new departure for Starbucks?

Apparently Starbucks has been opening branches that feature a wine list and "small plates" in addition to their usual offerings. This seems like an interesting - I hesitate to say 'promising' - idea. Has anyone tried one of these places? Any thoughts on the merits of the concept?

They have been around downtown Seattle for a while. Still Starbucks, for better or worse.

Apparently, the concept is known as "Starbucks Evenings"
More info to be had at link below--

http://www.starbucks.com/coffeehouse/st ... /locations

The Starbucks at the corner of Diversey and Sheffield is doing this.

So is the Streets of Woodfield Starbucks in Schaumburg

Do the examples noted above seem to be succeeding in their role as wine bars? I've been to the latest (I think) one, on Rush St. right next door to Prada, but only for coffee.

I'm curious as to the answer to Roger's question as well. (In both senses of the word "succeeding"--are these Starbuckses succeeding as wine bars in the eyes of customers, and is the experiment proving to be financially successful for the company.)

I went to the Diversey/Sheffield one for an "open house" type thing for the neighbors when they first opened. We enjoyed the wine pours, and the hors d'oeuvre were tasty. I've been back many a time since, but during the day, and for coffee and usual Starbucks fare, so I can't report on the new items on a typical evening.

I do hope they succeed, though, because as part of the revamp, they did a nice remodel/redecoration of the interior and of the patio, which makes me hope the investment pays out.

I can tell you that if you're looking for a Starbucks with this concept, look for ones where the awnings and mermaid sign are black, not green. That seems to be the signifier.