While I sympathize with the North End and understand their concerns, I don’t know that they can prevent a national chain like Starbucks from opening, but I thought I’d share this video. I hope that if Starbucks does eventually open, local opposition remains and the public continues to support one of the existing family-owned coffee shops and cafes in the North End.
I loved this quote from the video, “We don’t need a company such as them showing the people what it’s not like to be Italian,” says an employee at the Modern bakery.

I was born in Somerville but grew up in San Diego, CA. My Dad’s family lived in Cambridge their whole lives. I visit Boston often, more specifically the North End. The restaurant / bakeries / Coffee Shop are good. Unfortunately, most of the owners and employees are not the most friendly people. Yes, I am an outsider, but I visit often and they should appreciate our business. I know how hard you have all worked to build t his community and I agree corporate chains / restaurants are not always necessary in every neighborhood. But remember, Starbucks, Walgreen’s and many others all started a 1 locations establishments. Good luck!
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