Dept. of Excess: This Starbucks customer enjoyed three breakfast sandwiches

I believe they were sausage, egg and cheese sandwiches -- they serve that combo at Starbucks, right? -- and the guy enjoyed a pretty big drink, too. (That's over 1,500 calories, I'm guessing.) Is this man the King of Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches, or do you have customers who'll eat four (or more) while sitting at your store? Feel free to share stories of food/drink excesses (and forward any snapshots you can take). [Click on the photo for a larger view.] || Jump to the second page of comments.

Comments

[Dave Gross]

Ugh, that is nasty. No wonder Americans are so unhealthy. They're going to need more than universal health care to get healthy.

[halfassedcopout]

I love how no one understand the difference between "judging" and saying something is not ok...sad.
If you follow your line of thinking, you just judged everyone in this thread. use some logic.

[SM]

Completely and totally inappropriate. And if I find that a single one of my baristas forwards a photo of one of our customers to this site for this topic, I will be issuing corrective actions fast enough to make your head spin.

I am disgusted that a Starbucks employee would stoop this low. That "respect and dignity" thing extends from out behind the line, too.

Would it be "entertainment" if you asked partners to forward photographs of handicapped customers struggling with the doors? Requesting videos of mentally ill individuals trying to order from the menu? The thing that sets our company apart is how we treat eachother and the level of customer service we are expected to provide to put clients.

Be proactive in helping your customers find healthier options if they want them, but don't even think about participating in this disgusting form of "gossip".

You've lost a subscriber, here. And my partners best heed this warning. The partners participating here are not the partners I want on my team, and I'm sure it won't be long before their superiors arrive at the same conclusion.

[Jim Romenesko]

SM -- Could you get more things wrong in one post?

I took the photo -- a Starbucks employee did not.

This was not a "handicapped" customer -- this was a customer who, like the majority of Americans, don't have the good sense to eat right and exercise. (Oh, and here's a reminder: Watch FOOD INC. on PBS tonight. It's about the kind of crap food that's served at Starbucks.)

[hearbutloud]

Funny that the fight is over this customer's privacy or "judging" him. We all know that eating that many breakfast sandwiches in one sitting is unhealthy --- no matter WHO is eating it. They are high in cholesteral as well as in fat, so even someone of a healthy weight would find their heart hurtin' after a meal like that. I share blogmaster Jim's HORROR. I am equally horrified by our "Venti." But this is not unique in this nation. How many morbidly obese people do you see munching down large amounts of fattening food?

This is NOT about judging people for being FAT. (I am overweight.) This is about watching someone take unnecessary health risks out of pure gluttony. If fat were purely an appearance issue, then it wouldn't be America's biggest health concern.

That said, I think it is deplorable of Jim to ask us to embarass our own customers (although I can certainly think of some who qualify) and single them out as making unhealthy choices.

And, Jim, gossip is all well, and good, and interesting. But I would like to see the gossip focus on Starbucks and what its doing, rather than a forum for undeserved customer-bashing. Course, it's your website.

[angrylurker]

Do you think that the smug attitude on display here is really going to change anyone's food and lifestyle choices?
I've lurked here over a year but this will be my first and last post, and the last time I come here. Just can't get over the blatant disrespect and lack of courtesy for for others.

Unless you actually know the person in the photo, I think it's wrong to assume anything about them.

[Crema_the_crop]

"I have eaten five breakfast sandwiches and washed it down with a frappuccino."

It's times like these I enjoy revealing to all that BSR is in fact a girl. :P

Also, Lisa V, do the numbers 2713 sound familiar to you??

[Melody]

Perhaps we're in a Starbucks blog content lull. ;-) I know that feeling. We need Starbucks to do another fun test like the "Trenta" so we can talk about it! Though having a lack of Starbucks content at the moment (at my stie too) to "gossip" about still doesn't improve this blog entry. :(

Summer Phase 1 is right around the corner, and today is Q2 quarterly conference call (reporting good earnings I think)... There's got to be more to talk about than this. We need Juan Valdez back!

[Lisa V]

hearbutloud -

You said: "This is NOT about judging people for being FAT. (I am overweight.) This is about watching someone take unnecessary health risks out of pure gluttony."

While you say it's not about judging people, your next comment about "pure gluttony" speaks quite a load of judgment on people you don't know, and whose personal "gluttony" isn't immediately hurting you or anyone else. But I'm glad you're not cool with the invitation to call people out on it. :)

To everyone else:
All this supposed concern over an obese person's health is pretty phony. We do not know this person, therefore all this hand-wringing and "Oh, look what he's doing to himself," is not helpful, but more than that, it reveals a judgment that being overweight is not okay, that fat is to be avoided at any cost, and that a person who either is comfortable with being overweight or does not have the kind of self control you do is not operating "correctly." All of this talk is predicated on the belief that being overweight is highly undesirable, and that doesn't help anyone who is overweight to feel better about themselves or change their personal situation.

[Jack]

If he is willing to be disgusting like that in public, then it is fair game to ridicule him. The three sandwiches come to around 1500 calories. Gross...

[Fork me! I'm done!]

Thanks Jim-I've been wanting to see that movie...and thanks for the pic- he looks how I felt after eating just one. But then again...I only had 10 minutes.

[cafe noir]

As a former bulimic, all I can say is, wow! The attitudes prevalent about obesity are in fact the reason that I tortured myself with purging every day. As a former cutter, I can say that my worries about body image are what drove me to cut myself. Did I make the right decisions? Certainly not. Please think about all the young girls out there with body image issues who read sneering comments about the overweight, and then ask yourself: why are eating disorders among young women on the rise?

[Lisa V]

"Also, Lisa V, do the numbers 2713 sound familiar to you??"

No, what about them? Could it be a store number?

[jill]

just to let the author of this silly post know: this guy has serious brain damage. I worked at the store that this man frequents for three years...he is very nice, but suffered a bad car accident. Rumor around the store is that he used to be an engineer. i understand seeing the ridiculousness in these types of things, perhaps even the humor, but u must consider the context. why would u publicly ridicule someone in this state? really?

[jill]

oh, and i forgot to mention, it is really obvious that this guy has a mental issue. way to be....

[hearbutloud.]

Lisa V
I see your point, but I'm sticking to my guns. A dangerously overweight nation is causing Congress to look at legislation affecting how ALL of us live... so, yeah, how this guy eats DOES affect me, and you, and all of us.

And, all food consumed that is beyond what is needed to sate is gluttonous, not a judgment, a fact.

[Waltie]

This website just jumped the shark.

[D]

Well guys i worked at that store before, (dempster/Chicago) in Evanston. i know that customer his name start with a "M"
not only is web master dishing on overweight people, "M" also lives in a place that is for Mentally challenged people, and its VERY obvious he is one.

Web master just abused an innocent person.

[ICU]

Terrible. I don't think I'll be coming much to this site anymore, if it's turned into a "lol lets laugh at the mentally-disabled fat customer" fest. Why not post a pic of your hunky self and your disgusting habits, Jim?

[MournBux]

Incredible... he *abused* an innocent person??? He posted a pic that the guy posed for in a public place.

You guys are way, way, way too sensitive.

I can only imagine how much you whine when something that's actually bad happens.

Now get back to complaining about how hard your jobs are or how mean customers are...

/former barista/SL

[MournBux]

Also, if the guy IS indeed mentally challenged... where is his chaperone? He obviously needs someone to keep an eye on him if he's out buying venti fraps/lattes and 3 sandwiches at a time. Not only is he blowing through money but he's killing himself slowly.

Be outraged about that.

[Dg]

to the most by MOURNBUX, are you really this stupid? not all mentally challenged people need a "chaperon" and you are free to come to the starbucks on dempster/chicago to see the guy in the picture chilling there almost everyday.

this is nothing less then bullying, Jim (webmaster) you are a piece of shit of doing it, and a bully.

[Austin Bearista]

Maybe this guy was really hungry... One time I ate a Bacon Artisan and a Sausage English Muffin in ten minutes, and I'm not mentally challenged or overweight.

The webmaster wanted to start some gossip, and he did. That's why this blog is called Starbucks gossip. Don't like it? Feel free to go somewhere else; Obscure Store and Starbucks Gossip will stay on my bookmarks toolbar.

Thanks, Jim.

[quityourbitchin]

he's mentally disabled-yet he knew what was going on and posed. Yea, you need to go and volunteer at the type of home he lives in. You obviously have no clue what you are talking about-ignorant and /or just obnoxious to everyone around you. I cannot believe you said he posed.

[Trackee]

This was actually a post I enjoyed... you guys are pretty boring most of the time. Standards this, labor scheduling that... lets have some fun and talk about unusual customers every now and then!

You know you all have freakazoid customers that make you say, "WTF" every time they walk out the door.

Dont lie. You cant think allllll of your customers are normal.

[black apron boy]

ready....go....may i please have a double venti, 8 pump hazelnut , 1.5 steamed breve poured in front of me, 20 sugars cin and nutmeg mixed at the bottom, no foam, brewed coffee!!! He comes in everyday, sometimes twice. Nice guy and not obese or anything like that. It forms a slush of sugar and syrup on the bottom. MMMM oh and he asks people that dont know how to make his drink pour the creme in front of him so he can make sure it isnt to creamy otherwise ROUND TWO

[(former) FLA SM]

"As a former bulimic, all I can say is, wow! The attitudes prevalent about obesity are in fact the reason that I tortured myself with purging every day. As a former cutter, I can say that my worries about body image are what drove me to cut myself."

OK, you're worried about looking fat so you throw up to stay thin. That's taking it a little overboard, but at least I can see the logic in the thought process. However, I don't see how cutting yourself would make you appear more attractive. It would actually make you LESS attractive. ("Hey look at that hot chick with all the scabs!")

Obviously, you have some kind of mental disorder because no sane person would do what you did. So why are you blaming everyone else for your actions? Take some friggin' responsibility for your own actions, people!

I'm continually amazed how no one wants to accept personal responsibility for themselves. "I'm fat because I have a glandular problem." No, you're fat because you take in more calories than you burn. Simple science. "I'm poor because of racism/the government/etc." No, you're poor because you're not willing to work at a crappy job. GROW UP!

[cafe noir]

“Obviously, you have some kind of mental disorder because no sane person would do what you did. So why are you blaming everyone else for your actions? Take some friggin' responsibility for your own actions, people!”
(former) FLA SM, why don’t you take some responsibility for the extreme insensitivity you rude comment here demonstrates? I would like to point out that “mental disorder” and “insane” are not equivalent. Furthermore, I said “former,” which implies that I am no longer engaging in these behaviors and have sought treatment for my mental disorders. And by the way, bulimia is a mental disorder, as is cutting, so your “diagnosis” is not exactly clever or original. And, if I recall correctly, I said that my actions were not right, which also implies that I am, in fact, taking responsibility for my actions:
“Did I make the right decisions? Certainly not.”
The statement I was trying to make is that, as the behavioral creatures we are, we will base our behaviors on what the behaviors of others dictate to us—psychology 101. Some people are susceptible to disorders naturally, and the way we act might trigger certain behaviors. When I said “Please think of all the young girls out there with body image issues who read sneering comments about the overweight, and then ask yourself: why are eating disorders among young women on the rise?” I was simply calling people to be responsible for THEIR actions and their words. Children do learn by example, you know.
(former) FLA SM, I am deeply offended by what you wrote in your post. I am not an insane person, I am a person with a physiological problem known as bipolar. I am extremely responsible for my actions and I have sought treatment and am doing quite well. I now know more than ever, from reading the comments on this issue, that society at large is unsympathetic to those with problems. No wonder so many people with disorders are ashamed of their diagnosis. You should all be ashamed of yourselves, and you, (former) FLA SM, should be ashamed of yourself for the inconsiderate things you said about me. So, before you rant at someone about personal responsibility, you should take responsibility for your own words and do your research before making coldhearted and empty accusations of lack of personal responsibility. You have disgusted me on a fundamental level, but I feel sorry for you. Living life so judgmentally is exhausting.

[Peter]

To the partners making fun of him... I'd stay quiet on it. I have two words for you... Job Security.

To the partner who took his picture and posted it here... I'd be real careful. That could be grounds for termination. I highly doubt you told him why you were taking his picture, and I doubt you even asked to begin with.

But the truly sad thing is, everyone tearing him down. It's easy for us to go online and make snarky comments and insult people while we hide behind screennames.

Also, Jim said if you're in public it's fair game. I say as a challenge, someone find pictures of Jim and post them on here or Melody's blog.

[Melody (Reply to Peter)]

Peter - The end of your post did kinda make me laugh a little.

I think Jim said early that HE was the one who took the picture, and not a Starbucks partner. In any event, it doesn't make this quality content, either way. It's a tired issue that people want Trentas, Plentas, Bubba Kegs, and super sized meals. I feel sorry for this guy that he is publically used as an example of those who eat to excess, but is he really a fluke? Given our country's eating habits,we know there are lots more people out there like him than we want to admit.

[revolutionoftheheart]

when is starbucks going to offer some vegan items? there were thousands of this same request when starbucks had a message board on its website.

if they really want to be socially responsible, they will help the animals, the earth, and people.

[formermanager]

We had some guy, preferred to be called "Droopy", who thought it would be super eccentric to just pay in $2 bills, $1 coins, and $.50 cent pieces.

[(former) FLA SM]

@ cafe noir:

You have supported the overall theme of my post. My point is people should take responsibility for their own actions. Ultimately, we (as human beings) alone make the final decisions for what we do, so don't blame others. There are tons of people who were raised in an unhealthy atmosphere that surpassed their upbringing to become outstanding citizens. There are tons of people who have been diagnosed with a variety of mental disorders who have surpassed those conditions to live productive "normal" lives. Yet you appear to blame the opinions of others for your actions, and then expect them to apologize. I do not blame you for being bipolar. Obviously, that's not your fault. However, neither is it the fault of anyone else, regardless of their opinions or viewpoints on the shape of a womans body. You seem to indicate that other people (and their viewpoints) triggered your condition.

I have my opinions, and I'm entitled to them. You have every right to ignore them, and disparage them, if you so choose. That's the beauty of living in the USA. I am glad you have sought treatment and it is effective. That was your choice, and I'm sure most people (including myself) would say it was a good choice. But please remember, there are many people who hold opinions that differ with yours, and you may not like to hear them. The same holds true for everyone, and we all have to live with it. I'm not ashamed of (or exhausted from) exercising my freedom of speech, or engaging in debate, or my opinion that many people blame others rather take personal responsibility.

[Indy Rob]

Wow..

So it is okay to eat one or two of these overpriced breakfast sandwiches but not three?
I find it amazing that so many Starbucks employee's are eager to criticize or condemn a customer's eating habits. Not only is this sort of behavior cold hearted and calloused, it completely ignores the fact that Starbucks is in the business of selling luxury snacks. Starbucks does not sell anything that is really healthy or is really needed by the customer. I have been cutting back my coffee consumption since January limiting myself to at most a cup per day. Last week was the only week (since January) I have been to Starbucks more than once during the week. This behavior (disparaging customers) makes me much more likely to just grab my coffee where ever I get friendly service.
There seems to be some confusion on whether or not sharing your opinion is a matter of free speech, it is free speech and at the same time it is rude and cruel. Calling it a debate when your speech is insulting your customers does not make it a debate. It is an insult. Feel free to be rude to your customers, see how long it takes them to buy their coffee and breakfast sandwiches elsewhere.

[sara]

My goodness, I didn't know there were so many sensitive souls posting on Starbucks Gossip since many usually make fun of the fatties that come in and order their gigantic frappuccinos.

[(former) FLA SM]

@ Indy Rob:

(1) Please note that I am not an employee of Starbucks.
(2) A debate is a discussion involving opposing points, regardless of whether one of the parties involved feels insulted. (for example, political debates.)

[yeano]

this hasn't been a debate. Not even an ignorant one. This has been a fashion magazine bitch blow up

[gc]

Close it up. It's done. yeano has the best comment ever.

"This has been a fashion magazine bitch blow up"

[Mama]

I'm just wondering why my Starbucks doesn't have breakfast sandwiches of any sort that I can overindulge in?? I have to make do with the dried out coffee cake or hard as rock scones. Hmmmm. Is this a test market or something? Would love not having to hit two stops to snag breakfast and a coffee every morning...

[what is this?]

I have run marathons with people who have the same body type as this guy. Michael phelps eats twice as much as him! I say post a Doctors cert stating he is unhealthy or has a medical condition related to the way he is eating and this STORY will have a little meaning.

[Peaches, the partner]

Hey as long as he paid for em.
We're not diet counselors, it makes me sad sometimes, but people's health is their own concern.
Partners are responsible for creating the experience and making the business work.

As for making fun of overweight people?
Please! what is the difference in this and in all of the news stories/documentaries/reports of people "overdoing it" or being overweight. Put down your moral broadswords, its the internet; no one here is impressed by your expressed superior moral fiber.

[notevenclose]

just b/c you have no morals doesn't mean everyone else is dirty with you.

[Peaches, the partner]

You can say what you want about me and my so called lack of morals. What would you propose I do as a partner? Realistically? Also, who are you to judge me as not having morals? Do you have any conceivable notion about how I live or do my job?

[alex]

when atkins diet hit and i was working starbucks we had a customer who would order a large iced latte - made with heavy whipping cream.... he would switch it up with half and half sometimes.... he was overweight, but claimed because it had no carbs it was ok....

it was kinda gross but, hey, customer, no matter how ridiculous is always right!
i love your blog!

[starbuckscard]

It's hard enough peddling STARBUCKS food at the often obscene prices. Now people are criticizing people because they purchase, and consume, too much! NO MORE SANDWICHES FOR YOU ! (sound vaguely familiar)

I don't go to STARBUCKS to have people critique my purchases, and eating habits. I already have a Mother for that!

To Note- I have rarely eaten LESS than TWO breakfast sandwiches at one time- and often have had three. Never gave it a second thought that it was so unusual until I saw this thread. P.S. I always had them double toast the English Muffin with sausage egg and cheese, I like the way the cheese got golden brown, and the muffin extra crunchy!

Haha what a fatty

[this site is worthless]

Who ever took this picture, if i ever see you taking pictures in this store of any customer again, i will take your camera/phone and destroy it. Jim, you're a horrible human being. You're mentally sick and have no right posting such a picture on your shitty website. and btw, he gets a tall coffee and happens to like to poor it over ice into a venti cup. if you had any sense in your head Jim, you'd take this post down. Not only is this customer one of the nicest people i've ever met, he diserves more than to be "put on display" (for lack of better words) on your website that does no good. You're an ignorant fool and i hope someone gives you a reality check. Eat shit Jim.

[STARBUCKS GOSSIP WEBMASTER]

>>> Eat shit Jim.

Do you mean, down one of those awful sandwiches?

[tattoo designs]

This looks hilariously stupid but I'm not offended in any way by it. Truth be told I'll probably rent it some night and tell my boyfriend I want to stay home and watch a movie on the couch when what I mean is that I want to watch like 40 minutes of a movie on the couch then spend the rest of the night having sex. It's kind of our thing.