I think that there is little doubt that some of the big operators are ahead of many of the smaller concerns in terms of quality control, especially once you get out of the city metro areas. And both Gj and SBs have been responsible for putting espresso based coffees on the map, in Australia, in a way that we have not seen before. As far as this topic goes, I am reminded of my days working as a sommelier in restaurants, when someone would say to me: "What's a good wine?" To which I would more often than not reply: "What do you enjoy drinking?" The implication being that, whatever makes you happy, can only be a good thing, and that no amount of dissecting, or overanalysing, of a product, can take away that enjoyment. So yes, whilst there may be a lot of discussion about the finer points of latte art (or whatever) on this forum, at the end of the day, if you keep doing what you enjoy, and constantly questioning what it is that you do or don't like about a certain product, then standards and appreciation can only improve over time, anyway. Its easy to forget that we all have to start somewhere, and that some of the franchises are making a lot better coffee than what I can get locally (although not better than what I can make for myself at home - but that's another story. So do what you love, and drink what you enjoy, and to hell with all the rest, I say! ACG
