Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => Farang Life style - fun, entertainment and Expat life => Topic started by: Pichai on July 29, 2015, 08:03:39 AM

Title: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Pichai on July 29, 2015, 08:03:39 AM
Last night I visited a client who has one of our water filtering systems installed in a new restaurant at the Robinson Lifestyle Center Shopping Mall in Buriram. I made note of the first Starbucks Coffee Shop to open in Buriram Province and the tremendous investment in the interior and support facility of that restaurant. There are many fine family owned coffee shops in Buriram as well as other famous brand name coffee shops to compare with Starbucks Coffee in Buriram. The prices are clearly posted on the sign board in Thai and English at the Buriram Starbucks Coffee Shop. The Starbucks coffee experience is a big step up in flavor from the Minute Maid Orange Juice or Birdy 3 in 1 instant coffee I serve complimentary to customers at my family owned builders merchants store in Buriram. I also noted the higher prices on "Grand Opening Sale Prices" of Zinsano High Pressure Washers inside the Robinson Department store compared to my everyday discount prices. I might suggest that Buriram Expats consider parking to the rear of the yellow Q Quick tire store building if they visit the Robinson Lifestyle Shopping Center Mall in Buriram.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Farang Mart on July 29, 2015, 08:28:13 AM
Nice but the cheapest coffee 90 bath, expresso normal price is 35 or 40 bath...
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Wayne from Aus on July 29, 2015, 08:52:40 AM
Yeh, 90 Baht, wow. Same price I pay in Aus
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: gotlost on July 29, 2015, 09:34:54 AM
Over rated, over priced and over here. I avoid like the plaque.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Freddy on July 29, 2015, 09:41:56 AM
Agree.....Ridiculously over priced and nothing particularly special about the coffee either.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Nobby on July 29, 2015, 10:21:20 AM
Over rated, over priced and over here. I avoid like the plaque.
and corporate worldwide Tax avoiders
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: buckwhelk on July 31, 2015, 02:21:15 PM
I would rather have a mug of instant Nescafe Red Cup
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Jackie-boy on July 31, 2015, 02:26:25 PM
Starbucks doesn't seem to popular with the some of the members of BE ,I'm sure they're quaking in their boots.  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: nookiebear on July 31, 2015, 02:32:46 PM
Agree.....Ridiculously over priced and nothing particularly special about the coffee either.
+1
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Starman on July 31, 2015, 04:42:05 PM
Yeah.

Nescafe green is good.

Just thought I would mention that as I was on 999 posts.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Jackie-boy on July 31, 2015, 05:29:06 PM

Nescafe green is good.


For Coffee my Favorite is Nescafe Gold Blend

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31iq0EhYDDL.jpg)

As for Tea,you can't be the Starmans PGTip Teabags  thumbup
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: CO-CO on July 31, 2015, 06:05:58 PM
Over rated, over priced and over here. I avoid like the plaque.
and corporate worldwide Tax avoiders


Not unlike your good-self Nobby (and a few others out here!)   :D
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: CO-CO on July 31, 2015, 06:08:50 PM
Over rated, over priced and over here. I avoid like the plaque.


Personally, I think their coffee is shite..... and over-priced. My daughter rates their chocolate drink though.


I discovered recently in the UK that my favourite is Costa Coffee. Here I drink Tchibo Gold.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: iammike on July 31, 2015, 08:09:37 PM
http://www.kappit.com/tag/starbucks-memes/
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Nobby on July 31, 2015, 08:49:46 PM
Over rated, over priced and over here. I avoid like the plaque.
and corporate worldwide Tax avoiders


Not unlike your good-self Nobby (and a few others out here!)   :D

I resemble that remark. I pay tax to both UK and Thailand (unfortunately)
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Pichai on July 31, 2015, 10:20:30 PM
This photo of the Starbucks Coffee Shop opening day July 29 in Buriram, Thailand is indicative of the customer base. I did not note any expats in the Starbucks Coffee Shop inside the Robinson Lifestyle Center.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Freddy on July 31, 2015, 10:25:22 PM
We can't afford it.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: bart simpson on August 01, 2015, 10:54:58 AM
No free wifi either. You have to pay to use it.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: smoooth2 on August 08, 2015, 03:06:34 PM
First visit to the new Robinsons Buriram this morning. Popped into Starbucks, just to stickybeak.

Maybe 5 customers, and 6 staff.

I think it's a big error on Starbuck's side to display the entire menu in English. No Thai language anywhere on display.

OK ... so maybe Starbucks are hoping for plenty of farang customers, but surely the vast majority of people that walk in the door are going to be Thai ...... and they will be wanting to read their national language.

If I walked into a coffee shop in Oz, and the menu was written in Chinese, I'd be gone. No sale.

I guess someone at Starbucks HQ has done their homework on this, and decided English menus alone are ok. I still think it's a bad mistake.

The lack of customers, I think, is not necessarily down to "expensive coffee". KFC and Swensons offer food in the same price range as Starbucks, yet KFC and Swensons are always full of locals spending happily.

I was in The Mall at Korat last week, and same story. McDonalds was overflowing and chockers with locals. Starbucks had only two customers ... both farang.

Maybe Thai's just don't like coffee ??



Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Starman on August 08, 2015, 08:52:08 PM
There are many, many Thai style coffee shops around Buriram and the whole of Thailand.

There are not many Thai style burger places, ice cream parlours or fried chicken restaurants.

This could be the reason that certain establishments are full to the rafters and others are simply empty.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: CO-CO on August 08, 2015, 09:57:28 PM
There are many, many Thai style coffee shops around Buriram and the whole of Thailand.

There are not many Thai style burger places, ice cream parlours or fried chicken restaurants.

This could be the reason that certain establishments are full to the rafters and others are simply empty.


 I see Swensons, KFC and Pizza Co etc often full of Thais. In Bangkok you will often wait for a seat in these places.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Freddy on August 09, 2015, 09:11:43 AM
Personally I think it is the high prices that keep the Thais out of Starbucks, maybe more so in this area. I don't think the KFC prices are to bad and sensors, although a bit pricey is still cheaper than Europe and USA. Starbucks prices in Thailand are comparative to Starbucks in the UK which IMHO is ridiculous. I also agree that it is a mistake to have the menu in English only and is actually bloody rude.
From what I have seen the Thais don't drink that much hot coffee but they certainly like their iced coffees, chocolates, smoothies, green teas etc.........The Amazon outlets are always busy even though there are cheaper options available at all the petrol stations.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: CO-CO on August 09, 2015, 09:45:16 AM
Personally I think it is the high prices that keep the Thais out of Starbucks, maybe more so in this area. I don't think the KFC prices are to bad and sensors, although a bit pricey is still cheaper than Europe and USA. Starbucks prices in Thailand are comparative to Starbucks in the UK which IMHO is ridiculous. I also agree that it is a mistake to have the menu in English only and is actually bloody rude.
From what I have seen the Thais don't drink that much hot coffee but they certainly like their iced coffees, chocolates, smoothies, green teas etc.........The Amazon outlets are always busy even though there are cheaper options available at all the petrol stations.
[/quote slapfight



I think there is also a status factor at play.

A friend's Thai daughter came up from Bangkok and they stopped at a local PTT gas station. He went to 7/11 for his 18 Baht iced coffee, she refused to have that and insisted on getting a take-away from Amazon at almost 3 times the price.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: gotlost on August 09, 2015, 10:06:57 AM
Personally I think it is the high prices that keep the Thais out of Starbucks, maybe more so in this area. I don't think the KFC prices are to bad and sensors, although a bit pricey is still cheaper than Europe and USA. Starbucks prices in Thailand are comparative to Starbucks in the UK which IMHO is ridiculous. I also agree that it is a mistake to have the menu in English only and is actually bloody rude.
From what I have seen the Thais don't drink that much hot coffee but they certainly like their iced coffees, chocolates, smoothies, green teas etc.........The Amazon outlets are always busy even though there are cheaper options available at all the petrol stations.
[/quote slapfight



I think there is also a status factor at play.

A friend's Thai daughter came up from Bangkok and they stopped at a local PTT gas station. He went to 7/11 for his 18 Baht iced coffee, she refused to have that and insisted on getting a take-away from Amazon at almost 3 times the price.

The Startwats Coffee in Surin..Very seldom see  farangs BUT you do see Thais..Look at ME I'M HI-SO. thailandflag
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Jackie-boy on August 09, 2015, 01:22:27 PM
A good place to meet the Mia Noi or Gig, as there's never anyone in there to spot you. ;)

Has anyone got one of their special Starbucks Buriram VIP Club Card yet  :biggrin:
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Adam on August 09, 2015, 08:44:14 PM
Who holds card number 0000000001?
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Jackie-boy on August 09, 2015, 09:13:27 PM
Who holds card number 0000000001?

I believe it is Newin Chidchob!!  :)

Below is a picture of when he found out he would be getting his Starbucks VIP Club Card   eusadance
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: toffo on August 09, 2015, 09:23:25 PM
The P in VIP must stand for prick then if he has the one card
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: buckwhelk on August 09, 2015, 09:41:28 PM
A VIP card for a coffee shop FFS ?
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Jackie-boy on August 09, 2015, 09:57:07 PM
A VIP card for a coffee shop FFS ?

I was only joking,they are not real   :biggrin:

But I think you can get a Gold Card  in the USA  usaflag

http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/11/starbucks-gold-card-math-is-it-worth-it.html
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Jackie-boy on August 09, 2015, 10:17:30 PM
The P in VIP must stand for prick then if he has the one card

I think you will find the One Card is for Expats   :laugh:

(http://www.hatyaiok.com/promotions/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/100616-T1C-CoCard-X-FINAL.jpg)
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: bart simpson on August 10, 2015, 07:51:51 AM
The P in VIP must stand for prick then if he has the one card

I think you will find the One Card is for Expats   :laugh:

(http://www.hatyaiok.com/promotions/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/100616-T1C-CoCard-X-FINAL.jpg)
There are actually two different ones. If you apply using your passport they give you the 5% off expats card. If you are Thai or use a Thai driving permit they give you the standard One Card without the discount.  Make sure you apply with your passport.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Jackie-boy on August 10, 2015, 11:12:08 AM
^ Good to know Bart ;)


I have a BE 1st Smart Card , it can be used on-line and I used it to Pay for my new UK Passport  :)

(http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBankThai/Documents/Site%20Images/2012/MPic/Be1stSmart.jpg)
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: davureborn on August 10, 2015, 12:01:23 PM
Great idea to publish your card details on line.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Jackie-boy on August 10, 2015, 01:10:27 PM
Great idea to publish your card details on line.

It's a picture from their website, so it should be OK  ::)

http://www.bangkokbank.com/BangkokBank/PersonalBanking/DailyBanking/Be1stVisaDebitCard/Be1stSmart/Pages/Default.aspx
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: mike on August 11, 2015, 07:39:18 PM
I went past Starbucks in Robinson centre in Ayutthaya yesterday, about half full with a couple of Farangs only. Menu in English only. About 7.00pm.

I see this more as an investment for the future and reckon ithe Buriram one will start to fill out as the area gets richer.

Mike
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Pichai on August 11, 2015, 10:48:19 PM
The Starbucks Coffee Shop in Buriram is perhaps an "aspirational" destination for those who can read an English language menu. Buriram is not yet home to Peet's Coffee or Caribou Coffee but could have a Gloria Jean's Coffee shop open in 2017. The arabica coffee beans I purchase at the Buriram Makro Store near the Robinson Lifestyle Center seem to be on par with more expensive coffee shop offerings in Buriram. Salesmen and saleswomen often bring Amazon Coffee to buyers at my builders merchant store as the PTT NGV fuel station has an Amazon Coffee shop near the store. Why the Starbucks Coffee cafe in Buriram does not post a menu on the wall in Thai is a mystery to me.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: davureborn on August 12, 2015, 07:34:29 AM
The Starbucks Coffee Shop in Buriram is perhaps an "aspirational" destination for those who can read an English language menu. Buriram is not yet home to Peet's Coffee or Caribou Coffee but could have a Gloria Jean's Coffee shop open in 2017. The arabica coffee beans I purchase at the Buriram Makro Store near the Robinson Lifestyle Center seem to be on par with more expensive coffee shop offerings in Buriram. Salesmen and saleswomen often bring Amazon Coffee to buyers at my builders merchant store as the PTT NGV fuel station has an Amazon Coffee shop near the store. Why the Starbucks Coffee cafe in Buriram does not post a menu on the wall in Thai is a mystery to me.

Since complaining about a year ago about the lack of good coffee beans in Buriram, things have improved in both BigC and Makro Buriram, it is no longer a hit and miss affair. I no longer go to Korat for Boncafe. This is one that I grab, there is another one, green, also bought at BigC.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Pichai on August 12, 2015, 11:33:01 PM
The Southern Coffee Cafe in the Buriram Robinson Lifestyle Center is more affordable than the Buriram Starbucks Coffee Shop.
Title: Re: Starbucks Coffee Shop Opens in Buriram
Post by: Pichai on February 19, 2016, 10:50:01 AM
No discount or membership cards are needed this week for FREE coffee at Ruangsangthai in Buriram. Hitachi Power Tools has provided free instant coffee to all patrons and visitors to Ruangsangthai. One would not mistake this coffee for Peet's Coffee or Southern Coffee. However Mr. Wataru Hama the managing director of Hitachi Koki Power Tools has made sure that Ruangsangthai has a parcel of free gifts who visit the Hitachi Tools Booth this week in Buriram. For the price of four Grande Coffee's at Starbucks you could purchase a real power tool in Buriram.   Solar Power Systems installed are not inexpensive yet in Thailand, but a real consideration for some farm crop water pumping situations.