With 36 locations as of early 2024, Italy remains one of the European countries with the fewest Starbucks locations — which is surprising for a country that loves coffee. But, as noted in the responses from The Local Italy's Facebook poll, Italy's love for its coffee is precisely why most locals have been hesitant to embrace Starbucks — and it's comforting to learn that the chain has not impacted nor replaced the majority of Italians' coffee consumption.

Italy has its own rich and respected coffee culture — one that's built off a set of very different customs. Italians tend to drink their coffee quickly, often while standing up, with small drinks like espressos and cappuccinos being common. There's also no work or study coffee culture in Italy. Starbucks, therefore, doesn't fit into the everyday Italian's coffee ritual. And at up to three times the average price, it doesn't fit into the everyday Italian's budget, either.