At Starbucks' annual meeting, chairman Howard Schultz scolded investors for trading the coffee giant's shares down since it reported that same-store sales increased by 7 percent in January, at the high end of the company's expectations. "I was told not to say that, but it really bugged me that the stock would go down on 7 percent comps," Schultz said. (Associated Press)
February 09, 2005
What's the story on Starbucks turning down coffee for Marines in Iraq because they (Starbucks) do not support the war on terror?
Posted by: Jack Hays | February 09, 2005 at 07:02 PM
For the 8 billionth time, that's not true. Go read about it at snopes.com. Good god, nothing ever dies on the internet.
Posted by: | February 09, 2005 at 07:10 PM
The story is that some people will believe almost anything.
Posted by: | February 10, 2005 at 01:17 AM
Actually, it IS true. My classmate's son is in the Army and attempted to purchase Starbucks coffee along with several friends in his unit. Their money was returned to them along with a note that stated Starbucks would not sell them coffee as Starbucks is against the war.
Now, I am also against the war, but I support our men and women over there risking their lives. I didn't purchase Starbucks coffee to begin with as it is ridiculously overpriced, but now, many of my friends have opted not to go to Starbucks anymore because of this issue and the issue of not providing water to firemen helping the wounded during the September 11th attack.
Posted by: Nicholas | February 10, 2005 at 09:57 AM
B.S.
Here's a reply from Starbucks (via the Snopes page)
"Starbucks has the deepest respect and admiration for U.S. military personnel. We are extremely grateful to the men and women who serve stateside or overseas. We sincerely appreciate that they are willing to risk their lives to protect Americans and our values of freedom and democracy. While Starbucks as a company cannot directly donate to military personnel, many of our partners (employees) show their support by donating coffee.
Starbucks partners receive one pound of free coffee each week as an employee benefit (known as "partner mark-out"). Many of our partners have elected to send their weekly mark-out of coffee to members of the military or military families, and related organizations. Our partners have collected and shipped numerous pounds of Starbucks coffee overseas.
As an example of this generosity, our partners in our Atascadero, California store sent their weekly mark out coffee to troops in Afghanistan so they are able to enjoy a little piece of home. Our customer relations department in Seattle donated hundreds of pounds of coffee to the sailors in the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group."
Posted by: Richard | February 10, 2005 at 10:10 AM
Nicholas you are full of shit, or your classmate is full of shit or his son is full of shit. My brother is in the Army and hasnt had a single problem with purchasing coffee from Starbucks, either in the store or mail order now he is abroad.
Posted by: deusx | February 10, 2005 at 10:21 AM
OK, we know that the "Evil Starbuck's won't sell coffee to the troops" story is false.
Doesn't anyone else take issue with Jack Hays equating the war in Iraq with the war on terror?
For the 8 billionth time, IRAQ DID NOT ATTACK US!
Posted by: SkyGrrl | February 10, 2005 at 11:47 AM
Actually they did. The link betweeen them and Al Quaeda is weak but they have broken rules imposed on them.
Did you not hear about all the times they violated the rules set forth after the first Gulf War. Many of these included flying fully armed attack aircraft into the nofly zone and other aggressive acts.
Posted by: | February 10, 2005 at 12:25 PM
The best posts are the ones who people won;t even post thier email address on them. Those folks I really want to believe (yeah right).
That last post didn't read the report by the 9/11 Commission. They found no evidence of a link between Al Quaeda and Iraq.
As for SBUX and donating coffee... get your heads out of your butts... That story is NOT true.
As for the water to firemen during the 9/11 attack; unless you were there during that chaos, none of us can judge anyone's actions, reactions, or judgements during what must have been a very stressful, confusing time.
Posted by: CoffeeBoy | February 10, 2005 at 10:01 PM
Imagine this: All hell is breaking loose around your store -- buildings are falling, fire trucks and police squad cars are flying by on the street, and thousands of screaming people are running for their lives.
In the middle of this, someone bursts through you front door, wearing nothing but street clothes, screaming GIVE ME ALL YOUR WATER! DO IT NOW! GODDAMMIT GIVE ME ALL YOUR FUCKING WATER NOW!
Please tell me exactly how you would react at that given moment. I'm betting it would be pretty damn close to what went down on 9/11.
Oh, and Nicholas, it would be quite difficult for Starbucks to refuse your son's coffee sale, seeing as how they haven't run a mail order business in over two years, you lying sack of shit.
Posted by: Cunning Stunt | February 11, 2005 at 01:26 AM
Nicholas -- Your story has been WIDELY DEBUNKED. Please stick to the facts on my site. Thank you.
Posted by: STARBUCKS GOSSIP webmaster | February 11, 2005 at 06:55 AM
The Snopes Starbucks quote states: "While Starbucks as a company cannot directly donate to military personnel, many of our partners (employees) show their support by donating coffee."
There is nothing that prevents Starbucks the corporation from donating coffee to the military in Iraq. Corporations make donations of their products all the time to worthy causes.
Posted by: | February 11, 2005 at 03:10 PM
They cannot directly donate, because their policy is to donate only to charities, and last time I checked, the US Military is not a charity. I have no problem with that policy, in fact I applaud it...and I served 6 years in the military & don't consider those who do not donate to the military to be unpatriotic bastards.
Posted by: RonnyB | February 11, 2005 at 06:47 PM
Oh, and Starbucks donated 50,000 pounds of coffee:
http://starbucksgossip.typepad.com/_/2004/11/starbucks_to_do.html
Posted by: Cunning Stunt | February 12, 2005 at 01:28 AM
They actually donated the coffee to Red Cross to be used in the areas of military. If you read the post it alludes to that point. But the main point is they gave 50000 pounds of coffee to be used for troops
Posted by: | February 12, 2005 at 08:39 AM
Wasn't this entry about falling stock prices?
Posted by: CoffeeBoy | February 12, 2005 at 09:25 AM
Maybe the stock price has been falling because everyone's starting to see that OMG STARBUKS HATES TEH MILITARY!!!!11!!!!1
Posted by: corianderstem | February 12, 2005 at 10:01 AM
Starbucks/Military issue = Dead Horse
People bitching about it = Beating poor horse
Posted by: | February 12, 2005 at 11:02 PM
I work at Starbucks. It is Starbucks policy to donate to charities in the area of AIDS reasearch/relief, literacy, and two other social problems which I do not currently recall. If a partner would like to support a charity through either monetary contributions or time Starbucks has programs to support that.
I would like to specify here that I am not speaking for the company, just my experience.
The military is not a charity. It is a government operation, and while donating to troops is nice, and something Starbucks has commended partners for in our monthly newsletter the corporation as a whole cannot support or be against any military action or the military as a whole. It is a political statement and in all our policy books it says we don't take any political stands.
Posted by: ammie | April 11, 2005 at 04:35 PM
Ammie
Since you work at starbucks can you tell me why there is a tip jar at the register?
Posted by: | February 16, 2006 at 02:29 AM
It's for tips. I know it's complicated but tip jars are for tips.
Posted by: | February 16, 2006 at 08:10 AM
Starbucks is full of garbage if they say they can only donate to charities and non-profits. THey could have donated to the USO which is a NON-PROFIT organization dedicated to helping military personnel. As a former member of the military I find the fact that this story is true is INSULTING and UNPATRIOTIC. SOldiers who have been to Iraq spend an entire year or more thinking that this day could be their last and missing loved ones from home. WHile you're gone the whole world changes and when you come back, it's not the same. I used to be an avid drinker of Starbucks coffee but now I will not set foot in one. Support Our Troops!
Posted by: Arianna Jamieson | February 22, 2006 at 02:17 PM
I urge Starbucks to discontinue paying for advertisements in any Rodeo 'listing of events program' that is for sale at any stadium where a Rodeo takes place. This is based on the incredible physical pain and violence that the participating animals are placed in, for no other reason than to entertain people.
Posted by: | February 25, 2006 at 06:57 PM
Boycott their ass anyway, because of their crass attitude to the middle class
Posted by: rONNIE | February 27, 2006 at 10:07 AM
The USO didn't request the Starbucks coffee, an individual did! If your going to bash a company or anyone for that matter make sure it's for the right reasons and you've got your facts straight.
Posted by: | March 07, 2006 at 08:15 PM
Arianna, can you flipping read? The Starbucks story, contrary to your childish emotional outburst claiming otherwise, is false. I served as a Marine in the first Gulf War and I also drink Starbucks coffee on occasion. I'll be sure to drink my next Venti White Mocha in your honor.
Sgt James Landrith
USMC (1989-1995) and USMC (1995-2001)
Posted by: James Landrith | March 09, 2006 at 11:07 AM
If it wasnt for native americans, you idiots could not enjoy coffee! SO YOU ALL CAN SHUT UP!
Posted by: NATIVE AMERICA | March 10, 2006 at 12:23 AM
Wow....I think most of you drink too much coffee..(as for me I wont touch the stuff) But if the stock goes down some more....I'll buy some shares
Posted by: David M | March 15, 2006 at 02:00 PM
here is something from the other side. Soldiers that have Starbucks donated coffee. http://www.boycottwatch.org/misc/starbucks4.htm
So maybe we are only hearing and seeing what we want to.
I do not doubt that the story in the Feb 2005 post may have happened but I may have only been one incident. The fact that Starbucks is following their policy is something that all service people should understand since the military has policies for almost everything.
I was an Army Recruiter towards the end of my career and when one Army guy did something bad all Army guys had to answer for it and we never thought that was very cool.
When I heard the rumor I boycotted Starbucks as did my family. i think maybe I should have done my due dilligence first because it caused a little heartache with my daughter who loved Starbucks.
http://www.boycottwatch.org/misc/starbucks4.htm
I have seen the above web site and will let you make up your own decision of what to do
1SG Retired
Posted by: Rickey | July 01, 2006 at 07:10 PM
I am a Marine who was deployed for 18 Months to Al Asad Airbase Iraq. I was with MWHS-3 3rd MAW in 2004 and 2005. I know for a FACT we had starbucks coffee DONATED to our shop by THREE Starbucks shops located in the area of MCAS Miramar in CA. So don't believe the fact that Starbucks hates Marines.
Posted by: SSgt. Kane, T.H. | July 07, 2006 at 07:11 PM
ooooo they even got the "black apron"!
Posted by: AB Pahtna | July 07, 2006 at 07:16 PM
Today I got my free coffee and a Starbucks challenge coin in front of the Commissary. The employees love the military and loved giving us a free coffee this morning.
Posted by: MSG Mac | September 11, 2006 at 08:19 AM
Okay wish you would quit the Starbucks bashing and saying they don't support our troops. I am a volunteer at the USO and guess what...we serve Starbucks coffee...and guess what Starbucks donates it. Like someone else said, let it rest.
Posted by: USO volunteer | September 24, 2006 at 04:45 PM
I find it very hard to believe that Starbucks refused to sell coffee to the marines in Iraq. Being stationed in South Korea i know that there is a Starbucks on post!!!! The only way they could be selling on post in Yanson is if they support the military.
Posted by: barbara | December 09, 2006 at 02:10 AM
Um...my Tech Sergeant, Senior Master Sergeant, and Major down their Starbucks like there's no tomorrow...if there was something "unpatriotic" about it, I'm sure they wouldn't drink it...trust me, I see these guys every day...
~*C/Amn K.K.
Posted by: | December 12, 2006 at 06:52 PM
I wonder if Ben and Jerry's is sending over any ice cream to Iraq? Maybe something with a little coffee flavor?
Posted by: marc | January 19, 2007 at 02:25 PM
Frankly, I think Starbucks coffee sucks!
It tastes black, burnt and dirty. But that's my personal honest opinion. I prefer other brands that don't roast the beans "too much" and concentrate on the natural flavor of the product. Try Caribou coffee for a refreshing change.
Posted by: Joe | January 28, 2007 at 06:30 PM
I just wanted to know if it was true or not. I read all the post and still don't know for sure one way or the other.I hope its not true cause i love the coffe(breakfast blend) being my favorite, but as a former sniper in the army and a current police officer I would stop going there.
Posted by: BLICK | February 13, 2007 at 06:32 PM
The Starbucks-doesn't-support-troops has been widely debunked, as a simple Google search will show.
Posted by: STARBUCKSGOSSIP webmaster | February 13, 2007 at 07:13 PM
MSG MAC, so If i Initiated a coin check right now, would you have to buy me a Double Tall Latte? cause I've got my William S. Cohen coin right here
Posted by: mgrby2008 | February 13, 2007 at 10:13 PM
This is so ridiculous! In Starsux attempt to say that they support the troops, they also say that it is there policy NOT TO SEND ANY FREE COFFEE to them...
"While Starbucks as a company cannot directly donate to military personnel, many of our partners (employees) show their support by donating coffee."
So it IS their policy to not send any free coffee, which I would dump in the sand anyways cause it tastes like crap and is so overpriced anyways!
Posted by: Joe Thornton, Esq. | February 22, 2007 at 10:00 AM
I believe Starbucks should change their name to "FiveBucks"! It's way, way overpriced, & it doesn't even taste any better than a cup from McDonalds, anyway. If anyone goes to pay the ridiculous prices at Starbucks, you have more money than sense. You just want everyone to look at the cup you're holding so everyone can see & say, "Wow, that person paid too much for that bad tasting coffee, he must have lots of money."
Anyway, to all you people that like the taste of their Frap, (which is at least one thing this company makes that actually taste good), go buy yourself a Vita-Mix machine. You'll find that alot of Starbucks use this machine in making them, & the Frap was "invented" in this machine. The Vita-Mix Corp., has been around since 1925 & sells them online, but at cheaper prices at State fairs, home & garden shows, & health expos, etc. It takes 30 seconds to blend up your favorite frap, saves you time in line, & costs about 25 to 35 cents to make one!!!
I have this machine at home & paid only $400 for it. It's not sold in stores, & comes with a 7 year warranty!!! It also is so powerful it makes hot soup in 3 minutes & ice cream in 30 seconds. And for what all of you people spend at Starbucks for your caffine, you'd have this paid for in no time.
There, I just solved AlOT of problems on this page.
Your welcome
Posted by: rip | February 22, 2007 at 12:17 PM
It's so funny when people talk about McDonald's coffee being better--Starbucks owns Seattle's Best too. It's all us.
Posted by: Kamala | February 28, 2007 at 08:45 AM
I just wanted to say to all of you that seem to think that Starbucks is an evil company, that you're wrong. I am currently a shift supervisor at a Starbucks in Irvine, CA. I donate our coffee EVERY WEEK to Operation Archangel. A gentleman by the name of Robert Esquinas sends packages out a couple times a month to marines in Iraq. So all of you who've boycotted Starbucks, because you think they don't support the war, you should do a little research before you come to such drastic conclusion.
Let me explain it again. Starbucks as a "Company” cannot donate to organizations that are Political, or something of that nature. So the corporate office cannot write out a check for $100,000 to the War on Terror, and they can't ship 1000 lbs of coffee a week to Units in Iraq. It's their policy. It would be great if they would, but a lot of companies have policies we don't all agree with. It's their company. As a store, we can donate to whomever we want. Whatever store that denied those Marines coffee, was a decision was made by that store. Don't single the whole company out for that reason. If you still feel strongly about this, than boycott that store. My store and a lot of other stores around me support the troops. I've donated tons of coffee for them, and have even made a couple care packages to go along with that. We have a certificate of appreciation from one unit, and a bunch of emails and thank you cards from other units.
I am offended by the remarks by some of you, and hope that you might change your mind after reading this. Don't let one incident spoil you opinion of a good company. And for those of you that don't like our coffee, or think that it's too expensive; don't go there, simple as that. One more thing, for all of you that boycotted Starbucks for not sending over coffee, I hope you send packages over there on a monthly basis. If you don't, you have no right to say anything.
Posted by: Candice-Elizabeth Giffin | March 21, 2007 at 01:40 AM
Ok, I agree that it would be just aweful if Starbucks were infact acting in this manner, however; we here at Ft Benning have a Starbucks meditations cafe ON BASE! I hope that answers a few concerns that you may have:) Have a blessed day. Oh, and BTW for all the Vet's here. God bless you and thank you, you don't hear it quite enough!
Posted by: I miss my Soldier | March 22, 2007 at 12:32 PM
my teenager is trying to raise funds for this years aids walk 2007 @ Anaheim stasium in CA. Does anyone know who or how to contact Starbucks regarding charitable donations? Really appreciate your help...if you'd like more info or to donate please contact me at [email protected]
Posted by: dani graff | April 02, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Some people will believe anything. My mother always told me if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. Don't be ignorant. Find the facts. Look stuff up before you pass it around. I got it again today, I always look these things up. I don't like spreading false gossip, and our service men have enough problems. Thank them and get on with life, send them something if you can afford it. If you can go out and buy coffee, buy them a pound, there are lots of places accepting donations for the servicemen in Iraq. Quite whining. You and I are the fortunate ones, we are here where it's free to act like an ass, just like we are doing right now. Give it up.
Posted by: Melissa | April 10, 2007 at 04:03 PM
I am the founder of OPERATION: Archangel, a care package program for Marines and Sailors and the Soldiers and Airmen that serve with them in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 2004, we have sent over 25,000 pounds of "love and joy from the USA" to our brave heroes in harm's way at the point of a spear. It is truly a labor of love and the best job I have ever had.
I can tell you catagorically, each and every box that is sent to a unit deployed forward in either Iraq or Afghanistan has at least 3 or 4 pounds of Starbucks coffee in it donated by the wonderful Starbucks coffee houses in Irvine and Newport Beach, California. I only wish more companies were as kind, generous, and caring about our servicemen and women as those Starbucks coffee houses are.
Posted by: Robert Esquinas | June 21, 2007 at 05:03 PM
Good afternoon:
My name is Hector M. Medina and I am a Staff Sergeant in the U.S.
Marines, I am an "Operation Iraqi Freedom" Vet and getting ready to go back
again for a third time (if my monitor let me go.) , first I would like to
take the opportunity to thank "Starbucks" for supporting our troops and to the creators of this website.
I have a question, or more like a humble request, I am an avid collector
of military coins and I saw this one on display at the Marine Corps
Association bookstore, it is a coin made by "Starbucks" supporting our
troops, it has the "Starbucks" logo in the front and in the back has the American flag, the American bald Eagle head and the emblems for all braches of service and around the coin is an inscription that reads "a salute to our troops from Starbucks coffee". I tried to purchase this coin but I was told that display coins are
not for sale, I also called "Starbucks" corporate office and I had no luck
with them either, I surfed the net, checked on EBay, checked with my local
"Starbucks" coffee shops and the results were the same.no luck. I was
wondering if perhaps thru the network of military supporters there is
somebody that has a spare one and is willing to part ways with it, I will
gladly trade the coin for Marine Corps related coins or buy the coin from
this individual.
I would love to attach pictures of this coin,if somebody can tell me how, for you folks to see. In hopes that perhaps there is somebody that happens to own one. Once again
Thank you for supporting our men and women in uniform and thank you for your
time.
Very respectfully
SSgt Hector M. Medina USMC
Communications School
2085 Morrell Ave.
Quantico, Va 22134
(703)432-4699
(540)446-9057
Posted by: SSgt Hector M. Medina USMC | October 18, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Hello SSGT.,
I have never seen any starbucks coins, but hopefully someone will know which one you are speaking of and set you in the right direction. Good Luck and I'd like to say a special "Thank You" for all you and your fellow military men and women do for each of us every day. God bless!!!
Posted by: Darleen | October 18, 2007 at 04:32 PM