Danny Evans: Why Starbucks Doesn’t Connect With Gen Z Anymore | DSH #1711

Gen Z is drinking less alcohol — and building entirely new lifestyle habits. In this episode, Danny Evans breaks down how coffee is replacing alcohol as a cultural centerpiece for younger generations, why traditional coffee brands feel outdated, and how Machine Gun Kelly’s 27 Club Coffee is blending streetwear, music, and quality-first products into a new kind of brand. From plastic-free coffee pods and health-conscious menus to building physical spaces people actually want to hang out in — this conversation reveals why culture now matters as much as caffeine. We talk about: • Why Gen Z is walking away from alcohol • How coffee became a lifestyle, not just a drink • What most coffee brands get wrong • Why plastic coffee pods are a problem • How celebrity brands actually succeed (when done right) • Building community through physical spaces • Why quality keeps customers coming back This isn’t about hype. It’s about meeting the next generation where they already are. Chapters 00:00 Why Gen Z Is Drinking Less Alcohol 00:29 Coffee as the New Lifestyle Drink 01:14 Building a Culture-First Coffee Brand 01:58 Why Most Coffee Pods Are a Problem 02:46 Plastic-Free Pods & Product Quality 03:42 Why Kids Want Something Different Than Starbucks 04:29 Health, Mold & Coffee Awareness 05:33 What It’s Like Working With MGK 06:21 Why Vision Matters More Than Trends 06:59 Where to Buy & What’s Coming Next 🎙️ APPLY OR CONNECT 👉 Apply to be on the podcast: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/application 📩 Business inquiries / sponsors: sean@digitalsocialhour.com 👤 GUEST: Danny Evans - https://www.instagram.com/danny_evans https://27clubcoffee.com/ 💼 SPONSORS QUINCE: https://quince.com/dsh 🥗 Fuel your health with Viome: https://buy.viome.com/SEAN Use code “Sean” at checkout for a discount! 🎧 LISTEN ON 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759 📸 Sean Kelly Instagram: @seanmikekelly ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are solely those of the individuals appearing on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team. While we encourage open and honest discussions, Sean Kelly is not legally responsible for any statements, claims, or opinions made by guests during the show. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional advice where appropriate. The content shared is for entertainment and informational purposes only — it should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. We strive to present accurate and reliable information; however, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the producers or affiliates of this program. 🔥 Stay tuned for more episodes featuring top creators, founders, and innovators shaping the digital world! 🔑 Keywords gen z lifestyle, coffee replacing alcohol, 27 club coffee interview, machine gun kelly coffee, lifestyle coffee brand, gen z drinking habits, plastic free coffee pods, coffee culture shift, celebrity coffee brand See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.