"I've often wondered if people choose Starbucks because they genuinely enjoy the taste or if it's more about the status that comes with frequenting a popular coffee shop. Occasionally, I do stop by Starbucks when I'm in the mood for something specific or when a family member requests it. However, when I'm in Hawthorne, I rarely stop for coffee—whether iced or hot—but I typically find myself at Chill Bubble Tea.
My relationship with Gloria Jean's dates back to the early '90s when Gurnee Mills first opened, and that was when I first discovered it. I visited a few times over the years, but sadly, they left the mall around 15 years ago. Ultimately, if a place serves a delicious coffee drink—be it a macchiato, espresso, or frappé—it doesn’t matter which brand it is. Whether it’s Starbucks, Gloria Jean's, Caribou, Dutch Bros, Hansa Roasters, or another, what truly matters is what you enjoy. Recently, I stopped by and tried a Mint Chocolate Bomb, which was fantastic! The venue was clean, prices seemed reasonable, and the customer service was excellent."
