I think I get why you're comparing them, but Blank Street is really not similar to Community Goods or Pantry's model - it's probably actually closer to Starbucks (though I'd say La Colombe is the best comp). Blank Street feels like it's about making the "vibes" of Community Goods, Canyon Coffee, etc. approachable. They have an app.
If there's one thing about LA, it's that people seem to not care about NY transplanted businesses. Prince St. Pizza, Roberta's, Dante, Levain... all of those openings fell pretty flat, even if they inspired people to open their own imitated versions in LA...
Mmm I think you’re conflating things, I’m saying I wonder how it fares against community goods in terms of vibes and hype has nothing to do with me saying they are more like them than Starbucks—if you’ve read previous stuff I’ve written I’ve written about the downfall of $SBUX retail is hard I’m curious if they will chase that tried and failed vs maybe go on another angle
Ah, my bad. I think a business' operations and scale still influences the vibes though. I expect low hype, BUT I think Blank Street (BS...) can probably serve a dupe culture purpose for people who aren't willing to wait in line, etc., and just want a fancy matcha or whatever. Alfred Coffee needs a serious competitor. Blank Street would really crush at airports or business parks.
I think I get why you're comparing them, but Blank Street is really not similar to Community Goods or Pantry's model - it's probably actually closer to Starbucks (though I'd say La Colombe is the best comp). Blank Street feels like it's about making the "vibes" of Community Goods, Canyon Coffee, etc. approachable. They have an app.
If there's one thing about LA, it's that people seem to not care about NY transplanted businesses. Prince St. Pizza, Roberta's, Dante, Levain... all of those openings fell pretty flat, even if they inspired people to open their own imitated versions in LA...
Mmm I think you’re conflating things, I’m saying I wonder how it fares against community goods in terms of vibes and hype has nothing to do with me saying they are more like them than Starbucks—if you’ve read previous stuff I’ve written I’ve written about the downfall of $SBUX retail is hard I’m curious if they will chase that tried and failed vs maybe go on another angle
Ah, my bad. I think a business' operations and scale still influences the vibes though. I expect low hype, BUT I think Blank Street (BS...) can probably serve a dupe culture purpose for people who aren't willing to wait in line, etc., and just want a fancy matcha or whatever. Alfred Coffee needs a serious competitor. Blank Street would really crush at airports or business parks.
Can anyone explain the PopUp Bagels hype and $300M valuation? Are the bagels that good?