Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Wolfgang Puck: Starbucks Coffee Is "Terrible," An Embarassment
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 27, 2011
Modified Nov 27, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 27, 2011
Modified Nov 27, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck may have numerous restaurants steps away from Starbucks locations at airports, but don't think he likes the java joint's offerings.
Puck, who has his own line of coffee and is launching an iced coffee drink, told Culturemap, "Starbucks, what they make, if you open a bottle and smell it, what did they do to the coffee? They created a taste in the memory for people, which is interesting, so that people really think it's good coffee. But it's terrible coffee!"
He continued, "Like when I fly on United Airlines they say, 'We proudly serve Starbucks coffee.' I said they should say, 'We are embarrassed to serve Starbucks coffee.'" But is he embarrassed about this review of the Wolfgang Puck Express at O'Hare Airport: "Sure, we all love that little Austrian dynamo with his charming accent but it's not like he's personally preparing your turkey club sandwich that's wrapped in cellophane and forlornly awaiting your reach on a refrigerated shelf in Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. But for 10$, he probably should be. I've had better sandwiches from a bodega policed by a fat, flea ridden cat napping on top of a stack of plantains for one fifth the price."
Starbucks is launching a "blonde roast" in an apparent attempt to rid itself of the "Charbucks" nickname.
Tagged
coffee
embarrassing
starbucks
wolfgang puck
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Published Oct 26, 2026 at 10:01 a.m. ET
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .