Are you sure you want fries with that?

The lattes, coffee and teas at Starbucks can contain more sugar than the amount that should be consumed in an entire day, and it’s pretty easy to keep adding the sugar, syrup, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Do you really need to add a danish with that?

Regardless of the food and drink choices, because people will eat and drink as they choose, is it plausible that our population and income levels are high enough to keep the current coffee shops and restaurants open, or will the funds be diverted to the new establishments? Will there be an “economic squeeze” on other businesses? What is the balance between growth and status quo?

In the Glasgow area, current breakfast options include: Scooters, Best Donut Shop, Dunkin’ Donuts, Southern Cup Coffee and Café, The King’s Café, George J’s, Fine Arts Bistro, Glasgow City Creamery, Gale ‘n’ Dales, Annie’s Family Kitchen, Cowboys Restaurant, Shoney’s, Sweetheart Bakery and McDonalds, Wendy’s, Burger King, Subway, Hardees, Yanceys and a host of gas stations with food options. Now add, Starbucks and Chick Fil A.

I believe it is safe to conclude that most individuals are faced with limitations in their disposal income and their food budgets, as we are experiencing high inflation costs at restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations. Can Glasgow sustain our current community investors, or will they fade into oblivion? Time will tell. Order up.

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