Remember when you had to go to a bar or a liquor store to get an alcoholic drink? So inefficient, right?
Two of the biggest food retailers are considering whether that should change. Starbucks is testing sales of regional wines and beers at its "Starbucks of The Future" in Seattle and Burger King is testing beer sales at its Whopper Bar in Miami's South Beach.
Starbucks officials said its strategy is in response to customers who "want more options for relaxing in our stores in the afternoon and evenings." The beer and wine sales are part of an expanded menu at the "Starbucks of The Future" location, as well as more of a cafe feel in its decor and design. The company did not return requests for comment on how the test, which started last year, is proceeding or whether it would be expanded.
Burger King's Whopper Bar restaurants -- six locations around the country -- are designed to be a bit more upscale than regular Burger Kings, with upscale toppings and regional sandwiches. Chuck Fallon, Burger King's North America President, said in a statement that the South Beach Whopper Bar outlet was a good place to try adding beer -- Anheuser-Busch and Miller Coors products -- to the menu.
A Burger King spokesman declined comment on how the test was going and would not say whether it would be expanded.
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