Franchise

Today, two of my colleagues were having a discussion which provoked some thought (very rare occurrence) in my mind.
Their conversation was mainly based on the small, hip, independent coffee/book/whatever else shops that they frequented, and on how much they despised global, money-making businesses.
So, this got me thinking, what really is so bad about these franchises? It takes a lot of confidence to go into one of those little places where everyone knows everyone, whereas in your Starbucks' and Waterstones' and so on, you're just another nameless face; no one really gives a shit about who you are or why you're there. To these places, you're just money. And is that such a terrible thing? After all, that's what business is for - making money.
On the other hand when you go into these little, trendy places you can feel the owner's eyes on you, watching your every move, suspecting you the whole time. It can feel a little awkward, don't you think? And then the little shop bell jingles and in walks a regular, the owner brightens up and the two have a friendly, animated chat for hours as you stand uneasily with your purchase, edging towards the till, hoping not to interrupt. And then, as the conversation winds up, the chatters give you a look of undisguised hostility as you tentatively hand your product to the cashier (who looks like they're likely to spit on you at any time).
To be honest, is it really any wonder that it's the impersonal, money-grabbers are the successes?
Anyway, just a thought...