Despite one’s personal opinions about Starbucks (the coffee’s too strong! It tastes burnt), the opening of the coffee chain’s first location in the county seems to bring with it some positive news. 

With a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the café (see story on page 1A), many Monticello residents and those from farther away made lines outside waiting to get their coffee of choice. 

Local officials attended the opening and shared their excitement for the new business. 

We know that the Town of Thompson has pushed hard for new commerce to open in the town, adding to its business corridor on Route 42. 

While some may criticize national chains and box stores opening here, think of it this way: now residents are staying in the area while they visit these stores, adding to the sales tax. 

It’s important to support small, local business, and we want to see them stay successful. Spending at a chain store may not directly support a business owner, but it still circulates money through the local economy. 

With all that being said, we welcome Starbucks to the county. It’s providing jobs for many people that otherwise would not have existed. 

However, it’s not just about providing jobs, but providing good jobs. It would be difficult to ignore the nationwide union strike as Starbucks workers fight for better pay, better job protections, and ask management to address understaffing issues. 

According to the workers, Starbucks continues to ignore the barista’s demands, but note that negotiations are close to the finish line.

If we want to support Starbucks being a part of our community, they must give that back—and support the community they are in. 

Let’s hope for a resolved path forward.