Slate makes a pretty convincing argument that Starbucks is actually helping independent coffeehouses proliferate. [slate ^[1]]

According to recent figures from the Specialty Coffee Association of America, 57 percent of the nation’s coffeehouses are still mom and pops. Just over the five-year period from 2000 to 2005–long after Starbucks supposedly obliterated indie cafes–the number of mom and pops grew 40 percent, from 9,800 to nearly 14,000 coffeehouses. (Starbucks, I might add, tripled in size over that same time period. Good times all around.) So much for the sharp decline in locally owned coffee shops. And prepare yourself for some bona fide solid investment advice: The failure rate for new coffeehouses is a mere 10 percent, according to the market research firm Mintel, which means the vast majority of cafes stay afloat no matter where Starbucks drops its stores. Compare that to the restaurant business, where failure is the norm.

In summary, Starbucks’ coffee is nasty and overpriced and independent stores are doing well because of it. The mystery of how Starbucks itself continues to thrive will never be solved.