Had enough of harried shoppers stopping for another caffeine fix? Relax and post to this weekend's OPEN THREAD

Here's your weekly chance to discuss or inquire about anything Starbucks-related.

Comments

[Shawn Smith]

I was in a store yesterday and noticed that Starbucks was proudly announcing that it would be open Christmas Day?! Umm, I don't really think this is a good thing. I asked the staff what they thought and heard a few load groans. Anyone else think that this is sad? Give the folks the day off already. Nobody needs to rush off to Starbucks at 7am Christmas morning...

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

Starbucks is open on Christmas because they want to create an uplifting experience for all those who do not rejoice at the birth of the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Instead, Uncle Howie wants us to fall down and worship the Siren of Starbucks, aka the whore of Babylon.

BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL
PRIMUS INTER PARES
STARBUCKS REBEL ALLIANCE
AIM SN: BOSTONSTARREBEL

There he goes.......spouting off again about his mythical jebus again.

Way to go lemming

[STARBUCKS GOSSIP webmaster]

Starbucks employees are surprised to learn that their store is open on Christmas Day? Apparently they're rookies. I've stopped at the Lake Geneva, Wis. Starbucks every Christmas Day for the last five or so years; the place is always packed and the employees seem to be upbeat (and well-tipped).

[refusnik]

"Had enough of harried shoppers stopping for another caffeine fix?"

I volunteered to work at the Sbux in a local shopping mall on Black Friday. Why? Honestly, I wanted to see what it was like.

One the most amazing things I got to see happened about 5 minutes after the ASM opened the roll up gate. Now, normally the mall store opens at 8 am. They opened at 4:50 am yesterday. A few people were sitting on the benches outside and they wandered in to get their drinks. I started steaming the milk and looked up to start making conversation with them. Right as I did, I saw something I had never seen before- a flood of people. It was like a dam had burst. The only thing lacking was the rushing sound effect used in movies and a little gust of wind. There was an instant line to the door.

A few minutes later, the DM showed up and we doubled barred it for the next 6 hours. And we had fun. The worst part was that it's one of the old designs. The area containing the bar and the cold beverage station was big enough for one person. The dish sinks are also up front, right behind the bar and next to the CBS. I really feel for those of you still working in the old setups on a day to day basis.

The most amazing part was the partners that I was working with. I imagine they weren't thrilled be there at 4:15 in the morning on Black Friday. And, because the mall and the store had been closed there was no prep done. So we started behind the 8-ball so to speak. But it didn't matter. They were all positive and welcoming to me, an outsider. Throughout the day, despite the constant line to the door, they remained positive and smiling, telling jokes and remaining welcoming to the customers. It made the day so much better.

I contrast it to the day before at my home store. We were doing great, only occasionally busy because we'd get couple SUVs full of people through the DT at the same time- but they were understanding. Plus there were the tailgaters getting ready for the college game. But it was great until one partner with a really bad attitude got there. It was amazing to watch how she just drained everyone.

Maybe I'm crazy but I had a lot of fun. And I'd do it again. If anything, what better way to challenge yourself to be the best.

[refusnik]

Shawn,

My store is open Christmas and I'm working it. In fact, when my manager put up a sign up sheet, it was full in a day.

I don't celebrate Christmas, so it's no thing to me. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. It will be all volunteers, so I won't have to work with anyone that doesn't want to be there. We get time and a half. Plus, tips from that day are split only amongst people working that day. And tips that day are amazing.

[Will]

Yeah, seriously. Anyone who wants that day off can request it off.

My question for open thread --

What is the big deal with suggestive selling and promotional drinks being rammed down our throats on a daily basis? In my experience, its been alienating to customers (especially affluent ones) and tiring to partners.
I understand introducing new things and creating excitement, but why is it neccessary for a DM to call 5 times a day to remind us to push a particular sugar-laden latte, and even make veiled threats on our jobs if we don't meet our goals?

[baroosta]

If I'm not correct, the only way a Starbucks can be open on Christmas day is if there are enough volunteers to staff the store that day. If there are not enough people signed up to work, the store is automatically closed. It's not just like Christmas day is another scheduled day.

[Pat Nerr]

working the holidays is fun... especially on X-Mas day... and when you get time and a half.

I already asked this at the tail end of the last open thread, but... does anyone here know how to make a latte art rosetta? I can't seem to figure it out.

I don't know about you guys, but I can't stand working busy days like the holiday. Not sure where you guys are, but down here, tips really stink. I work in a mall and in my 7.5 hr shift, our numbers were pass half of what the store makes and we didn't get anywhere near half the tip. I know tips aren't mandatory, but you would figure people would have the decency to drop the remaining 11 cents into the tip jar. Maybe it's me, but I think my attitude in being at the till for so long changes when someone drops a tip as messed up as that sounds.

I know how to make a rosetta. and I honestly don't think it's possible to do at starbucks based on the type of pitchers used and the steaming equipment.

[Renaissance_Girl]

Search youtube for coffee art and you can see all sorts of instructions on how to do different designs. Starbucks doesn't encourage doing latte art because we have standards as to how to pour drinks and exactly how much foam should be on each drink.

Also, it's not like every single store is open Christmas. My store is in the middle of the business district so there is no point being open that day, however stores that are considered "community stores" with more seating and which have a lot of residences within walking distance might deside to stay open. Usually their hours are very short that day. Also no one is ever forced to work Christmas day, it is a voluntary thing, and you'd be surprised how many people jump to sign up. Tips are amazing on Christmas day and people are generally in a really good mood no matter if they celebrate Christmas themselves or not.

[ristretto caramel macchiato]

Our store is one of three in our city and is the only one open on Christmas. We open at 7, close at 3 and no shift is longer than 4 hours. It is strictly voluntary, time and a half and all the tips from that day. I do celebrate Christmas but since we don't have plans until later, I'm working 630 - 1030 to get some hours. I'm actually looking forward to it - I know that when I was a customer, I've always appreciated that I could get a cup of coffee on Christmas! :-)

Last year I was working at a store that was open on Christmas-they said that it was voluntary to work that day...but for some reason,when I didnt get scheduled that day
( because I didnt want to work and didnt sign up ) the SM approached me to tell me that partners were upset that I wasnt working and he strongly suggested that I sign up!!! It turned out that the voluntary sign-up was only if all the hours got covered voluntarily-when they were not, the SM started scheduling...Since I was one of several partners recently transfered there by the DM, and was perceived as 'new', the SM thought it was 'only fair' that I work...In the end I didnt do it, but it sure pissed my SM off and who needs that!! What a jerk!!!
Be aware and forewarned...

[STUCKINTHEDRIVETHRU...NO LONGER!!!]

Those who volunteer to work on the Christmas are THE ONLY ones who will be scheduled for that day. In my district we are getting double time though and that's rather difficult to pass up.

My Thanksgiving weekend was kinda crazy. The store I work at is across the street from a very large outlet mall. We get the Mexican nationals who don't speak English in and it gets a little nuts. But people were very supportive. I was on bar for the first few hours of my shift working completely non-stop and customers were being awesome. I must have heard, "Keep it up, you're doing a great job" at least 1000 times.

Oh, and by the way, if you haven't seen my screen name, I am no longer "STUCK IN THE DRIVE-THRU"... today was my last day at my store. I'm transferring to a new Cafe only store opening on Friday. Hooray!

Hope ya'll had a good week.

[embean]

double time and a half here to work xmas...
yay Canada.

[First time poster, long time fan]

I must say, the Starbucks Christmas ornaments they're selling are so cute!

Can I ask a question about holiday drinks- is there a reason why not all stores have the Marshmallow Mocha? Do they plan on adding it to all stores eventually?

[BaristaB]

The marshmallow mocha is only at Barnes and Noble stores--it is a B&N thing nor *$. sorry!

[Rosetta Dazed]

Yeah, I've watched a bunch of youtube videos showing rosettas. Each time I try it (and I think I'm following every step to the letter) it doesn't work. I can't think of any factor I'm missing, which is why I asked here for tips.

I've been trying this on my home espresso machine btw, I know the pouring standards for starbucks.

The steaming pitcher I've been using has a fairly sharp spout, like what I've read is recommended. I didn't know you need a certain kind of steaming equipment...

[java-mama]

i think ive been brainwashed by starbucks pass the cheer campaign HELP! ..... i usually do all my christams stuff begrudgingly and at the last minute

this year, my first with starbucks, ive already got my tree up and even did some early christmas shopping on black friday!

and yes FIRST TIME POSTER , i know the Ornaments are cute because i bought two of every kind! i dropped a hundred bucks today on starbucks christmas swag, but with the additional 10% off with my emp discount, it was well worth it, and i got gifts for everyone on my list.....

now what to do for the rest of the month......

on another note....i was asked to work at another store for a big parade in today.

it was real cold and rainy and not as busy as the SM thought it would be, so there was little for me to do but spin

at one point she asked me to active sample to people in front of the store

in bitter cold and rain and no umbrella...the samples, and not to mention ME were getting soaked and frozen! i ducked under an awning and spent the time watching the parade and munching down on the samples

question to the forum: what the hell kind of SM asks a partner from another store (who is only there because she said she desperately NEEDED somebody) to do such a thing?

[Stacy]

Shawn Smith--

Every year we have to hear people bitch and moan about how "horrible" it is that we're "forced" to work on Christmas. It's laughable for a few reasons.
~ Not everyone celebrates Christmas. So many Christians conveniently forget this fact. Just like they conveniently forget that Christmas started as a Pagan holiday.
~ Year after year, partners remind those who have something negative to say that Starbucks does not force anyone to work that day. It is volunteer only. Based on how many people sign up and what times the volunteers are willing to work, the DM for the area will decide if a store will be open and what the business hours will be.
~ Just because we're open doesn't mean you, as a customer, have to come, especially since you find it so despicable that we're working such a precious holiday. But in my 3 years experience, the customers who say how horrendous it is are also the ones waiting on us to unlock the door.

[Trish]

Hi! I recently received as a gift two coffee cups like the one in the link below. I would love to purchase more of these, but I'm having trouble finding them. I do know they came from Starbucks, and I'm guessing from a Starbucks in a Barnes and Noble, (if that makes a difference.) Does anyone know how I can go about finding more of these? If so, please e-mail me at pixeltrish@yahoo.com.

http://bp3.blogger.com/_ABOLiUMtgy0/RzeSGE1CwdI/AAAAAAAABjs/Bv3Pao2hat0/s1600-h/coffeeretro+(Small)+(2).jpg

Thanks!

[FLASM]

Not to beat a dead horse, but working Christmas is really fun. Especially if you don't have family in the area, it's nice to be with your SBUx family.

Anyway, are Anniversary and Christmas Blend the same thing?

JavaMama: one who just wanted to pass a little cheer to people stuck outside watching their family and friends in the parade. the vip tenters went crazy and had fun doing all the sampling...and were soaked to the bone.

[sbuxnewbie]

Flasm -

No, the Holiday Blend and Christmas Blend are the same. The Anniversary is different.

Re: Working on December 25-

Only one store in our district is open. I called the SM to volunteer as soon as we found out, and she said that they had a full staff from her store.

Then she said that if I needed the hours, she'd schedule me in anyway, and clear it with my SM.

One of the partners at the store saw my wife, and told her that he hoped I'd get to work with them that day.

As much as I really would like to have something to do on the 25th, I'll let the younger folks take the hours. For most of them, this is their first/only job. For me, it is my second career, so money isn't the main issue.

I'll go out to the store to get my refreshing beverage for the day, however...

[chi-town's best/angriest barista]

i'm volunteering to work christmas day (thanksgiving and new years and all that fun stuff too) also hoping to pick up a shift at another store as well (tho i'm sure my efforts will be thwarted) since i don't particularily care for the holiday and my family is several states away anyway, so why not get paid extra to do less work? anybody in chicago need a later afternoon shift covered? i'm totally up for it!

[BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL]

I like to spend holidays at Starbucks with my dysfunctional family.

What can people tell me about "STARBUCKS ESPRESSO AUTHORITY?"

For Winter 1, they are introducint a sugar free mocha. I am not sure how it will taste but apparently its not made the same way as our regular mocha. Also a sugar free, non fat beverage will not be called "SKINNY." For example, a customer will order a skinny vanilla latte meaning a SFV N L, which will be marked on the side of the cup. Now I was just wondering, if a person orders a vanilla whole milk latte, will we call it a "FAT ASS" latte?

On a brighter note, they will have a reduced-fat cherry lemon cake and Casi Cielo will make a return. Perfect pairing!

BOSTON STARBUCKS REBEL
PRIMUS INTER PARES
STARBUCKS REBEL ALLIANCE
AIM SN: BOSTONSTARREBEL

[STUCKINTHEDRIVETHRU...NO LONGER!!!]

sugar-free mocha? gah... like closers don't already have enough backstock to worry about already.

Stacy,
Excellent post, well said.

[Bladerunner]

Our store, and and several others in the Portland OR area has run out of Peppermint in the last few days. So Our DM had us buy another brand's syrup and put it in the Starbucks labeled bottles. Wow what do we do about THAT!? Just found out today! Shocking!

[BaristaB]

SF Mocha: ... oh goodness what fun.

Winter 1: when will this start? nov 1?

Skinny: I had never heard of applying the "skinny" to milk and syrup, only milk. interesting.

[Equal Among Equals]

Boston Starbucks Rebebl,

"What can people tell me about 'STARBUCKS ESPRESSO AUTHORITY?'"

This is a current action item on the portal, so if you want to know as much as I know read about it there. Until you get a chance to check it out there, what I remember is that they are changing the filter to allow more "solids" to flow through, and also adjusting the tamp pressure. Also, the standard for shot time will change to 15-19 seconds to allot for the changed tamp pressure. I think they're also changing the computer chip. This will be completed Dec 3 - Feb 28 if I remember correctly, so expect it to be done by the end of march. The procedure should take about an hour for each machine. I might be missing a few details but that's what I know for now. I'm actually really excited about it - I hope this actually does help us improve quality.

well, bladerunner, when we were out of half-and-half, some people would "make" it by filling the carafes with half heavy cream and half skim milk.

[Bladerunner]

This is different then mixing up milk. Which we do every day for customers. This is deceptive. Pouring it into a Starbuck's Peppermint Bottle. People pay good money, for Starbuck's! When this type of thing has happened in the past, an emergency order went through.

[itsnotamermaid]

we weren't open on xmas the first few years i worked for sbux, but then about 5 yrs ago, the dm decided our store should be open. the first year, anybody in the district could volunteer to work and did, but now, b/c time and a half and the tips are crazy good, it's just people from our store.
...and not everyone celebrates xmas on the 25th.

half cream and half nonfat just makes whole milk.
half cream and half whole milk makes half and half.

[jabanga]

"half cream and half nonfat just makes whole milk"

that is not correct. that mixture would be way richer than milk.

[FLASM]

Has anyone gotten a customized card yet? I ordered mine 11/9 and got an email saying it shipped on 11/12. Still waiting...

[HalfcafAmericano]

I agree with many of the partners above with their opinions on being open christmas day.

Over the past 4 years, being able to celebrate christmas with fellow partners has been a blast. We bring food, dress up, and overall have a great day.

Although being open on christmas day may seem a little overwhelming to some people, I truly believe that if fits in perfectly with Starbucks true objectives. At the end of the day, Starbucks is here to create that 3rd place by providing incredible coffee and incredible people.

For some people who dont have any other choices, on christmas day starbucks is their only place to go. The partners behind the counter are their only family.

I dont mind giving up a little of my time to be with people i like to believe are more than just friends.

Ps. can u imagine a better way to start out ur christmas morning than sipping on a cup of freshly brewed x mas blend..i can't

[Sheik]

I knew it was only a matter of time til Mocha's could be made sugar-free.

Only a matter of time til ALL the core syrups are available sugar free. Gotta love the crack that is Splenda!

[Hans]

Replying to Will's post:

I have had the same problem with a DM, micromanaging obsessively and making veiled threats about my job.

That's why I'm involved in legal action against Starbucks. There are too many dumb clods working for this company who use meanness and willingness to shit on people rather than actual management skills. At least here in my section of the UK, bullying like that is rife. And I'm the only one doing anything about it, but once I'm through, things will either change or I'll take a fat settlement with me to the Bahamas and retire early.

[Vicki Verona]

FLASM:

I ordered mine 11/12 and received it 11/22. Be advised that they come in plain white envelopes with your OWN address as the return address. At first I thought it was junk mail until I felt the card inside.

[Herman M.]

re: retrofit

yes, an hour per machine. Be extra nice to your equipment tech next quarter, as that's in addition to the time he or she will already be spending on your regularly scheduled preventive maintenance. It's going to be a busy quarter for them, it seems!

[Decafonly]

All our kids are grown and celebrate Christmas morning in their owns homes, leaving my husband and I alone for Christmas morning. We started visiting our regular Starbucks on Christmas morning 4 years ago - and it's the best!

I bring small gifts for everyone (many I don't know because I understand it's a volunteer day) - we tip very well that morning, and we sit down in a really fun atmosphere and enjoy our drinks. I love coming in Christmas morning, and it's become a new tradition for us!

[sbuxnewbie]

I just talked to our equipment tech today - he said that the estimate of an hour per machine to refit the Verismo is best-case scenario. He said that having to tear down the machine to extract the circuit board and change the EEPROM will probably take an hour per machine. and then he's got the rest of the job to do...

Between my district and the adjoining district, there are less than 15 stores, but we've still got three stores that are in excess of 15-20 miles away from the next nearest store.

So he's got an to get to the farthest store in the district, then travel 20 miles to the next outlying store, 20 miles to the next store, 12 miles to the next, 3 to the next, 8 to the next, and the rest are clustered in a 10 mile radius.

But then, we're at the farthest end of his territory. He said to plan on us getting upgraded in February.

[wow]

WOW, we have 9 stores in a 5 mile radius and our store is located on the coast so the radius is only 180 degrees.

[FLASM]

Thanks Vicki.
Sounds like maybe mine is a fluke. But I will definitely tell my customers to order early if they're planning to give them as holiday gifts since it seems like yours took a while too.

Question about remaking incorrect drinks-
I went into a pretty busy Starbucks today and ordered a couple of drinks for myself & friends, one of which was a solo caramel frappuccino (yeah, 33 degrees outside & the nut wanted a cold drink)
Anyway, the drink was made without the shot and was being handed to me when the barista making the hot drinks (she'd taken my order) told her it was wrong. She took it back and dumped it- whipped cream, caramel sauce and all- into a blender and mixed it up. Is that proper procedure? Seemed kind of off to me and if they'd been less slammed, I probably would've questioned it. I've heard people order frappuccinos with whipped cream mixed in and more on top, but it seems kind of gross.

[ben]

Question about standards:

We have a lady come in who orders a grande extra hot americano. She tells us to steam the hot water from the spout until it is 200 degrees. No matter how we do it, whoever is making it ends up being burned. Now, I know I've read on here that you aren't supposed to steam ANYTHING above 190 (195?) degrees, but I looked through the BRM today and couldn't find anything about that. Vicki Verona, Darleen, anyone... do you know? And if so, where can I find this to prove once and for all we don't have to JSY to this crazy lady?!

[Dani]

Ben,
As a store manager, I tell my partners not to argue, mark the cup, steam it til 190ish and just hand it out. Call it "200" .

I have told my partners never to do anything that might cause them injury, including steaming above 190.

Are you sure it isn't in the BRM? I will look tomorrow morning...