Starbucks Gossip

OPEN THREAD conversation-starter: Your thoughts on the redesigned Starbucks Web site?

In redesigning their Web sites, corporations put a lot of thought into what they want the look to say about the company -- what kind of image they want to put out to the public. Here is the redesigned Starbucks page. What I see in it: a company that's organized (the top menu is nice), has embraced social networking, and is very safe (i.e. not very edgy). Your thoughts? Discuss this or anything else Starbucks-related in the OPEN THREAD.

Is your Starbucks store already offering Dark Cherry Mocha?

A Starbucks Gossip reader writes: "Dark Cherry Mocha is supposedly embargoed for a couple of weeks, but I found a store serving them." (Click on the image to see it larger.) My Starbucks Idea describes the drink as "a combination of Starbucks espresso, bittersweet chocolate sauce, dark cherry syrup, and steamed milk topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls." Your thoughts on it? [UPDATE: I just noticed that the Evanston Starbucks, where I uploaded this post, is offering the Dark Cherry Mocha.]

New York Times says Starbucks shouldn't tolerate firearms in its stores

A Times editorial says: "Should customers be free to sip Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Lattes at their laptop screens while brandishing a gleaming Ruger .357? So far, Starbucks executives say yes, claiming they are quite safety-minded within a policy that "supports the federal, state and local laws in the communities in which we do business." The paper wants Starbucks to follow Peet's and say, No guns! || Read "Who can relax this way?"

Ten of the worst (health-wise) and most fat-filled Starbucks beverages

Topping the list at CallMeThirsty.com is the Peppermint White Hot Chocolate at 730 calories. It's followed by Iced Peppermint White Mocha at 700 calories. || Read "The Worst and Most Fat-Filled Starbucks Beverages"

OPEN THREAD conversation-starter: Would Howard Schultz be able to go undercover on "Undercover Boss"?

A writer for personal investing site Fool.com said this week that "it would be boring if Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz goes from town to town as a barista" the the CBS show "Undercover Boss." The real problem, I suspect, is that Schultz is so recognizable that he'd never be able to go undercover. Or, maybe the new younger, crew of Starbucks workers has no idea what he looks like. Your thoughts? Discuss this or anything else Starbucks-related in the OPEN THREAD. || Jump to the second page of comments.

Starbucks district managers accuse regional vice president of sexual harassment

During a Starbucks function, executive Andrew Alfano allegedly became intoxicated and made disrespectful, sexual comments to a group of female district managers. The managers also claimed that Alfano created an unsafe working environment and was responsible for the resignation of two female regional directors. || Read "Starbucks district managers accuse regional vice president"

Starbucks customer complains to corporate after she's told to show an ID with a $27 credit card purchase

In fairness to Starbucks, I made fairly small purchase at Radio Shack yesterday and they wanted to see my ID, too. (I showed it to them - and didn't file a complaint.) Starbucks' response to the woman was: "Any transaction over $25, we will continue to request identification as is the policy. Since you have indicated that your purchase was over $25 our partners followed the appropriate credit card policy." Read "Starbucks says it's corporate policy to check ID with a $27 credit purchase"

Burger King to start selling Starbucks-owned Seattle's Best coffee in its restaurants

Seattle's Best will replace Burger King's BK Joe coffee this summer. The agreement is the latest expansion for Seattle's Best, which Starbucks acquired in 2003. || Read "Burger King Revamps Coffee"

OPEN THREAD conversation-starter: Are you ready for a romantic Starbucks weekend?

Where's the best place for a cheap Valentine's date? Starbucks, of course. (And will you be getting V-day cards from customers who have crushes on you?) Discuss this or anything else Starbucks-related -- the demise of Signature Hot Chocolate, for example -- in the weekend OPEN THREAD. || Jump to the second page of comments.

Starbucks discontinues its Duetto Visa card program after 7 years

Starbucks, Chase and Canadian card issuer RBC have "decided not to renew the credit card partnership," says a Starbucks spokesman. The stored value that customers earned on their cards will be sent to them in the form of a Starbucks card. Read "Starbucks discontinues Duetto Visa card || Reaction from Consumerist.com readers