It’s so sad to see how major chains are doing a quick reno and removing most of the seating. Just like the author, I also live in a dense Canadian neighbourhood, and there’s a Starbucks a block away from my place which pulled the same thing last year.
Another sad reality is, even though it’s a corporate initiative, it’s only happening in specific countries. Whoever lives in Japan or South Korea, can attest to the fact how every global chain operates on a different level over there. Obviously “you shouldn’t drink on the street” cultural norm affects the business decisions, but still, it’s just sad to see how there are less and less people just hang out in public.
Another sad reality is, even though it’s a corporate initiative, it’s only happening in specific countries. Whoever lives in Japan or South Korea, can attest to the fact how every global chain operates on a different level over there. Obviously “you shouldn’t drink on the street” cultural norm affects the business decisions, but still, it’s just sad to see how there are less and less people just hang out in public.