The Birth of a Starbucks Habit

Twenty-five years ago, living in suburban Atlanta meant embracing the city’s chain-driven culture, especially when it came to coffee. Back then, the options for a decent morning brew were limited, and Starbucks, with its rapidly expanding presence, stood out as the best choice. As the first coffee shop to truly lean into the concept of loyalty cards, Starbucks offered perks that were too good to resist. For a city built on consistency and convenience, Starbucks quickly became part of my daily routine. And so, a habit was born. But eventually, I decided it was time to quit Starbucks, and that decision ultimately led me to the Breville Barista Pro, which transformed my coffee experience entirely.

The Evolution of Taste: From Lattes to Local Brews

Over the years, my morning ritual remained firmly anchored at Starbucks. While I dabbled with Dunkin’ Donuts on occasion, Starbucks was the go-to for a more “upscale” coffee experience. But as my coffee consumption increased, so did my curiosity about what else was out there. Slowly, I started venturing into local, out-of-the-way coffee shops. Atlanta’s coffee scene was evolving, offering an ever-growing array of unique and flavorful options. My taste buds were maturing, and I began to appreciate the art of coffee making beyond the walls of Starbucks. Considering this, I began to contemplate if I should quit Starbucks.

Despite this newfound appreciation for variety, Starbucks still held a special place in my routine. The loyalty card continued to be of value, and Starbucks’ variety of sugar-free syrups kept me coming back. In hindsight, I realized that my frequent visits weren’t just about the coffee, it was the sweet, comforting allure of their lattes, which were more like warm milkshakes than a serious cup of joe.

The Gradual Decline: A Latte Too Far

The turning point in my Starbucks journey didn’t happen overnight. Like Hemingway’s famous quote, “How did you go bankrupt? Two ways. Gradually, then suddenly,” my departure from Starbucks was a slow burn that turned into a swift exit. It was finally time to quit Starbucks.

It began with small annoyances. Over the years, Starbucks gradually reduced its sugar-free syrup options to just one. This limitation, combined with a noticeable decline in customer service and order accuracy, started to wear on me. I found that more often than not, my lattes were poorly made, a significant issue when you’re already halfway down the road before taking that first disappointing sip. These small frustrations added up, making my morning coffee run feel more like a gamble than a treat and led to my decision to quit Starbucks.

Taking Matters Into My Own Hands

Faced with these repeated disappointments, I decided to take control. I’m someone who enjoys a good research project, so I set out to see if I could recreate my favorite Starbucks drinks at home. This was easier said than done, especially when I discovered that the Mastrena machines used by Starbucks cost around $20,000, well out of my price range.

Undeterred, I experimented with lower-cost espresso machines and milk frothers, but the results were disappointing. Nothing came close to the consistency and quality I was seeking. Then, a work trip to Italy changed everything. Italy is a nation where coffee is a serious affair, but rather than lattes, I found myself drawn to the Americano. This simpler, stronger coffee was a revelation.

Upon returning home, I did some quick math. At $5.50 per drink, with four to five visits per week, my Starbucks habit was costing me around $1,200 annually. Considering my family, my wife and two teenage daughters, this amount often exceeded that. What if, instead of spending that money on subpar lattes, I invested in a quality espresso machine? This thought cemented my decision to quit Starbucks.

The Breakup: Investing in Quality

During the holiday season, I visited my sister, a chef with an impeccable palate. She introduced me to her Breville Barista Pro. After dinner, my brother-in-law made me an Americano, and I was hooked. I knew immediately that this would be my next big purchase. Yes, it was an investment—machines like the Breville Barista Pro typically range between $700 and $850, but after more than two years of use, it’s the one thing I truly miss when I’m away from home. When I travel, I look forward to returning to my Breville, knowing that a perfect cup of coffee awaits.

The Breville Barista Pro isn’t for the casual coffee drinker; it’s a machine that requires a bit of learning and finesse. But for those willing to invest the time, the results are unparalleled. My Starbucks app is now long deleted, my loyalty points spent, and I can’t even remember the last time I set foot in one of their stores. My mornings are now filled with the rich, robust flavors of home-brewed coffee, crafted exactly to my liking.

Reflection: The End of an Era

While I wish Starbucks’ new CEO all the best and hope for the brand’s turnaround, I doubt I’ll ever return with the same frequency I once did. My coffee journey has taken me from the comfort of chain-driven consistency to the personalized experience of home brewing. Not only am I saving money, but I’m also savoring each cup more than ever before.

Breaking up with Starbucks wasn’t just about finding better coffee; it was about reclaiming the ritual, the satisfaction, and the joy that comes with making something just the way you like it. It’s a small, daily victory that starts my day on the right note, every time. In the end, the decision to quit Starbucks was about more than coffee; it was about reclaiming my mornings.