Tesla Owner Spends $11 on Coffee at Border Town Starbucks, Sparking Online Frenzy

A Tesla owner recently visited the town of Primm, Nevada—located near the California border—to charge his vehicle and stopped by a local Starbucks for coffee, only to be shocked by a price tag of $11. He shared the experience on TikTok, calling it the "most expensive Starbucks coffee ever," and initially explained that the store was a "privately franchised" location. However, commenters pointed out that Starbucks does not operate under a traditional franchise model; instead, this particular outlet is a licensed store operated by Prim Valley Resorts, which has the autonomy to set its own prices. Given that the nearest other Starbucks locations are at least an hour’s drive away, this store essentially holds a monopoly in the area. The Tesla owner later clarified that his initial information was inaccurate, noting that after checking Reddit, he confirmed the store operates under a licensing agreement: while it must adhere to Starbucks’ brand standards, pricing decisions rest solely with the operator. Starbucks has not yet issued an official response.