Cafe coffee day. Poor mans Barista... it used to be, but now I think its gaining in reputation. It stands apart as a separate chain and can seriously hold its own against the more famous barista.
Frankly I dont see much difference in the tastes. the difference is in the cost of the coffee. Barista is almost twice as expensive, it makes one wonder why anyone would visit it? Is it for the Hip value (you cant put that beyond bombayites) or is it simply loyalty ( I know some nuts who do this).
Service.. well here we have a difference. The Barista staff I feel are more aloof, curt and not so customer friendly as compared to the coffeeday staff. It almost seems that the barista chappies only smile when u pay them.
The atmosphere in coffee day also is more relaxed. I like that. If you go to band stand in bandra we have coffee day and barista rubbing shoulders. Its a great place and I really like the way the staff behave with the customers. they are smiling all the time, they seems to recognise you if you go there more than once. These small things make a huge difference. on the other hand, next door barista man, seems bored to attend to you. makes you feel like you are begging for coffee and that he is doing a great favour by serving you. I didnt like the experience one bit. I gave them another chance, but the attitude has not changed.
thats about it. Coffee day is good, and I hope it stays that way.