But this is Chico, too

I like to give credit where credit is due — or at least I like to give the impression that I support such a proposition. It’s part of my struggle to keep an open mind despite my aging brain, which I wrote about in a recent blog entry.

That’s why I can say “no” to doing business with Starbucks while saying “yes” to its new building on The Esplanade.

I don’t like the predatory nature of Starbucks. The company deliberately sets up shop next to independent cofeehouses to woo away customers who either don’t care where they go or who are impressed by Starbucks alleged coolness factor (which as far as I’m concerned is bogus).

Because it’s a huge company, Starbucks can afford to wait it out at these spots even if it’s not initially profitable there. I’m sure most of the independents have no such luxury. Because of this unfair advantage, it’s innacurate to say Starbucks is in competition with the locals.

But I do like its building on the northeast corner of The Esplanade and Ninth Avenue.
It’s an improvement over its predecessor, a building that housed The French Gourmet Bakery, which I did patronize.

The new building somehow manages to blend in well with the varied architectural styles of its nearest neighbors — Al’s Drive-in, the Matador Hotel and Avenue 9 Gallery.

Chico needs all the decent-looking new buildings it can get. That’s why I also applaud the design of Wal-Mart’s proposed supercenter at the north end of Chico. If the store is built there, I will never set foot in it, but I will compliment the company on its efforts to think outside the big box.

Similarly, I’m hoping Costco’s new Chico store will be an improvement over the current bland-looking building.