Starbucks Gossip

Here's a T-Shirt that Bible study group members can wear when they're meeting at Starbucks

The maker of this T-shirt -- spotted on a rack at a truck stop in Texas -- says it's designed to "start conversations about Jesus." (Or is it designed to get Starbucks lawyers to consider a copyright violation?) Rod Dreher of Beliefnet.com doesn't like that shirt. "Do you really think that comparing Our Lord to a frappuccino-monger is going to make people want to follow Him?" he asks. || Read "STARBUCKS JESUS"

Research firm says: Sell your Starbucks stock! (Has it seen the cute Mini Sparkle Doughnuts yet?)

Starbucks stock has finally gone above $20/share, and now Standpoint Research is spoiling the party by downgrading it to a "SELL." They're sourpusses about it all, but I get a kick out of the smiles that these sparkly (ie sugary) mini-doughnuts bring to customers' faces. Same reaction at your stores? (Sorry, "healthy" spinach wrap; you've fallen out of favor.) Read "Standpoint Research downgrades Starbucks to 'Sell'"

Weekend OPEN THREAD: The Christmas Day/weekend edition

I'm posting this from the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Starbucks, where one veteran barista (at the left; I've seen her at this store for at least five years) didn't seem to mind working on Christmas Day. The place is hopping in the early afternoon. How is your Christmas Day/weekend going? (BTW, the tip jar in the Lake Geneva store is overflowing; a Santa costume seems to bring the dollars out of the wallets.) || Jump to the second page of comments.

"From the Comfy Chair": Juan returns to the lobby store at Starbucks HQ for his final column

Starbucks
2401 Utah Ave.
Seattle

BY JUAN VALDEZ

One of the things I've been asked to do as I've been writing these columns is to go back and "re-review" stores and see if they've changed or gotten better/worse. Up til now, I've declined to do so however, for my last column, I've decided to acquiesce.

And what better store to go back and "re-review" than the store where all of this started...the lobby store at SBUX headquarters. That was the first store I reviewed and, now, it will be the last.

Oh, how things have changed since that morning when I stepped through those front doors, anxious to see if they did it right at this key store and hoping to get a glimpse of Howard. SBUX has seen the introduction of LEAN processes, the rollout of instant coffee (Via) and the cutting of a lot of fat from the ole P&L in the form of 600 stores and around 10,000 partner staff layoffs. Howard's hair has gotten noticeably more grey and the lines on his face longer. Senior management has been through several seismic shifts; to the point that even Melody is having a hard time keeping up. /CONTINUED IN THE FIRST COMMENT

Does anyone visit My Starbucks Idea any more?

I have to admit, I haven't checked out My Starbucks Idea since it launched nearly two years ago. I have to wonder: Are there any "fresh" ideas left? How many of the ideas suggested by site visitors were actually implemented? And in the age of Twitter, is there a need for the site? What are your observations on My Starbucks Idea?

AP reminds America that Starbucks' new rewards program launches on Saturday

The Associated Press says Starbucks launching a social media campaign this week on Facebook and Twitter, hoping to encourage customers to register for its soon-to-launch rewards program. || Read "Starbucks readies new rewards program"

Weekend OPEN THREAD: The Are-You-Ready-for-Christmas? edition

It's easy to Christmas shop at Starbucks, so no doubt the stores will be busy this weekend. Discuss your inventory of gifts -- anything left? -- or whatever is on your mind, as long as it's Starbucks-related (and civil). || Jump to the second page of comments.

Starbucks customer irked by prayer group meeting

The guy's wife asks "The Ethicist" if holding a prayer session at a place like Starbucks is appropriate. His answer: The transgression here is not the religious content of this oratory but that the coffeehouse preacher disturbed other people at a place where patrons commonly wish to engage in quiet conversation or read the paper or think their own thoughts, not be an involuntary congregation for an ad hoc, overcaffeinated revival meeting." I agree. Read "Grande Annoyance"

Woman sues Starbucks, says there was glass in her coffee

Jacqueline Syzc says she didn't notice anything unusual when she began drinking the coffee she purchased from a Starbucks in Addison, Illinois, but when she was nearly finished with the beverage, she noticed shards of glass in the bottom of the cup. She got sick and was hospitalized for a few days. Read "Woman finds glass in her Starbucks coffee, sues"

"From the Comfy Chair": Juan absolutely loves Roy Street Coffee & Tea

Roy Street Coffee & Tea (inspired by Starbucks)
700 Broadway Ave. E
Seattle

BY "JUAN VALDEZ"

Given that this is the second to last column from yours truly before he drifts off into a haze of freshly roasted coffee, I thought it might be interesting to check out the brand spanking new mercantile, non-branded, street level, inspired by Starbucks, Roy Street Coffee and Tea establishment (special thanks goes to Starbucks Melody without whom I would have been reduced to describing the joint as just another Starbucks trying oh so hard not to be a Starbucks).

And even though I can't resist being a snarky litle puss, I have to say my reaction to this particular store is 180 degrees different from its older brother; 15th Street Coffee and Tea. I love this place and, in every way, shape and form, believe Roy Street kicks 15th Street right in the ole gonads. /CONTINUED IN THE FIRST COMMENT