Starbucks Gossip

Don't stray too far from your laptop at Starbucks

All across New York, Starbucks pops up again and again on police blotters because of purses, bags, laptops and other items stolen after being abandoned by customers picking up their drinks or using the bathroom. "Officers have set up stings in the chain’s stores," says this New York Times story. "A commander even asked one branch to put up a sign warning customers; the manager demurred, saying such a sign required corporate approval." MY TAKE FROM THE CHICAGO AREA: Starbucks customers here are pretty careful, and generally ask another customer to keep an eye on their belongs while they step away from their tables. YOUR EXPERIENCE? || Read "Here comes your latte -- there goes your laptop"

OPEN THREAD conversation-starter: Was your store busier than usual this morning because of the Royal Wedding?

One person tweeted on Friday morning: "So judging by how packed starbucks is.....everyones been up watchn the wedding cuz they all need coffee." And another tweet: "The line at Starbucks is ridiculously long this morning. I wonder if its because everyone was up at 4am to watch the Royal Wedding?" True at your store, too? Discuss this or anything else Starbucks-related in the OPEN THREAD.

Starbucks profit up 20% in the second quarter

The company now expects to earn $1.46 to $1.48 per share for the year -- but that's just short of Wall Street's average forecast for $1.49 per share. Thus, Starbucks shares dipped 69 cents to $35.92 in after-hours trading. Read "Starbucks profit up 20% in second quarter" || Read Starbucks' release

Starbucks is now the third-largest chain restaurant

Starbucks has leaped ahead of Burger King and Wendy's to become #3 in domestic sales. Only McDonald's and Subway are ahead of it. Keep peddling those breakfast sandwiches and SBUX will knock off the sub chain. Read "Starbucks spurts to No. 3 restaurant chain"

YouTube video shows rat enjoying Starbucks syrup

Hey -- it's going to happen now and then. An employee at the Richmond, B.C. store says: "We know about the issue and the issue is being dealt with." Read "YouTube video shows rodent sipping Starbucks syrup"

OPEN THREAD conversation-starter: Were you swamped for the Earth Day free coffee promotion?

There wasn't an available chair at the Kenosha, Wis. Starbucks (off I-94) on Friday afternoon. Someone wrote below about customers grabbing travel mugs off the shelves -- and not paying for them -- to get the free coffee; I believe I witnessed that. Discuss this or anything else Starbucks-related in the Open Thread.

Get your free Starbucks coffee (or tea) today

Just bring in your travel cup for the Earth Day special. (And customers, don't be greedy and try to get your "fancy" drinks on the house, too.) || Free brewed coffee and tea for travel mug users on Earth Day

Starbucks slashes water use, but stalls on energy and recycling goals

The coffee giant's progress and stumbles -- detailed in its latest environmental and social responsibility report -- are in some ways tied to outside factors that Starbucks has been trying to influence, notes GreenBiz.com. Recycling, for instance, is heavily dependent on what services local governments and waste haulers offer. || Read "Starbucks stalls on energy and recycling goals..."

Here are Starbucks' drinks and food nutrition facts

Whether you’re counting calories, watching your fat and sugar intake, or looking for more fiber or protein, Starbucks says it can help you make the choices that work with its nutrition charts. Find them here.

Find the Starbucks store closest to you

Need to find a Starbucks that's close to you? Use this locator.