Weekend OPEN THREAD: Ask your questions, or just speak your mind

It's your weekly chance to discuss anything else Starbucks-related (in a civil manner, of course). || Jump to the third page of comments.

Comments

[SBUX Alum Bill]

Here's an article on the debut of Via in London:

Starbucks launches Via in London. Interesting, but I'm still trying to figure out why SBUX laid off so many "partners" in its roasting plants if it truly thought that Via was going to revolutionize the category.

[pintobean]

starbucks has a new mission statement. they introduced it to us around 3-4 months ago. while showing us the new mission statment on the board,the managers had soft romantic music playing in the background while another read it aloud! I thought for sure we were all being punked! Howie, what is going on? and why did we change the mission statement? Looks alot like the first one!

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

Store managers are making decisions to increase their own store sales. As you can tell BOLD customers will soon find out which stores brew BOLD past 12 and will go to that store.

The weak shall perish.

I personally keep BOLD and DECAF going so eventually word will get out that we don't serve PPR all the time. Sometimes, we surprised people with Brazil or Colombia.

[green_cup]

@Melody:

The "Heritage" store is just a neat store, one that I, when I think of Starbucks, evokes what I think Starbucks should be. It was funny, though, when waiting for a cup of Clover Sumatra to see the tourists coming in asking if this was the original Starbucks. The barista said "No. This is the store of the future," and gave directions to the one in the market.

The Columbia Tower store is good, but it's a little out of the way. Fun place to take people visiting the city, though, seeing as it is on the 40th (is that right?) floor.

@BSR:

Um, you're... you're interesting. I have to say I don't always agree with you (especially when you go off on your nonsensical rants involving random things or when you start talking about your secret crush, Michelle Gass) but you're always good for a laugh (unless you've said something extremely offensive, which I wouldn't put past you)

You're right about how the stores are going to need to compete with themselves to see who remains open.

[Papi-LongO]

We brew Bold all day long, it just depends on who's running the shift and how lazy the "Workers" are on that day.

[Papi-LongO]

How about that article on Howard the Coward: I know he's from the projects from Brooklyn but damn can he run!! To bad he can't face his own "Workers" because he showed no respect to someone who slaves after his store...Howie we will confront you at every store we find you at, so stop running, its been since 2004, sit down and talk chump.

[SPORK]

@JustAnotherCustomer

I agree with you only on the point that I'm getting tired of people talking about the same things over and over.

In fact, if I see mention of:
-PPR
-Bold coffee
-Registered Card Problems
-The "economic crisis" (which many people don't understand, and instead, use as a blanket statement to explain away problems)
-Tips
-"Cool Aid"
-How happy someone is to get out of Starbucks and how the company was so much better than they started and it's a sinking ship

I cheerfully scroll right past. It's made my life a lot better ;)

As for your skewed memory... I'd like to tell you that I've been here for just over 2 years, and read through the archives pretty extensively in a couple of boring lectures, and the complaining has not increased... your memory has diminished ;) go back and check if you'd like.

[green_cup]

Odd. I generally, but with exception sometimes, scroll past anything you say, SPORK.

You basically have nothing of substance to say. Ever.

And, it's "Kool-Aid." I've enclosed the URL to Kool-Aid's website, so that you may verify this. - http://www.kool-aiddays.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=8

Cheers.

[(former) FLA SM]

@ SPORK: You're absolutely right. The complaining is repetitive and generally covers the same topics. Why? Because the same problems still exist. Ignoring them will not make them go away. We all know Starbucks monitors this site so we continue to list our (legitimate) gripes in hopes that someone somewhere will someday actually pay attention to what we are saying. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that will happen since the suits don't even acknowledge the suggestions/complaints/requests on MSI, which was specifically set up by Starbucks to get feedback from the public and employees. Ask Melody.

[Melody]

@SPORK - so what topics are legitimate conversation for you? LOL. (Rhetorical question only, please do not answer).

The brewed coffee problem/Pike Place Roast/The 'coffee authority' that features just one coffee/ is dead. Why? Because it has been very close to a whole year, and those customers who would've wanted a cup of Italian Roast are now to be found at competitors. And well, lots of baristas don't seem to care (though many DO) and the remaining customers don't seem to care what black liquid is in their cup.

@MattCardon - I'm going to have to assume that your tongue was planted firmly in your cheek with your post.

@(former) FLA SM - great post.

@ green_cup - Still on the topic of the variety of downtown Seattle Starbucks ... The Columbia Center has 2 Starbucks inside of it. One on the 40th floor and the ground floor level with entrance on 4th. The 40th floor has amazingly beautiful furniture, quiet atmosphere, and spectacular views, but no Clover.

The ground floor Starbucks has ALL wood furniture, no comfy chairs at all, an old Verismo, and it looks old and neglected. It's a shame that it is because the ground floor Starbucks has motivated and great baristas, 4 brewers so lots of coffee, and a Clover.

You know up until about one year ago (maybe a little longer) the Sea-Trust Building Starbucks (on 2nd Ave) had a manual machine! But for unique and beautiful store design, there is also the Starbucks in the WaMu Bldg on 2nd. I haven't been in there in ages, but last time I was I was impressed with its size, and it too has all comfy furnishings, and much to my surprise, it looks like it has a couple of meeting rooms!

@Papi-LongO - I read your blurb on 'Howard the Coward' as you call it. So you expect to corner him in a store and expect him happily talk about unions? That's sort of weird.I think I would've suddenly realized I was late for a meeting.

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

I think each Starbucks partner after working at Starbucks should be issued a 16 oz, grande tumbler, stainless steel. The mug would have their name and partner number on there, along with Starbucks Mission Statement. This would be part of Starbucks Shared Planet. If every Starbucks partner would use this mug for their beverage I'm sure we could help save the world.

[SBUX Alum Bill]

It looks like some companies "get it," while others (who I shall not mention) don't:

Panera thrives in tough economic times.

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

Does anybody know Starbucks about having a piece of dip, chewing tobacco, while working?

[B]

Starbucks did give all partners tumblers a few years back when times were better. How many of those do you still see around??

[me]

That's because none of the partners still work there...

[SBUX Alum Bill]

Good news! Starbucks actually made it to a "Top 5" list:

CBS News: Top 5 Retail Rip-Offs.

[Papi-LongO]

If the managers (Including RM's and DM's,SM's and ASM's) were taking care and sticking up for their Baristas, doing the right thing and acting with dignity and respect Baristas wouldn't feel the need to form a union.

[inopethflames]

someone had a question/comment on the free syrups with the registered starbucks card - you do get free cinnemon dolce with the registered card so if you have that you can save like $.70+ cents on a venti iced cinnemon dolce latte because your just paying $3.50 + free syrup, whereas if you only used a gold card it would be 10% off of $4.20 = $.42 cents saving, so with cinnemon dolce you want to use the registered regular card.

what i just found out a while ago is that if you order a peppermint white chocolate mocha, u get the peppermint for free. but i dont know if you would get the peppermint for free if you just ordered a peppermint mocha, not with white chocolate. i have a feeling with that that they would charge you for the shot of peppermint in that case but i dont know for sure. i liked the peppermint twist in winter but it would seem a little weird to order it now, without that peppermint whipped cream, but have to pay .30 more for the shot of peppermint added to a mocha latte. especially when for whatever reason they dont charge for the peppermint in the peppermint white chocolate mocha!

you could use a registered card to get the free syrup but that only saves $.30 as compared to using the gold card which would be 10% of $4.20 + .30 = $4.50 = $.45 savings.

i think its idiotic that u just dont get free syrup AND the 10% discount with the gold card, i mean you have to pay $25 for it for 1 year, i think they could include both, not to mention it would make it a lot easier for people that go to starbucks fairly often & especially for the starbucks employees with whom it seems every employee doesnt actually know what you get free with the gold card or not. almost every employee ive asked thinks you do get free syrups with the gold card, which you dont.

[Papi-LongO]

This is the key to our business LISTEN:

If MANAGERS take care of their Team (Partners) Then:

The TEAM will take care of the CUSTOMERS (who will be happy and will return for the legendary service) Then:

The CUSTOMERS will take care of the BUSINESS (which means sales and profits, bonuses for Managers, more Labor Hours for Baristas etc...)

And if we can do this it will =
"The Good Old Days"...

just a thought Mamis and Papis

[StevieG]

I can assure you that the 'good ol days' will never return to SBUX as we know them. I am a partner of 12 years, and can vouch that if you don't change with the company, like it or not, you will be shown the door. I do agree with you though, and think that we should just get back to simple management the way it used to be, but DM's and above especially will never be the way they used to be. Everyone is fighting for their existence and one another to find the silver bullet that will save the company. Not gonna happen unfortunately.

[Papi-LongO]

PAPI STEVIE G

You are absolutely right, I get a bit naieve and believe there might be a turnaround after these dark days, but you are right you have to adapt and change with the times or its off to MEXICO!!!

[HardOpinion]

Something of a buzz seems to be happening in some Florida districts our sources tell us:
1) One "dizzy blonde" DM fired a SM because he used training hours to staff the store during a local street event, much against the instructions from the RM / DM. When the SM, who apparently was someone who is strong willed, was interviewed about the coverage by the DM, they strongly argued with the DM to the point where the DM fired the SM on the spot. Seems the SM played the DM like a fiddle - the SM has been setting up their own business for a while and was intending to leave in due course. By "dizzy" firing the SM they now qualify for unemployment, so they will still get an income while their business enterprise gets operating. The buzz in the area concerned seems to be that the SM did what they did deliberately so as to get fired and claim unemployment. Seems everyone in the area knew what the SM was up to EXCEPT the "dizzy" DM. Good to see they have their finger on the pulse of their district!

2) In the same neck of the woods, but different DM - a SM placed an unauthorized coupon in the local paper this past Sunday, promoting "buy-one-get-one at 50% off" at the SM's store. Seems the SM has denied placing the ad and blames the plaza management for placing it without SM's knowledge (right!)Our sources tell us this is not the first time! Strictly against SBUX policy - be interesting to see if the SM gets canned! If not then maybe this signals a shift in Starbucks policy - stores can slug it out with each other for business with a coupon war - interesting thought!

3) A SM in yet another district in Florida has been SM at two different stores over the past year or more, both of which have been closed. The latest closure announced today (we believe). There's bad luck and there is bad management skills if you can't make 2 stores pay! But don't feel sorry for the SM, they will not lose their job by all accounts, they are being transferred to another store (as happened after the first closure) in another district - "respect & dignity" in action or does the SM's stepmother being a senior DM have anything to do with it - isn't that called "paternal protectionism"! Our sources say they can't find details of "PP" in the Starbucks manuals - can anyone help them out?

Are the RM/VP for this particular area asleep at the wheel - can they really be so out of touch with their own territory? Would seem so!

[whoopie pie]

How common are SMs who don't like coffee? I know a young SM who doesn't drink coffee, but says his store is one of the top selling in the district. Figure that one out.

[green_cup]

How about that article on Howard the Coward: I know he's from the projects from Brooklyn but damn can he run!! To bad he can't face his own "Workers" because he showed no respect to someone who slaves after his store...Howie we will confront you at every store we find you at, so stop running, its been since 2004, sit down and talk chump.

Posted by: Papi-LongO | March 30, 2009 at 01:12 AM

So, can I tell you how terribly insulting this is?

I mean, for you to even compare a voluntarily employed worker at Starbucks to a slave or someone who "slaves" while working at Starbucks, is completely uncalled for.

First, maybe you need to read up how slavery actually works, maybe even get a definition. You're not using it correctly. Second, the comparison is completely ridiculous, over the top and dramatic.

No one at Starbucks is being forced, against their will, to work for no pay in the abusive conditions as they were found in the southern United States pre-Civil War. No one.

When someone goes to such extreme measures to get a point across, any validity you had is thrown out the window, ala Michael Moore.

So, please, educate yourself. In general, you come off sounding very unsophisticated and ill-educated, to boot.

As well, Howard Schultz, even with your wannabe-dressing down, has nothing to worry about when it comes to you. There will be no large unionization going on at Starbucks. If I've learned anything about the staff there, generally speaking, it's transient at best (either at the employee or employer discretion) and staffed with folks who love to "talk the talk", but do very little to "walk the walk."

[GRTL]

since it is 300% on coffee, I wonder what the mark up is on lattes.

I'll never order a cup of coffee again that's for sure.

[javajane]

I have 2 friends that heard their stores were closing today. How come no one is talking about this on this site yet? They can't be the only ones who heard today. Both of them are in DC area

[Helena Constantine]

In any coffee house int he world I can order a double latte and be served two shots of espresso with a proportionate amount of steamed and cold milk. Only at starbucks am I accosted with increasing hostility by the server (barista is not the word), in futile attempts to make me say 'venti' or whatever code word the jumped-up bus-boy is trained to respond to in Pavlovian fashion, so that by the time I explain that it means two shots of espresso with a proportionate amount of milk I am told not to have such an 'attitude" (with a command of English like that how they end up washing dishes at starbucks and being pressed into serving coffee), so that I have no choice but leave without being served. This was only the worst on many such experiences. I can;t really see that I will make another attempt.

I won;t even go into the horror story of the time I tried to order an Italian soda for my son.

[Noor]

Helena, I'd recommend finding a store that treats you right and sticking to it like glue. We actually haave a bit of fun at my location reassuring customers that they have nothing to worry about stumbling over Italian, we do indeed speak basic English. (Also, I never fail to find it adorable when someone looks me right in the eye and asks "What is the medium called?" "We call it a grande" "I'll have a grande" Precious.)

Of course, I think what you have is a failure to communicate. Your "double latte" could be interperated a lot of different ways. I recommend that if you should try telling them the size you want (ounces or relative size will be fine. You don't need a speck of Italian. Your ~server~ probably doesn't speak it either dear.) And how many shots of espresso you would like, and I promise you they will be happy to translate it into the drink you desire, as per the Starbucks specifications. I cannot think of a single employee who would rather fight a customer over Italian words than give them precisely the drink that will satisfy them.

No need to complicate it, stress over it, and certainly no need to feel like you should put down a person because there has been a communications breakdown. (Comparing people to trained dogs? Never appropriate.)

BSR- I have become convinced you are a robot.

[CamSpi]

Hey, I have a question for you guys regarding what the rules are about sleeves. Have there been directives communicating that we cannot put sleeves out for customers to grab at the hand off plane? My SM has directed us to only hand the sleeves off if customers request them. Many customers are annoyed with it. What's the policy?
I understand that this is good because it eliminates waste, and saves the company money, but I feel frustrated because we're constantly making our customers jump through hoops to get what they want.

[CamSpi]

P.S. We still put them on americano's, brewed coffees, and teas. I'm just wondering whether or not we are allowed to put out a basket of sleeves at the hand-off plane.

[Mrs. Tillinghamshackles]

Helena,
Before you start going off and berating people for their (perceived) 'command of English', I would recommend that you work on your own.

[sample cup]

green_cup: Face it, waiting happens; there are ways (best practices) that good baristas will use to reduce the times where they run out of coffee or at least reduce the amount of time where this is an issue, but it will still happen. Have you ever been to a fast food restaurant and waited more than 4 minutes for your burger and fries? They were probably makin' more at that time. They just don't bother telling you. Starbucks drink preparation, especially coffee brewing is much more transparent - it's just behind the barista ! so of course you're going to notice it. It doesn't mean it should automatically free. And with labor cutbacks, there isn't as much coverage at less busy stores like mine to keep an extra person to do "floater" stuff like brew coffee for register-baristas with a line.

@ (former)Fla SM: I'm glad you did get your package. Best of wishes in your future endeavors.

[Mrs. Tillinghamshackles]

CampSpi,
In my district we have never been allowed to put anything out on the hand off plane. Many people will grab just because it is there. If a customer is getting a drink that doesn't regularly come with a sleeve, I wouldn't call it making them jump through hoops to ask for it. They've never had an issue with it at my store, just as they have no issues asking for a splash stick or a drink carrier either.

[green_cup]

<3 Mrs. Tillinghamshackles

[sample cup]

Just for the record, I hate hate HATE splash sticks. ESPECIALLY when people ask for one for each of the *2* drinks they ordered, including the one that already has a straw stuck through the hole in its hot lid ("but there's this tiny gap, see?") AND a drink tray only to take all this excessive waste to a table not 5 yards away from the hand-off plane. It seems to me that the former "sticker solution" was more decorative, less wasteful as it used up old stickers for old promo coffees AND more time efficient because fewer people felt they needed it.

Why not have lids like *GASP* McDs and many other establishments do where you have to pull up the preforated tab to drink through the lid.

[hmm]

@whoopie pie

I ran the number one selling whole bean store in my market and i don't like coffee at all. oddly enough, though, i loved selling those one punders. my partners would make fun of the amount of time i'd spend just moving those beans around. just because i didn't like the cofee didnt mean i couldnt explain the taste passionately.

[Papi-LongO]

@Green Scum:

PAPI I will give you the refund on that drip you waited for after I spill it over the counter and on you, you wait patiently or you go buy a pound bag and brew your coffee your self lazy. Don't bring your attitude about what I should be doing "BLAH, BLAH, BLAH" I'll make sure not to have your coffee so that you do leave and never come back-NOW that would be a great day in Starfucks history

[Papi-LongO]

@ Melody

No one cornered the man who stole all your money in investing in Starbucks (Howie) He told Super-Joe to wait around until he finishes, and that he would speak with him in around 10 minutes...Fact is he ran the same way where your money ran, out the back door. Some people never learn, now thats direct action.

[Papi-LongO]

Of course he was so embarrased that they fired Super-Joe over BS and now the company and "Partners" can suffer more because Howard is not a man...Meelody you say you would have "Lied" and said you were lait for a meeting as well, I guess your the same kind of person as Howie...

[Melody- caution an irritating/snarky post for Papi-LongO. Really should be deleted.]

**[quote]Of course he was so embarrased that they fired Super-Joe over BS and now the company and "Partners" can suffer more because Howard is not a man...Meelody you say you would have "Lied" and said you were lait for a meeting as well, I guess your the same kind of person as Howie...[/quote]**

That's quite the compliment Papi-LongO! Sure, I’m the same kind of person as Howie. Could you broad brush things any bigger?

On a serious note, you're not scoring reputation points by calling people names. You started out talking about unions and you've managed to tangentially drift onto a million topics. Are you having some trouble concentrating? Drug court is down the hall.

To be honest, I have no clue who "super Joe" is. Oh wait. Unless you’re referring to that recently laid off barista. He’s not the first Starbucks person to lose his job. So, does he have the same “super hero” stuff as Big Jim Walker? You don’t tug on superman’s cape, you don’t pull the mask off the old Lone Ranger and you don’t mess around Jim … well, shoot, we know how that story ends.

And additionally, thank you but no thanks, I'll worry about my own money (or lack thereof) and you needn't worry your pretty head over my investments. As for the polite fabrications that we often come up with to avoid the extremely awkward ... it's just part of this real world we live in. Welcome to reality. Hopefully it's a tactic used only judiciously.

That was perhaps too snarky of a reply of mine, but seriously, if you want to discuss a topic - say unions - argue on the merits only and not on the basis of insulting others. Isn't it true that there are better means of discussing unions with Starbucks than randomly trying to hunt down the CEO and corner him in a store? That just cannot be an effective strategy.

Lastly, perhaps proof-read what you write. Good luck.

[Mrs. Tillinghamshackles]

Three cheers for Melody!

And thank you for the compliment, Green_Cup! :)

[Papi-LongO]

MAMI MELODY

No Doubt Like-wise

Have a wonderful week :)

[Papi-LongO]

@ Melody

I'm on 37th Ave SouthWest, maybe I'll run into you one day at one of the shops and we can sit and discuss the subject face-to-face, unlike some other person...

[Papi-LongO]

or perhaps we can meet at Joe's trial...should be interesting to see who win's this case...I can't wait.

[Papi-LongO]

"Essentially, what it comes down to is that they are going to lay off workers who do not “fit into the the new system,” part timers will “fill in the gaps” and will not receive enough hours to qualify for benefits, and so-called full timers will not be guaranteed any number of hours. Basically, nothing will change except that people who cannot comply with the unreasonable expectations for availability will be fired." Super Joe

And the investors/partners support this...stand up already, take your store under control and come together as one.. "You Kin' Do It"

[green_cup]

@Green Scum:

PAPI I will give you the refund on that drip you waited for after I spill it over the counter and on you, you wait patiently or you go buy a pound bag and brew your coffee your self lazy. Don't bring your attitude about what I should be doing "BLAH, BLAH, BLAH" I'll make sure not to have your coffee so that you do leave and never come back-NOW that would be a great day in Starfucks history

Posted by: Papi-LongO | March 30, 2009 at 09:37 PM

First, I want to say that you're truly "Blaze" with yet another new name. I could be wrong, but I have a feeling it's really you, "Blaze!"

Anyhow, you have really nothing coherent to say. Your "ideas," as Melody stated, are not targeted and it is of really no help, whatsoever, that you have a very elementary grasp of the English language.

I will attempt to clarify and respond to your position, though:

If you're working BEHIND the counter at a Starbucks, of which it sounds you do, and I am your CUSTOMER, you will SERVE me with exceptional service. It's very simple. You're being paid, essentially by me via my purchase, to make sure my experience at Starbucks is perfect. It's your job. If you cannot handle this (of which it seems you most likely cannot,) I'd suggest you do the customer and the barista only getting five hours a week of work a favor and quit. It's very simple. I, the customer, while not always justified or correct, am allowed to have an attitude. You, the help, are not.

As well, if it wasn't for my "lazy" (read: in need of convenience) behavior, you'd be out of a job. Yeah, it would suck to be you. As well, we have general rules in our society and people have sued and won when coffee servers have spilled a hot beverage on their customers.

So, in summary, learn your place while working behind the counter at Starbucks, know your customer is king and lose the crappy attitude.

That is all.

[BLAZED]

@ green snot

This is how I deal w you, when you order drip I give you decaf, if you order a latte it'll be "Xtra Foamy" (Wink,Wink)

After u complain we label you a problem customer than ban you...so remember RESPECT your Barista lazy, and think twice before all that "Blah,Blah,Blah" comes out...I can walk away from the POS at anytime if I feel that a "problem" customer is going to cause me to "spill" coffee on them, and if you want to sue I'm all for it.

Step: 2 is sabotage (pay attention) Oh please sue and shut it down!!!

[WhosYourDaddy? Snizzle onmy Papi Long-:ooo]

Forget Blaze just call me Dr. Greenthumb!

[z]

i think you need a little more than a drink remake to label someone a problem and ban them.

[NortheastSM]

Boston Starbucks Rebel,

You are clearly young, immature, and don't have any personal successes to be proud of so why don't you do yourself and everyone else on this board a favor and quit. Your opinions are not respected here.