what is so great about siphon and i mean this as a compliment, is that they have done everything the way starbucks should have done it but didn't (missed opportunities). first. the ambience. the siphon team has created a wonderfulplaceto camp out if one needs to, with free wi-fi, comfortable chairs, excellent food options, resulting in aplacethat is more like your home away home. if there were showers and beds you might not need to leave. kidding. and...they have alcohol! yay!
now, the original starbucks concept was just this. create a beautiful and comfortable environment for people to enjoy their morning coffee like some of the coffeehouses the original owners visited in roma. now, some would say this is not a great business model. in that people will nurse that one cup of coffee while using the free wifi and restrooms, etc. but i disagree. i think that those people will be there, but the majority will just be there for a short and pleasant time. and look forward to their next visit.
next, whereas starbucks decided to go with an over roasted, dark almost charcoal roast (how much great coffee has been ruined by starbucks aka charbucks? the mind boggles), the owners of siphon opted to go with local artisan roasters for their coffee and/or bring in nationally acclaimed coffee. currently there are big bags of stumptown on the shelves (i am a happy guy). next, they brought in a new technology, the siphon, which is bringing in a "fun" aspect to your morning coffee. all in all, this is a five starplacein my opinion. i recommend it.