Part 5/11:
While these innovations led to explosive growth, they came with a trade-off. As Katherine Tangalakian, a Business Insider reporter specializing in the food industry, notes, Starbucks began prioritizing speed over the community experience that set it apart. Its cafes turned into pickup points—efficient for quick transactions but lacking the inviting atmosphere that fostered long stays. Younger customers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, gravitated toward smaller, more personalized local cafes, which felt more ‘human’ and engaging.