Siren Song of Starbucks?

Slightly over a year ago, I was quite excited. I was anticipating the opening of a new coffee shop in Wilmington, and from what I heard from people with sources, it was going to be a Starbucks. The new Donatos small business complex, financed by their wonderful neighbors, the realty folks, was to house Donatos, the new Cash Land, and later come home to Qdoba. Well, one problem. After the new Donatos and gouge land opened up, there was nothing to be seen in way of a coffee shop. So, I patiently waited. And then, I heard it had fallen through. Something about the ‘demographics not being suitable,’ or some nonsense. Wait…not being suitable? Isn’t this a college town? Isn’t there a gigantic airport that employs several thousand from counties across Ohio? Let me get this straight…this small city can support vast industry for airplanes and shipping, higher education, a modest tourism industry and it serves as a county seat, but it cannot support a Starbucks? Sounded patently absurd to me last year. But, now that time has passed, I’ve had some time to think about the idea of Starbucks, and if it really would be a good thing for Wilmington.

Concerning places for coffee in Wilmington and cafe hangouts and such, there really is only one true choice: Jen’s Uptown Deli. Yes, there is that Joe’s Java place, but Jen’s Deli doesn’t come with a dose of indoctrination with it; you can do your own thing, hang out with your laptop, read a book or buy a skateboard. There are good places to get coffee, that’s not in dispute. The Mediterranean restaurant offers a coffee bar, oh, and don’t forget the plethora of gas stations and fast food restaurants and sit down restaurants with “gourmet coffee.” P-l-e-a-s-e. In a sense, I can understand the lack of a more urbane place to buy a cup of coffee. Does Wilmington need a Starbucks? What would a Starbucks do to this town?

At Jen’s Deli, you can get a good cup of coffee for a bit over a dollar, and an latte or a cappuccino for 2-3 something in price. I was recently chatting with Peter, a manger of sorts at the deli, and he was relating an amusing experience of a recent customer who turned out to be a former Starbucks manager, who was asking for a complicated drink order with Peter responding with, “oh, you want this…” and then making the order without the snobby Italian jargon. What is appealing about Jen’s Deli is that it’s a place that doesn’t intimidate. Sure, the owner and most of the staff are kind of “out there,” in a sense, but, they can make a good cup of coffee and do it the way you want it. This adds to the unique culture of Wilmington, I would like to believe.

Does Wilmington need a cookie-cutter coffee experience that has no soul? Well, some would go for that, no doubt. Actually, many would. I might even like to stop in for a breve latte one of these days if one comes to Wilmington. But, what would be even better is a new, independent cafe, dedicated to the coffeehouse environment, where conversation is fostered and the passion and vibrancy of the soul is fueled. Just my opinion though. Maybe some small business owner who is brave enough will take up the challenge to create a new, fresh experience for Wilmington (I would do it myself if I had the circumstances, aka, not being in nursing classes). One of these days, I hope.

done and done.

Spring Q

Now for the education scene in Wilmington, Ohio.

It’s the first day of classes at Southern State Community College, and Wilmington is the home of the North Campus of the college. Haven’t heard of it? Don’t blame you. It’s not a particularly prestigious institution. I guess the most popular programs would be the nursing program or the general education program. There are plenty of high school students who take free courses thanks to the Post Secondary program. They can also take them at Wilmington College, but hey, that requires a 3.5 GPA or higher.

So, in the Wilmington area, as mentioned, there are basically two choices of so-called ‘higher education’ available. Many students take advantage of the community college to take basic education classes, such as sociology, philosophy, biology, chemistry, etc. And they are taught by fine professors. There is a stigma about community college being dumbed down somehow. Not true. All of my classes I’ve taken have been taught by ones with doctorate or masters degrees (i.e.-Bill Henry, Bob Headley, Terry Flum, all Ph.D educated), with one or two simply having a bachelors. When it comes to the more well known college, Wilmington College, an entirely new culture develops.

Wilmington can rightly be labeled as a college town (but lacking a truly dedicated coffee shop, unfortunately), which is earned from the history of WC. The education is pricier, there is a campus community, and the women’s basketball program has some prestige. They won the NCAA Division III title in 2004. Go Dubtown! But, for the price, there is the distinction of going to Wilmington College. It is known in the world for programs promoting peace (perhaps because of the Quaker connection…?), is a major participator in the ONE Campaign, and has hosted guest speakers of fame, from Terry Daniels to…well, others, since that’s the only one I remember off the top of my head, from when I was there as a child. Does Southern State have anything like that? Well…er…there are some vending machines in the lobby…a fuzzy television that somebody keeps tuned to paternity strife on Maury or some goon in small claims court…and table tennis! Whereas WC has a football team (as awful as they may be, no offense intended), a decently reputable soccer team, and the aforementioned title winning women’s basketball team, amongst others. Why does any of this matter?

Though I heard many people in school express a strong desire to get out of Wilmington, I’ve seen that several stay close or don’t move at all. When it comes to education, there are the two basic options for residents of Wilmington: the local community college or the renowned institution. There are pros and cons to each one, but to pick one as being  ‘better’ would be quite unfair. For as much as I mock the community college, I rightfully can, since I am enrolled there, and split my classes between Wilmington and Hillsboro (but let’s not go to that even stranger town…).

So, a roundabout way of informing the audience about what is there for some of the higher education in Wilmington. By no means an in-depth analysis, but food for thought.

done and done.