Growth-minded coffeehouses seek jolts from service, new items

Coffeehouses nationwide are stepping up efforts to build customer loyalty by adding beverage variety, new dining room amenities, more drive-thrus and improved customer service as they strive to woo patrons away from segment leader Starbucks Coffee.

While none of the second-tier chains harbors hopes of nearing the number of units operated by the Seattle-based chain, currently totaling some 9,800 domestic and 4,000 foreign