Starbucks French Roast Via Ready Brew officially launches on Tuesday, January 4, 2011. It’s the newest addition to the ever-growing line of Via Ready Brew flavors. You can now buy Colombia, Italian, Decaf, four flavored Via (Mocha, Caramel, Cinnamon Spice, and Vanilla), and Iced Via Ready Brew. Briefly, Christmas Blend Via was available but that flavor sold out quickly and is now close to impossible to find at any store. If you have tried this new French Roast Via please weigh in and let us know what you think! At the rate that new Via flavors are being introduced, pretty soon the whole bean wall will be duplicated with teensy weensy little packages of Via Ready Brew! What’s after this? Gold Coast Via? Verona Via?
If you like reading about Via, I have a category which covers my many blog posts about Via:
Via Ready Brew Category – One of my favorite old posts is from over one year ago, and features the Via Ready Brew knit cap.
There is definitely some demand for more Via variety. There is at least one thread on MyStarbucksIdea.com calling for the introduction of Verona flavored Via Ready Brew. And if one keeps digging, there are more requests for more Via flavors – yet another asking for Verona Via. A little more frightening is the idea of Pike Place Roast Via. One person wants Via in Breakfast Blend flavor. And the threads on MyStarbucksIdea.com asking for Via flavors are non stop: Here is one person who wants Espresso Roast Via. To round out the request for Via flavors, here is a thread asking for Sumatra Via.
This thread is just an open thread. It’s been about two weeks since I did an open Friday/weekend thread so I decided to quickly throw this together. Talk about anything Starbucks-related: New Reserve coffees, your Christmas experiences at Starbucks, your favorite Starbucks, My Starbucks Idea, the new partner-only community website, the Starbucks Digital Network, or anything you can think of. Heck, feel free to chat away in the comments about your New Year’s resolutions!
By the way, I will have a new blog article tomorrow which will be about Starbucks mugs. There will be an announcement of a new contest which has the goal of showing off _your_ Starbucks mugs, so please check back tomorrow too. One more thing: I’ve had a Facebook fanpage up for about one month, so if you use Facebook, please “like” my page. I understand if you don’t! Since I am actually a Twitter addict, it took a long long time to break down and add a Facebook page but I finally did because I figured that some people are addicted to Facebook and not Twitter.
This blog post will hold you over until tomorrow!
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I do like Via, but only use it when I need it. I will not go out of my way to buy it or to use it.
Check out my new years resolutions here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrA3-uxwnm4
Melody, I just bought a ticket to Seattle and I’ll be there from 1/31-2/8 and I hope to run into you while I am visiting all the stores I possibly can on my Starbucks vacation!
Melody- Via seems to sit at my local SB and am not sure how fast it sells. My resolution re SB would be to offer more vegetarian options especially for breakfast that do not have eggs and cheese. Egg whites and veggie options yes! Also, that sign issue brought up on Twitter needs to be cleared up. Only related to Boston area? Nationwide? Did not see anything this am about it at my local SB. And lastly I hope Melody you continue this great blog even though it takes time.
Oh I also have to say I also wish that MSI would be totally revamped. Used to enjoy going there, but my visits there are not as often. That is another wish for SB.
My Store must have missed the memo. I drank some last week at out store. I did love the boldness of the coffee. These vias are turning me away from the other starbucks fair. Might even buy one of thos via machines as well. I got some xmas brew if you need it.
That’s a heck of a birthday present from starbucks 🙂
Happy new year everyone!
I have a pckg of the new French R. VIA here that I was given yesterday….not for sale here yet, either. (the 4th). I will try it later today and comment.
And now, I think, we have enught VIA. I thought I wanted some of the flavors (caramel, which seems very popular here) in decaf…..but, now I don’t care anymore. I am tired of seeing too many VIAs. It’s got to stop somewhere.
I feel like there will be a new Via option every 3 months and soon the whole bean wall will be replaced with Via. Call me paranoid but the focus seems to be Via the last year, which I think is disturbing as it takes away from the true coffee experience. I detest French Roast to begin with so I have not been anxious to try the French Roast Via Ready Brew.
Before we all know it, VIA is going to come in every coffee flavor Starbucks offers! Hahaha. It’ll be interesting to compare the flavor of this newest VIA to the real, whole bean deal.
And for the record – I do facebook not twitter and was glad you made your facebook page. =)
I will be more excited to see Verona via as I have a special place in my heart for Verona. Coffee of love!
Melody:
VIA is always in my purse, even though during the work week I can’t throw a rock without hitting a Starbucks. Maybe I was a Girl Scout in another life but I like to keep my Starbucks coffee close at hand.
Another VIA on the shelf won’t bother me in the least. I must confess I have gotten into the habit of microwaving a cup of hot water and using the VIA while I am waiting for the water on the stove to boil for the French press.
See you at the next StarAnnon meeting!
Thats great news as I love this range. Just hope it doesnt take too long to hit the UK. We’ve still not got the Mocha, Caramel, Cinnamon Spiceor Vanilla ones yet ! Fortunately I stocked up when I was in the states in November.
Not back until May so hopefully Starbucks UK will push it through soon.
@Diele – I have the same worry as you that Via Ready Brew (or Via Coffee Essence as it is called in Japan) will take away from the true coffee experience, and even cheapen a bit what the “coffee master” apron means, ?? I am a bit thinking outloud here, but I there has to be a point where it slows down a bit.
As to French Roast Via, it will be a hit in my home (I think). My bf loves Starbucks French Roast, so the real test will be how he likes this Via.
@purple1 – MyStarbucksIdea is like a neighborhood where one community moved out, and another moved in and Mayor and Town Sheriff didn’t notice the change.
I have heard there is a new veggie item coming out on 1-4 I just don’t remember what. I know the tweet you are talking about. A rogue Starbucks that put up that obnoxious militant sign. Here in Seattle, a DM would tear that down so fast. Not a single DM would want that hanging in their stores.
@AmazonV – Wait. Is it your birthday coming next Tuesday!!!????
@Tim_Sandor – Just doesn’t surprise me. Stores are excited about the Via and want to break it out a little early.
@deniseR – I know it’s enough Via though I confess that MSI thread on Breakfast Blend Via got me thinking – That actually would be a solid idea for a medium Via, and would shine some light on an under-rated Starbucks coffee.
@Taylor – Hi there! Hope we can meet up when you are here. I’ve been through a drastic 2010, and I’m glad it is over. It was an emotionally draining year. In 2011, I start on a new team at my office so it might be a little harder to get time off than before. We might have to play it by ear a bit.
@SuzanneC – They serve flavored Via at those StarAnnon meetings! LOL. I gotta admit that the Breakfast Blend Via MyStarbucksIdea thread really got me thinking that that wasn’t a bad idea as a next choice! ALWAYS great to see you here!!
Good Morning! Happy New Years Eve day… Personally, I will not be sad to see 2010 go.
I have only had the opportunity to try the Mocha Via. I was impressed at the lack of ‘instant’ flavor. I look forward to trying other flavors.
I would hope that Starbucks would not lose it’s primary focus… Excellence in brewed coffees.
I will have my morning cup now. I’ll wander back and catch up in a while.
I also like the new double sided glasses shows the tea so nicely! Asked if they will ever go on sale and told not yet. Question- about Via- Is there different parts of the country that have better sales of this than others? Due to weather? Demographics?
@Platti – Hey welcome to the blog!! Yeah, the international markets get these releases a little later. Hopefully won’t be too long before you can buy this in the UK! How did you find my site? Come back soon and comment again – The archives is full of interesting stuff.
I, like Taylor the Via but won’t go out of my way to buy it, I have packets that I keep at work and in my purse just in case I ever need it. But I’m not a huge fan. It’s nice to have in case I do need them. I think the only Via I would be really excited about is if an espresso roast was created.
@purple and @melody- What is this in reference to?
Also, that sign issue brought up on Twitter needs to be cleared up. Only related to Boston area? Nationwide? Did not see anything this am about it at my local SB. And lastly I hope Melody you continue this great blog even though it takes time.
also I’m new on the gingerbread bandwagon- is that one of the syrups that is only around for the holiday season, i.e will stores not be ordering if they run out?
Hi Melody,
I’m not sure which came first following your website or twitter. I think I found you from Google, have been reading throught the site for a while now, keep up the great work !
Happy New Year to Melody and all her faithful followers 🙂
It is interesting to see the expansion of the VIA brand, not only the coffee “flavors and roasts” but also the overpriced (IMHO) VIA Ready Brewer (unitasker that only makes hot water into a mated mug). I do keep some Italian VIA around, mostly for cooking and baking, and will be interested in trying the French Roast to see if any difference can be discerned in cooking or baking.
With Starbucks acrimonious breakup with Kraft I foresee Starbucks losing their Tassimo pod rights (even though Starbucks wants it to seem that they are leaving and not losing) and not being able to establish rights with Keurig (Starbucks K-cups will never be IMHO). Starbucks will consider VIA to be their solution for the folks wanting a single-cup-brewer. However Starbucks marketing has not moved that way, yet. I have also noticed that Starbucks grocery store products have been moved to the least advantageous shelf positions (bottom and top).
MSI is becoming a bad reflection on Starbucks (IMHO). Melody, your assessement and allegory of Mayor and Sheriff are spot on. Starbucks has paid Salesforce a lot of money to reinvent the “forum” wheel. They are wasting that investment by allowing it to degrade into a bad example of social networking.
Isn’t the via machine kind of against the whole point of via? Like if you have enough time to use the machine you might as well make real coffee?
Lots of replies here:
@purple1 – I actually think that all of the Via sells pretty well out here in Seattle. Seattle is such a coffee place. I remember hearing that every “Reserve” store did at least sales of 200 pounds of coffee a month, and think that number blows out of the water many stores in small places, warm climates, and less coffee-oriented cities. And I know for sure many Starbucks here in Seattle selling more coffee than that.
Baristas never really did appear all that stressed to sell Via – Seattle buys coffee like crazy.
@Amy in Boston, Purple 1, DadCooks, Platti and everyone – Thank you for your support in 2010, and hopefully 2011 will be just as successful. It’s 7:15 in Seattle right now, and you’ll have a 2011 blog post in like 5 hours-ish. 😉
@DadCooks – Glad you like the community analogy. So true. That Sheriff position is of permanent-appointment by Starbucks itself. The community comes and goes. I would have thought that the break up with Kraft was in fact to facilitate k-cups, but I have no educated position to say that. Starbucks IS hoping that Via will satisfy all the people who want quick single cups of coffee.
@Judy – Gotta admit, the Via Brewer machine totally left me scratching me head. I don’t get it. I mean, how hard is it to throw a cup of coffee in the microwave if you need to? (depending where you are). And lots of homes and offices have some kind of ‘insta hot’ thingy too. I know I am not describing that right, but you know what I mean.
Thank you again to everyone who helped make 2010 successful at this blog!!! Thank you for all the Facebook likes too!
See you next year.
“Starbucks French Roast Via Ready Brew officially launches on Tuesday, January 4, 2011.”
That’s soon! I will get the Starbucks French Roast Via Ready Brew !!
@Melody – yup my birthday is tuesday
I would not mind having via in all flavors
IF
they also kept all the whole beans on the walls, and keep bean education
i fear they may make beans an online only thing at the rate they’re going 🙁
To be honest i would like to see a shelf of little VIA’s in the store, like little special treats to pick out! But as far as pushing out the ‘old’ beans? No i don’t think it will happen! Starbucks prides themselves on their whole beans. I don’t buy anything else and just grind them at home because even the ground isn’t fresh enough for my palate! 🙂
LOL Everyone in my family has a Starbucks mug! We’ll have to show you in your contest.
Being an old school Starbucks employee back when they actually made lattes instead of pushing a button for espresso, I haven’t found a VIA I like yet. The very idea of instant coffee turns me off. They were TOO good at convincing me how coffee should be brewed!
@ScatteredMom – Can’t wait to see your email with your favorite mug. You have the best Starbucks history! Former partners carry the history and culture still. Thanks for dropping by.
@Melody — The way Starbucks is going about ending their relationship with Kraft does not make business sense. Their agreement was to end in 2011 anyway. Instead they chose to end it early and to take an expensive route that will not reflect well on how Starbucks can be expected to operate/cooperate with business partners.
On Dec. 23, Kraft announced that a federal court in New York will be considering a preliminary injuction against Starbucks. They court has given both sides until Jan. 21, 2011 to submit position papers. Starbucks has said it will halt product shipments to Kraft on Jan. 29, 2011. Let the billable hours begin and the consumer be left without product on the grocery shelves.
Business relationships are delicate matters and get even more delicate when global companies are involved. Starbucks has been allowed to play with the “big boys”, but I fear Starbucks does not know their place or has paid their dues. Starbucks is aggravating some folks who control most of the world coffee supply. IMHO, Starbucks move to China is an attempt to ensure a protected supply, but this may just further aggravate the real power companies that are the coffee cartel.
Right now K-cups is a closed society. Some folks on MSI try to cite laws, acts, and patents that they say should allow Starbucks to just go out and make K-cups. In the business world you don’t get invited into a new clique by trying to look like you were the powerful one who left your old clique, when all you really were was a hanger-on.
I wonder who Starbucks is going to get to distribute their product to the grocery stores? Whoever it is will remember how Starbucks treated Kraft and have an even better contract/agreement.
French Roast? I like the idea of VIA Ready Brew in other “flavors” but French Roast, really? Don’t get me wrong I appreciate French and Italian as coffees they are, but in my opinion they are not the best Starbucks has to offer. I was hoping for Cafe Verona VIA or Kenya VIA, something that would expand the offering because right now you will have Columbia (which is inly found in whole bean/ground in grocery stores) and the two darkest roasts Starbucks has. Not much variety, although I will give Starbucks props for the Christmas Blend VIA, that was a step in the right direction!
@jetBlue711 – I can’t believe I’m about to write this, but when I heard it was French Roast, I wondered if that was because it would be cheap to produce. With French Roast, one doesn’t have to be too picky and have fine single origin estate beans, but rather, take a variety of beans, through them in the roaster, and nearly burn them … It’s cheap because you don’t necessarily use your most expensive beans. You never taste in “origin” flavors like with Sumatra where you might pick up hints of mushrooms, or basil, or with Kenya which might have citrus notes.
I too really thought the Christmas Blend Via was a two thumbs up. It’s the best of them so far.
Starbucks still sells an amazing Colombia Whole Bean coffee in select international markets too. I think it’s not quite the same as the grocery store beans, but I’m not really positive. I could be wrong about that so don’t hold me to it! LOL
I suspect it is a challenge to get a Via that has nuanced origin coffee flavors. ?? I bet, there will never be a Via Sumatra Siborong Birong or Via Sumatra Aceh or Via Sumatra Lake Toba which all have unique flavor profiles.
Melody I thought the same thing about “cheapness” of producing French Roast, it’s sad, but probably true. I would never expect VIA Aged Sumatra or Casi Ciello (that would be a wast of high quality beans), but Cafe Verona would be nice (maybe a promo around Valentines day: Chocolate Cupcakes and Cafe Verona VIA Ready Brew).
Next time I’m out if the country (who knows when that will be) I will have to try the Columbia! I tried the grocery store one when I was going through my coffee passport to become a Black Apron and I was surprised at it’s lack of any sort of flavor characteristics.
@DadCooks – I’ve been meaning to get back to you. Sorry I’m doing too many things at once. I believe that Starbucks announced already that starting 3-1-11 that “Acosta” takes over distribution of the grocery store coffee business that Kraft previously had. The whole thing is really weird. Why risk losing a billion dollars over this?
I wonder sometimes about how much money the corporation has to throw away. Howard Schultz (at the last annual meeting) had made a big deal that the corporation pays like 300 million dollars annually in health care for partners. That sounds like a fortune to me.
Though when you start comparing smaller pieces of the pie (what is their budget for MSI??) to the possibility of paying a billion dollars to Kraft, everything seems tiny.
@jetblue711 – Since this is an open thread, … on the topic of coffee … Have you tried the new Blue Java Reserve of Peru Reserve. I have had them both and I was blown away. I was tempted to put an expletive in front of “blown away” to really emphasize to you how much I liked it, but I just couldn’t do that. But these two new Reserve coffees are the best so far. The El Salvador was nice, and the Ethiopia Ky Kebero was full over flavor but a tad light, but wow Blue Java has the bold mouth body of Sumatra but such a nice finish and smooth flavor. Reminds me, suddenly, I always did love Bella Vista because its very clean finish. Blue Java is like Sumatra on a Bella Vista drug high.
I haven’t tried the Blue Java yet, but I will now! I was actually planning on driving down to the Gold River Clover store today, so I now know what I will get. I was hoping that Aged Sumatra would be back as that was my absolute favorite when it came out in the collector tins a few years ago and I have been dreaming about trying it as a Clover coffee.
The El Salvador was nice, it was good enough to be an everyday coffee but also not so packed with flavor that I had to sit and ponder every sip, a perfect example of Latin American coffee.
I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t had a cup of Clover since Galapagos and Jamaica Blue Mountain with my friend musicgirljen.
I’ve been finishing up my Christmas Blend Espresso Roast, the El Salvador, and some Sidamo from a friend in San Diego.
Mel- I had two cups of clover in the last three days, both very good- Christmas espresso roast and the El Salvador. I am actually thinking about buying some of El Salvador but the store I was at, didn’t have any bags left.
also is the gingerbread syrup going to be around after the holidays?
@Amy in Boston – The Gingerbread Syrup is just seasonal. I like adding it to the oatmeal. Nothing quite like it. I’ve tried adding a number of syrups to the oatmeal: The cherry one was pretty good, and Pumpkin Spice was horrible in the oatmeal. Too overpowering. I’d love to see Gingerbread stay just a little longer. As to El Salvador … The other day I was at Olive Way Starbucks (with @Lyracole and @Nobrice) and ordered an El Salvador Reserve Coffee from the Clover, and surprised myself with how good it is. It’s like I had forgotten that I like that one so much! It was very good, though Blue Java blows it out of the water.
@Melody — one of Acosta’s major clients is Nestle USA. This adds an interesting element. Starbucks is playing an interesting game here.
It will be intersting to see what the Federal Court rules. Starbucks could end up owing Kraft and Acosta a nice chunk of change.
Health care has become the most expensive items on a company’s bottom line. Government regulation is not helping the situation. Further comments belong in another forum.
@Melody — for those of us in the foresaken boondocks of Southeastern Washington, undeserving of a Reserve Store, I really appreciate your notes on the Reserve Coffees and hope you can do blog tastings as soon as they come out.
@DadCooks – One more reply to you here. As to another “forum”, I have not been able to log into MyStarbucksIdea at all today. I’ve tried off and on several times, but MSI just isn’t working for me. And in comparison, Kraft may be more expensive than healthcare.
As to Reserve stores, are there none in Spokane? Okay wait. Wow – I just used the store locator, and Spokane has neither a Clover nor a Reserve store!!
@ Melody — There are no Reserve Stores East of the Cascades (I am in the Tri-Cities). I haven’t taken the time to do a lot of “store locating” to see how far away a Reserve Store is. Seattle seems to have 2 on every block 😉 .
MSI has been hard to log on to since yesterday and impossible today. The error message points to a problem with their login server. Could be a distributed denial of service (DDOS) attack, system maintenance gone awry, or they just broke it when they updated the Leader Board. I have done all the cookie cleaning and alternate login routines that have worked in the past, but no luck today.
There are no Clover or Reserve stores in Arizona either
SEATTLE’S BEST: I am not sure where I saw this, perhaps it was a link that you tweeted Melody, but a couple of months ago there was a video about the new SBC coffee packaging. It had been completely revamped and was number based.
In the video, the packaging was set together and told a story about the type of coffee and the color and number of each bag. Collectively, the visual and the story made sense. I was in a store today and saw the new packaging next to all of the competing packaging. However, unlike the video, against all of the other competing packaging, the SBC packages did not stand out. In fact, the SBC packaging was rather meek looking compared to the many other brands (including Starbucks and Fusions). Practically every other bag was more appealing. There was even a new Folgers upscale collection that was more eye catching.
Even when you did focus your eye on the SBC bag, the new, small and off to the upper right SBC LOGO did NOT resonate. It blended in and did not speak to the value of the brand – unlike the green and black siren on the white Starbucks bags, or the fire red FOLGER’S on the well-chosen gold of the Folger’s bags. The thin lines of the number system didn’t even pop.
I hope that Michelle Gass and company tested the bags blended in with other bags – not just lined up one full brand next to another, but scattered, as they were in this large national chain. I would like to see this SBC effort succeed, but the results appeared unappealing aseptic.
The new breakfast option is an Artisan roll with a “veggie” fritatta (onions, bell peppers) and monterey jack cheese. The slice of cheese on this thing is monstrous, at least twice the thickness of the other sandwiches. It’s tasty, but I’m worried about the amount of fat from the slab of cheese.
My guess is that the next Via launch will be a decaf flavored option or another “special feature” in line with our whole bean, such as fair trade or organic.
@CD – You bring up so many good points that I don’t know where to start. Starbucks/ SBC bean packaging COULD easily be its own blog post, and would unfortunately be a critical one.
Overall, there has be a trend towards simplification of packaging to the extreme point of no character or identifying characteristics to it. No art. You and I chatted about this (I can’t remember if it was here or in emails) in a discussion of the Organic Shade Grown Mexico packaging which has gone from beautiful distinctive packaging with a bird on it to, solid green. There is solid green (organic shade grown Mexico), solid red (Red), and I think one that is solid blue. It’s horrible. Those Starbucks coffees have been ripped of their personality. People do say things like, “Oh go grab me the coffee that is green with that bird on it”
Actually I think the solid blue one is FT Estima. That used to be a much more distinctive lady on a coffee farm.
As for the SBC, I haven’t looked for them in the grocery store, but I will now. I would have assumed that the numbers would jump out. The logo doesn’t resonate. Don’t laugh at me CD, but yesterday I was at the Market, and saw an SBC cup littered on the ground. It took me a moment to identify it as an SBC cup. The logo is small and doesn’t jump around and lacks distinction. I had the passing thought, you know you’ve got the perfect logo when at a glance, as litter, everyone knows what brand that is. The Starbucks logo is so iconic that people who are barely customers can recognize a cup at a distance on the ground.
I’ll stop there. I don’t want to write a book.
I will be so disappointed if the new sandwich described has that much cheese on it. Isn’t SB listening? And why so much cheese? Can’t they make a veggie sandwich without cheese? Really annoyed at their lack of concern for dietary wishes and customer requests.
Purple I cannot agree with you more. I’m a vegetarian who is very lactose intolerant. I was so sad when they got rid of almond butter, thus can’t eat bagels there unless I want to eat it plain. I pretty much only eat the oatmeal, which I have no complaints about. I actually really love it but I just would love a breakfast sandwich or maybe nondairy cream cheese. I would do anything if they brought back almond butter- I wonder why they got rid of it.
Melody re your point on MSI that people were requesting a new sandwich without cheese. I have been one of those people requesting such a sandwich for quite some time and am very annoyed that SB just does not get it. They have sandwiches with cheese for those that like it and I think they need to think beyond that.
The Estima/Red/OSGM packaging change was only for a “good coffee doing good” mini-marketing stint over the summer. The packages are transitioning back to the standard design as it sells through. (RED) is being discontinued, I think.
Regarding the cheese concerns, we (retail store partners) are more than happy to remove ingredients from the sandwiches (wraps, however, are a bit more tricky). Granted, a $3 roll with an egg patty may not be what folks are looking for in a breakfast option. But then again, you pay for the convenience. I’m reminded of an anecdote from last weekend: We were out of bagels and don’t carry any other sort of plain “breakfast bread” items. So a woman, after making clear her irritation with the situation, remarked, “Fine. I’ll take a sausage egg cheese sandwich with no cheese, no egg, and no sausage, and butter on the side.” Never a dull moment 😉
@Jacob – Great story about the sausage breakfast sandwich. In the end though what an expensive way to get a little bread!
@Purple1 and @Amy In Boston – Please don’t shoot me for saying this, but maybe cheeseless sandwiches don’t sell? I have no idea if they’ve tested that idea, but they do test all kinds of things. There are probably lots of people like me who love cheese, It’s a long long story, but the very very first time I met Howard Schultz ever, I was actually heading to Pike Place Market to go have mac and cheese for lunch at Beecher’s Cheese at the Market (a block away from the first Starbucks). And when I was a kid, (mind you, it hasn’t been this way for 30 years) the napkins at Marie Callendar’s said on them, “A piece of pie without some cheese is a like a huge without some squeeze”. I have just terribly dated myself. Marie Callendar’s was a childhood tradition since the company started in California, and as a kid my mom and I would go together, back in the day when it was really a small pie and diner business in southern california.
Melody I understand what you are saying re the marketability of sandwiches without cheese, however, there have been so many posts and requests on MSI to offer wraps and/or sandwiches without cheese and with egg whites. Maybe you are right, but I really think SB has to offer at least one. Also, as a vegetarian, I am not going to ask them to take off the meat or the cheese. That defeats the purpose. For some reason a while back on MSI many people just said ask them to take off the meat! Don’t they realize there could be meat left no matter how much you take off? And the bottom line is why should I ask them to do that when they can offer a vegetarian choice?