City Beer Store SF

Discussion in 'Pacific' started by amart79, Apr 11, 2012.

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  1. Blackstudded

    Blackstudded Initiate (0) Mar 2, 2012

    Arbitrator,

    That sounds insincere. Before they blew up last year and then expanded, the owners poured just about every glass of beer. It's not naive to spend your money in a manner that insures it benefits your community. Spending money at CBS is good for beer in SF and good for my neighbors. I would say the same thing about Healthy Spirits or Jug Shop or Toronado. Healthy Spirits isn't cheap. Jug Shop has great prices and great selection, guess what they're also the biggest store and do huge volume in wine, beer, and liquor. Volume matters.

    As for price inflation, I never noticed the FFAC price discrepancy, but if they changed it after a just complaint I say what's the problem? They made a business decision, it wasn't the right one, it was pointed out, and they righted the course. Do you think it's possible they gave the extra 5 bucks to RRBC as well? That registers a .1 on the evil meter.
     
  2. Arbitrator

    Arbitrator Pooh-Bah (1,955) Nov 26, 2008 California
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    No offense, but that's kind of all over the place. Yes, they poured their own beer -- so what?

    As for supporting local, I agree with that attitude, particularly in beer. However, there are numerous other small stores (again, local) that are more competitive on pricing and seem to have less interest in bleeding me dry. If CBS were the only option, then I'd probably agree with your mindset, but I think it's a bit outdated now that craft has become more popular and many other tap / bottleshop options exist.

    I would also say that, in addition to volume, connections matter. I think it's no surprise that Craig & Beth's family connections to Artisan land them the lion's share of special releases (for example, the only store in their network to get PvW and JD Eclipse in 2009, the only store to get Brandy Eclipse in 2010). They've got local distribution by the balls and they use it to their advantage. I firmly disagree that this benefits the community; stifling competition is to the detriment of the locals, in my opinion.

    I would guess they paid for the beer ahead of time before selling it, so it's not likely that RRBC charged everyone else $20 and CBS $25. No, the markup was their decision, and it was a shitty one. Reversing the decision under pressure doesn't erase what it reveals about their mindset.

    As for what the problem is and how minor of a problem it is: wow. If I have to explain the ethics, we're never going to agree on it.

    What you're saying (buy local, even if it's pricier) is firmly against my capital interest. It is apparent that CBS acts in THEIR capital interests, so why shouldn't I? I'll shop where it's cheaper, and probably more ethical.

    Cheers. :slight_smile:
     
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  3. stupac2

    stupac2 Pooh-Bah (2,031) Feb 22, 2011 California
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I think if there's one thing that basically no one will disagree with in economics, it's that stifling competition is always bad (except when you have a market that can't be competitive for whatever reason, but beer stores are definitely competitive).
     
  4. Arbitrator

    Arbitrator Pooh-Bah (1,955) Nov 26, 2008 California
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I don't know, I have the feeling bringing up that argument in a City Beer Store discussion is the one place where people will argue that point.

    Word has it that CBS was pissed when Beer Revolution opened up. That's all sorts of bad faith bullshit.
     
  5. Blackstudded

    Blackstudded Initiate (0) Mar 2, 2012

    Yes, each place gets their own gems and has their connections...... that matters.

    I get it dude, like I said if it's true it's wrong. If they changed it because you and others took them task and held them accountable great job, it's wrong to make profit from charity.

    Have fun with your capital interests. :wink:
    Cheers, Sincerely

    *edit* spelling
     
  6. Arbitrator

    Arbitrator Pooh-Bah (1,955) Nov 26, 2008 California
    Pooh-Bah Society Trader

    I've been told I'm no longer welcome at CBS for making posts like these; I'm also banned from a couple of other Bay Area establishments for being too honest. And yet I'm drowning in beer. Believe me... I have no issues speaking my mind and voting with my wallet.
     
    Hatzilla, afrokaze and teamizm like this.
  7. stupac2

    stupac2 Pooh-Bah (2,031) Feb 22, 2011 California
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Man, that would be kinda shitty. I think it's pretty clear that the Bay Area has too few good craft beer bars, if anything.
     
  8. drgarage

    drgarage Initiate (0) Aug 19, 2008 California

    Seriously. Portland, San Diego, and Chicago are way-spoiled by comparison.

    Edited to note that I would love for the Healthy Spirits guys to get some taps. Love those guys.
     
  9. stupac2

    stupac2 Pooh-Bah (2,031) Feb 22, 2011 California
    Pooh-Bah Society

    They're too close to a school, I believe. Plus the shop is super tiny.
     
  10. Rzzzzz

    Rzzzzz Savant (1,177) Nov 10, 2007 California

    Don't know where you heard that. I remember them posting a nice note to Fraggle when BR opened, if not in these forums then somewhere else. Brookston, or maybe William Brand's blog.
     
  11. drgarage

    drgarage Initiate (0) Aug 19, 2008 California

    That only remains true if they stay in their current location permanently. There are definitely some vacant store fronts on Market that are promising... Doubt they'll ever move, but one can dream.
     
  12. stupac2

    stupac2 Pooh-Bah (2,031) Feb 22, 2011 California
    Pooh-Bah Society

    I don't know about MOVE, but I've heard rumblings about a second location. Although I might have completely made that up, at some point all the beer rumors mix together.
     
  13. cfh64

    cfh64 Pooh-Bah (1,996) Aug 16, 2005 Texas
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    I'm ashamed of myself, I failed miserably! Although I have enjoyed reading the posts.
     
  14. baycat

    baycat Initiate (0) Apr 30, 2008 California
    Deactivated

    If CBS was upset at a beer spot opening across the bay, how about when one expands near downtown SF with a cellar and tap room.

    And I enjoy CBS although the one short bartender with the glasses needs to give his napoleon complex a rest.
     
  15. ewright

    ewright Initiate (0) Oct 25, 2007 North Carolina

    Dang, I was there last night and missed the Angel's Share. The 2010 Abyss was awesome and the wife enjoyed the panty peeler :wink:

    I enjoyed my visit, dropped $200 (nearly half on some 2011 Eclipses).
     
  16. NoMoreBeerBelly

    NoMoreBeerBelly Pundit (813) Dec 2, 2009 North Carolina

    Just saw CBS is freaking closed on Mondays? Damn! Coming into town in two weeks and Monday is the ONLY day we will be in San Fran! Ugh!

    Question for those in the area. Another other good spots to stop for good bottle selection on the drive into town from Monterey? I am talking quick and easy access off the freeways. Thanks!
     
  17. baycat

    baycat Initiate (0) Apr 30, 2008 California
    Deactivated

    Healthy Spirits if you take the Octavia exit off the freeway.
     
  18. afrokaze

    afrokaze Pooh-Bah (1,933) Jun 12, 2009 Oregon
    Pooh-Bah Society

    Man, I wish I would have known about some of these things a few years ago. Of course I take all internet mumblings with a grain of salt, but it's still disappointing that a place I like puts forward the "hooray craft beer community!" face but doesn't follow through on it. I'll still go to CBS when I'm in the city proper, but Beer Rev is the shit.
     
  19. noelromo

    noelromo Initiate (0) Apr 13, 2012

    Beer Revolution is the best beer bar in the Bay Area for sure
     
  20. teamizm

    teamizm Initiate (0) Feb 4, 2005 California

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