Question for baristas: What's with the bananas (and how are they selling)?

I notice that the Chicago-area stores are now selling bananas (they're right by the register so that you don't miss them). What's the thinking ("Care for a banana with your coffee?"), and how are they selling? UPDATE: A Starbucks barista e-mails me: "They're selling like crazy. I guess people are asking for them to be ground up in their frapps. Chicago is the first market for the bananas. Is Chicago a banana kind of town? Minneapolis is next. They are 75 cents a pop. What should they be named? Bananabucks, Starbuckanas?"

Comments

[JavaJilly]

I think it would be WONDERFUL to have an assortment of fresh fruit for customers to buy. I hope this works out and is passed on to other stores...especially when a lot of customers are always looking for something healthy to buy.

[Partner 1139XXX]

This Sh** is bananas...B-A-N-A-N-A-S...

Sorry...couldn't resist...younger sister has been playing that song non-stop for a few days now...

Anyways, up here in Vancouver we have a variety of chilled box fresh fruit that sits in our RTD&E (Ready to Drink and Eat) case...it actually sells pretty well...

[Denise]

There's nothing better than coffee and a banana! I wish my Starbucks sold bananas!

[Princess of Power]

"This Sh** is bananas...B-A-N-A-N-A-S..." is hilarious! Good one!

Love your site - I have blogrolled it! Hate bananas. They aren't offering them in STL.

[Boston Starbucks Rebel]

Yeah bananas sound like a pretty good idea. I wish my store had fresh fruit other than the apples in the cold case although those are good. Even though I am not Jewish I do enjoy putting some honey on my apples. I wish we also sold lemons because customers are always asking about lemon and stuff. I think oranges would also be a good idea. I can't wait for fresh fruit to come to Boston. Oh and how does a banana taste in a frappucino?
Wouldn't you have to slice it up and stuff. But that still sounds really good. You can make a cider frappucino which I must taste pretty good although it could probably be better in a concentrate.

[heather]

I think it's a good way for the customers to GRAB something cheap and healthy, yet make a little extra $$ for the company. Also, it's easier to eat than say, an ORANGE, or an APPLE. Good idea though!

[Fresno]

is starbucks changing the policy on what is allowed to be put into one of their blenders? Whats next SOY frapps?

[spiky]

The best thing ever is a frozen banana blended up with a little milk and some nutmeg. Tastes just like a milkshake.

[JavaJilly]

Yes, soy frappucinos ARE good! Yadda yadda I know it's probably not allowed but it is fun to invent when it is slow.....

[JS]

Banana Update: Noon, May 3. Just visited a downtown Chicago store and asked for a banana blended in my frappucino. Was told that the order had just been given not to do that anymore. Makes the blenders too hard to clean.

[lisa]

Please, I mean come on, why should we pay the corporate coffee kings 75 cents for a banana that can be purchased at a store for 49 cents a pound. Just goes to show you what a dumbed-down society we live in. Sure, we'll buy what ever the hell Starbucks sells us because afterall Starbucks is cool, and so is their coffee, and now so are their bananas. I think I will go buy one right now. Come on guys--stick to the coffee. Don't you have enough money with out having to sell fruit??? someone please stop the madness!!!!!

[chris]

so lisa, you're fine with buying coffee there, but once they move to fruit, it's just madness? seems like a pretty moot point if you've already given them money. it all goes to the same place, you know. nobody's forcing you in the door, or to buy anything. with such fervent views on society and capitalism, have you thought of applying them to something that matters, like the imminent collapse of social security, or the establishment of a right-wing theocracy in the US?

[Discount #5]

Nice response Chris!
Our store gets the pineapple with vanilla dip, and we used to get the "Rio Citrus Salad" (they're SOOOOO good) but we're one of many starbucks thats attached to a grocery store so our fruit really doesn't sell. Even our sandwiches and salads are hard to sell, and we donate quite a bit of our pastries on a regular night, I like that they get donated but it seems like we're giving away more than we're selling!

[heather]

Lisa, I disagree with your comment....... I think people buy the Banana b/c they can grab their coffee and something to eat on the way to work. If it were a gas station they'd probably do the same thing........ it has nothing to do with the "brand" as much as it has to do with "convenience"

[D. J. Roberson]

Every morning, I take a banana to my local Starbucks in north Lynnwood, WA to have with my 8 grain roll and coffee. I like to dip the banana in the cinnamon provided. Delicious!.

[Dennea]

Hey, back to Soy fraps and fruit in the blenders. What happened to the "just say yes" policy? If someone is allergic to milk, but wants a blended beverage, why not bring out the Legendary Service and make them want they want!?
The whole thing with bananas, I think it's a great idea. People can buy a box of like 6 muffins for $4, but they come in and buy one of ours for $1.95 a pop. Why? Because it's convienant!
So, if now they're stareing at the pastry case thinking there's too many calories, but they'll starve if they don't have breakfast, now they can have a piece of fruit instead. Great idea!

[jam]

come take a sip of my love