OPEN THREAD conversation-starter: Your thoughts about Starbucks 'blowing up the Frappuccino'

You can read a post about it here. Discuss this article -- or anything else Starbucks-related. Customers are invited to ask questions of the many baristas who read and post on this site. (Baristas are free to ask questions, too.) || Jump to the second page of comments.

Comments

[javagirl666]

Where are you that you can't wear promo t's on the weekends?

[Christinschu]

@Sad: I have never experienced what you are talking about in the years I have worked at starbucks, perhaps it was just an area/regional thing.

however, we are still allowed to wear starbucks t-shirts on fridays, at least in ever area I have worked at, never jeans! I wouldn't even want to wear jeans to starbucks. Ick! And imagine how that would look to the customers, not classy. I do partner relations paid outs for my partners all of the time. If you cannot do them, it's your DMs fault, micromanaging the profit statement.

[ncsm]

Anybody have more info on Roly Morris leaving? I say good riddance and now it's time to get rid of most of the RD's and DM's as well--most of the ones I've met are incompetent powermongers.

[mornbecomes]

Regarding t-shirts- I think "t-shirt day" varies by district. In my store we can wear t's on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays.

[BLACK BALL's]

I guess Starbucks doesn't care about the standards and quality of the Drinks anymore.
I just found out or heard that Tech's that used to work for Starbucks and quit working for FSN, are now BLACKED BALLED from working for another vendor, because FSN will NOT give work orders to the other vender, and keeping the Techs from going in any Starbucks.
The reason I know this is, I tried to get a job with a vendor that has the contract with FSN, and they told him straight up, if the vendor hires me, FSN will not send them anymore work orders, so I was told to look for a different job, and stay out of the stores, I was not welcome there.
I would like to talk to someone in HR at Starbucks and let them know what is happening.
I don’t or will not talk to anyone in the Maintenance Dept. they have been lying to the Techs from the get go on this whole deal, I only wish Howard knew what was happening to his Techs that he promised that he would never let go the Tech’s, because we were the back bone of the Company, and we held higher standards to the customer, which has fallen by the wayside, customer are last on the list, and saving their jobs are number one now.
I was told by Starbucks when I got Laid-off that this would not happen if I decide not to work for FSN.
I don't really understand why most of the Tech's that went to work of FSN Quit. That’s I lie I know why they all Quit. It is because FSN doesn’t have a clue about Coffee Shop’s or the Equipment. Just ask one of their trainer’s, that’s right FSN doesn’t have any they all quit also...
I guess Starbucks doesn't care about the standards and quality of the Drinks anymore.
I heard that some FSM's are fighting to keep the old Tech's out of the stores.
How can an FSM with no back ground in Facilities at all have a job like this?
He has no clue how HVAC, Plumbing, Electricity, or just basic construction works.
I had to cover his but the whole time, but he still has a job.
Some people would call this person a (Kiss Ass, Brown Nose); all I can say is YES he is.
He knew that FSN was getting the contract, (friends in the back office at Starbucks) and called FSN just in case Starbucks was going to Lay him off, and he would able to talk himself into a job with them..

[Marcus]

Now, I have not tasted the new fraps yet as my store doesn't have them. And I think I even posted this same opinion on a previous thread, but I'm bored, and it's Sunday, so I thought I would opine here again. I still don't understand what the new or old fraps really are. I hear talks of base and binding this and that and my radar goes off. I don't pretend to know the best way to make a drink like that, but I imagine you could conceivably use some combination of milk, ice cream, flavored syrups, espresso shots, and ice cream to make a frap type drink. I guess it might take longer, especially if you used ice cream.

But what would it taste like if you had a blender powerful enough to just blend ice, milk, syrup and espresso? Would that taste good and be an icy consistency? Would it be thick enough? I don't know the answers, but I would be more interested in trying a product like that. I don't think people need something fatty--just icy and slushy.

[Coffee Soldier]

In an update that came I believe as an action item last Monday was a one page Q & A about the new frappuccinos. One question was about frappuccinos in a personal mug...the answer was to first use a plastic cup to do the measuring and to discard it....imagine...discard not even recycle IF POSSSIBLE in your store...that right there should be the #1 reason we do not use the cup first...the should have come up with a way to measure in the blender because there are a lot of those double walled personal cold cups around whose owners drink frappucinnos.

[koolaid free]

@usorthem3

The doom and gloom you present is not the solid truth everywhere. I do acknowledge that this is your reality and I'm sorry that you do not have a supportive store manager or DM to help your team through all of the changes.

I do not "work for corporate", but I do have a lot of tenure. The decisions that were made during the reorganization were made in order to save the WHOLE company. We are still here, our stock is rising, and we are profitable.

It is unfortunate that you are so angry. I hope things get better for you.

[bringbacktherhumbafrappuccino]

we can't wear any tee shirts or jeans ever in south central.

[hearbutloud]

I cannot stress this enough. NEVER EVER EVER measure a frappuccino in a personal cup. It is against the health code.

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL #2]

i like the new frap.

[@usorthem3]

@Coffee Soldier Thanks, I figured as much but just thought I would ask.

[shift misto]

@Darth Sidamo

late reply, but yes. every time i had to do the steps, or say the steps for my barista it was followed by "ung-tah ung-tah ung-tah" and chest pumping.
:)

[shift misto]

@Coffee Soldier
oo i know! my clothing organizational skills have greatly improved. i'd be willing to change the entire espresso setup just to learn pants next!

[Tall]

@bsr2
quite a few errors and typos in your list.

Also FYI I'm stupid because I don't use a "handoff plane" at sbux. I gather it's the counter at the end of the espresso machines? Sorry I have been known to ask that person for water or a stick when none were out.

It's Dunkin. Seems a smart person in Boston sees those signs hundred times per day and know to spell perfectly.

Re #20: Not always true. Refills I'm asked to remove the lid and reuse. Also know that Seattle's Best, which is owned by Starbucks, doesn't put a lid on. You must carry your full coffee half a mile to the condiment counter w/o spilling a drop or being bumped by another customer and get your own lid. So sbux policy isn't consistent or predictible on the lid issue.

Customers aren't dumb; they simply don't always understand or know how to order or who behind the counter is doing what. I

[shift misto]

@BSbuxREBEL#2

#6. nonfat defaults to no whip unless otherwise specified. just as lite frap is no whip.

#9 i completely agree. we have a rotten woman that comes in every day, leans her chubby midsection across the handoff plane, and demands that we re-pull her decaf shots over and over until she gets a pair that look good.

#15. its too bad though.. it would really help with #2. lol

[Christinschu]

Shift misto you are incorrect about #6

[bayareabux]

Speaking of standards-

Suddenly I've had a spike in customers asking me to make beverages from the RTD items. ("Can you steam this horizon milk?" "Can you blend this juice with ice?")

I've always been told this is not allowed, but I can't find anything related to use of RTD items in the BRM. Generally I tell customers that we can't serve beverages that aren't based on Starbucks recipes. As in, no, I can't blend a latte.

Someone help me out here -- am I crazy, or where are these policies in writing?

[cheapredapron]

shift misto: christinachu is correct. nonfat,soy or any other milk still gets whip if it is in the recipee. I actually just saw that today on the portal about the new fraps with soy.

[getlostnotwanted]

@misto-nope. nonfat does not default to no whip. Only true skinny lattes do. oops.

[VanCoffeeFan]

What is one of your weird drink requests? I got an order for half soy, half breve coffee misto made with estima. A bit odd in my opinion. One of my buddies got a request for a latte with nonfat steamed for 180 and whole steamed for 130.

What about other baristas?

[Darth Sidamo]

"Pump the Base" for me is followed by "Pump the Jam, Pump it up, While your feet are Stompin, and the Jam is Pumpin"

[Barista Bob]

What are the "official" advantages or reasons the new are better than the old?

[Alex Root]

@Barista Bob:

You mean, besides less prep work, a now fully-customizable frappuccino (which has been desired probably since the drink debut), less dishes for you to wash and an overall happier customer?

..Because those are the reasons.
Plus no gross Stevia aftertaste in the Lite beverages. Now you just use nonfat milk and a little bit less frappe base.

[miguel]

@bob
1. Zero wasted base(great for profits)
2. Any milk (good for picky customers)
3.less labor( great for profits)

[me myself and I]

In Ontario we are allowed to wear promo shirts every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all day. There are no exceptions for proper pants though. So no Jeans for us. But to be honest, I think it wouldn't look right with Jeans. It's kind of like going into one of those banks with tellers trying to appeal to the young, wearing sweatshirts and Jeans. I don't like to go to them. Even though I know it is stupid, but it kind of gives me the impression, if they are so sloppy with their wardrobe, how are they treating my financial requests (or the health code, just to translate it into Starbucks).

[ryan89]

How does one get their artwork displayed inside a Starbucks location? Does the artist have to rent the space? Is there a waiting list?

[Doppio Conkarma]

Really depends upon the store, and if they have an approved space to put up artwork. There's also a legal boilerplate thing you need to sign before art can go up. best thing to do is if your local starbucks has art already up, ask to speak with the manager about putting up some of your material, if they don't have art hanging, they likely don't have approval to do so.

[exploding brain]

In South Central next week and a few days into the next are going to be hectic. What's happening in other areas?

1. Rolling Siren's Eye (Sat, Sun & Mon)
2. Relaunch of VIA due to slowing sales with 2 hours of active sampling during peak hours (Fri, Sat, & Sun)
3. Store meeting (1 hour all partners)
4. Simphony POS system training for all partners on the laptop
5. Simphony installation and launch on Tuesday May 4
6. Summer 1 launch Tuesday May 4
7. Coffee Count Sunday night

[NDS]

I ordered my favorite caramel frappe today and was VERY disappointed. It was bitter, even though I ordered with extra caramel. I don't know why Starbucks who change something that was already perfect in the first place. I spend $4 everyday...that's right EVERY day on this drink and now it's not worth it.
Furthermore, yesterday I went for a Java Chip and it had chocolate milk consistency with no flavor and a bitter aftertaste. I'm done with Starbucks, they just lost one of their best customers.

[Biochemist]

Thanks guys for clearing everything up about the nonfat NOT defaulting to no-whip! As a former barista, I tried explaining that to the other baristas, who claimed that it did indeed default. As not wanting to start an argument with them, I just started asking customers who changed their milk if they still wanted the whipped cream. At my store, it seemed as though about 50% also wanted no whip and 50% wanted it anyway (so why get nonfat milk??). It's nice to know that they clarified that to everyone.

[CM]

Does anyone know if the new frappuccinos are vegan when made with soy? (i.e., is there dairy in the base or binder?) Thanks!

[fuzzy navel]

@CM

There is actually dairy in the base according to the ingredients printed on the label. So much for the old soy only blender pitcher!

[just a shift]

Wow... glad to see that I'm the only shift supervisor on here who is FREAKED THE F%*K OUT that Simphony is downloading tonight and I have to open at five in the morning with absolutely no hands-on training. Did I add that I haven't had a SM for six months? Thank you Howard and everyone else at corporate for this sweet gift as my store is trending 50% over last year. With no extra labor. We were 14% under ATI last week... You folks enjoy your frappucino's tomorrow.

[ash_sk8s]

I just found out that my Starbucks is doing the new frappuccinos now, so I will probably try one out tomorrow.

[Resiguie@ hotmail.com]

Non-fat milk has a different taste and texture than other milk. It's not all about the calories. Its not as sweet. I like whippid cream on occasion but don't care for whole milk.

[gc]

@Posted by: NDS | April 19, 2010 at 06:02 PM

Exactly just how obese are you? You know, on a scale of EXTREMELY OBESE to ASTRONOMICALLY OBESE.

[factsisfacts]

nonfat milk has the same amount of sugar as whole milk

[Melody]

I've been completely and totally overdosing on Frappuccinos lately as I try out different milks. I had both a soy dark cherry vanilla bean Frappuccino and a breve dark cherry vanilla bean Frappuccino today. I think I've consumed a little too much! I don't normally drink like this! ;-)

At least what I can see happening in the Starbucks stores near me, it looks like most customers are really happy with the new Frappuccino.

@NDS - Don't give up! Keep playing with the coffee and sweetener until you get it right for you. But I doubt Starbucks will ever switch back. What they've done now is open up the door for all the people who had wanted non-fat or soy Frappuccinos (and the milk really is fresher since it hasn't been sitting in a carton for however long, and hopefully has been shaken recently?), and this was tested for almost two full years. (I have a little more info in my blog, link in name).

Anybody else now discovering a new addiction? The new Frappuccino rocks! (Yes, I will go back to drinking coffee).

[Melody]

Oh yes - The soy Frappuccino, I felt like I could take it or leave it. I'm not really a soy drinker normally. The breve Frappuccino was amazingly rich and delicious. Wow!

[gc]

@Melody:

When are you going to switch over to Stumptown? It's so much better than Starbucks. Plus, the stores are so much more fun than a Starbucks store -- even the 15th ave or Roy Street stores.

Besides, they do a fantastic job with their drinks, both espresso-based and regular french-press coffee.

[samc]

Does anyone have nutrition information for the new coffee frappucino lights? I was told they actually have less calories than those before them--is that true at all?

[black apron boy]

Just wanted to point out that we can take RT&E products and prepare them! The ovens and blenders are not supposed to have "non-Starbucks" products in them such as your pizza or people's egg-white powder. I understand their is a line, but what ever happened to being on the side of the customer. I've been known on both coasts for being a barista that will never stop until the customer is EXCEPTIONALLY SATISFIED. HELL, I used to work in the freakin doppio and I created new beverages for the corporate heads.
The other day, a woman came in and asked me to make a birthday cake latte!!! Did I say, "NO,That doesn't exist here" "SORRY". Nope, I put my mind to it and made a perfect birthday cake flavor. I can pretty much do any flavor out there.

[black apron boy]

OH and for those wondering----- for a tall

Birthday cake- two wm, 1/4 pump tn, 1/4 c, 1.5 scoops vanilla powder, wc and vanilla sprinkle on top!!! mmmm

Mint chocolate chip ice cream frappuccino- peppermint syrup creme with java chips and 1.5 scoops of matcha!

Cookies 'n Creme- white mocha syrup creme with 2wm, 1v, and jave chips... wc and java chips or a broken biscotti ( I know we all have them)

butter pecan- caramel syrup creme with 1tn, 1/2 bag of cashews, 1 scoop protein, and caramel drizzle blended in... served with wc and drizzle ( cashews look nice too)

Bomb pop- an orange mango juice blended with a splash of creme and 2v...serve with a pump DC and vanilla on the bottom...DONT MIX

[black apron boy]

I can do so much more... just be there to experiment for your own customers

[Waltie]

"I don't understand why you won't make me a birthday cake latte! The other store does it all the time!!"

[5yr SS]

Don't ever blend nuts in the blender pitchers unless you take them in back to be washed immediately afterwards. There's a chance for extreme allergic reactions.

[me myself and I]

If some customers have a very special request and get accommodated, they are usually smart enough to realize this isn't a regular drink they can now have every day everywhere at any given Starbucks, Waltie.
What they can expect is exceptional customer service. Unfortunately they won't even get that everywhere.

And to be honest, if the customer walks into my store with the recipe for the birthday cake latte, he can of course have it. Why not? Those are all ingredients every store has.

And yes, we blend the RTD&E juices with ice all the time.

[javagirl666]

A birthday cake latte?? I say "go screw yourself".

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

Black Apron Boy,
You seem to be God's gift to Starbucks.