The world is becoming a giant chain store

Starbucks is invading Italy. That's a terrible sign.

The world as brands.
(Image credit: Onur Hazar Altindag/iStock)

Starbucks just opened its first store in Italy, and many are heralding it as a big change for the country, and indeed it is. But it's not a good change. It's yet the latest sign that America's monolithic fast food companies are taking over the world, replacing local community culture, all without offering an ounce of real quality.

Many see Italy as coffee's "spiritual home." The country first crafted espresso in the 18th century, and has since cultivated a variety of beverages, as well as daily rituals, based on the concoction. It has characteristically boasted small neighborhood coffee bars and a rather protectionist attitude toward foreign big business.

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Gracy Olmstead

Gracy Olmstead is a writer and journalist located outside Washington, D.C. She's written for The American Conservative, National Review, The Federalist, and The Washington Times, among others.