A barista tells Starbucks corporate that she refuses to use the "Skinny" lingo

A Starbucks barista sent this objection to the "skinny platform" to the corporate bosses. She tells them: "At the risk of being reprimanded for insubordination, I will not be following this new method for calling and marking." The "skinny" drinks debut this week.

My name is xxxxxxx and I currently work at store number xxxx in NY. I am a barista. At the beginning of January, I know that we are to begin using a "Skinny platform" for calling drinks, as well as marking cups. I would like to say that I think this decision is a poor one, and, at the risk of being reprimanded for insubordination, I will not be following this new method for calling and marking. I feel as though there are several flaws that will cause confusion, frustration and, potentially, a waste of product and time for partners, and far worse, alienate both partners and Starbucks customers. I've composed a detailed list of problems that can and, more than likely will, arise from the "Skinny platform.

1) We have been trained since day one to follow a specific method of drink calling/marking. Changing it up now will cause FAR too much confusion. For all stores, high volume stores in particular, this can severely impact speed-of-service, drink quality, customer satisfaction, labor, and product usage. Miscommunication between customers and partners, partners calling drinks and partners making drinks, and partners making drinks calling the drinks to the customers waiting to receive their drinks will inevitably lead to drinks having to be discarded after being made, customers becoming angry and impatient, assuming it is employee incompetence that is behind errors, and partners become frustrated and angry at one another after having customers criticize and yell at them. Customers will not want to come to stores where they have had such negative experiences, and coming into work will become something that partners dread as opposed to look forward to. Furthermore, from a financial perspective, the amount of product wasted could impact profits to the company, and time wasted making and then remaking drinks will affect labor hours at all stores.

2) Customers already find it difficult and confusing to order drinks at Starbucks. After spending the time to remember exactly how to order their favorite drink to make things easier for baristas, and maybe even impress us, to have things changed in such a drastic way can upset customers and make things even more confusing. People have spent so much time trying to figure out just how to order a drink at Starbucks, why change things so dramatically. It also allows for a HUGE margin of error. A "Skinny" drink is a drink made with sugar-free syrup, non-fat milk, and no whipped cream. Unless this is CLEARLY spelled out for customers, people will ask for a "Skinny" drink without really knowing what they're asking for. People may want sugar-free syrup but 2% milk, or non-fat milk but still have the whipped cream, or any number of other combinations that are NOT "Skinny" according to the recipe, but are still modified in a "Skinny" fashion. Moreover, partners who have been with the company for an extended period of time have grown used to the current procedure. We have gone through the process of learning how to call the drinks, and how to listen to customers struggle to ask us for everything they want in their drink, and translate the order into correct format. This change will throw partners off and, once again, lead to frustration and mistakes. Why complicate a system that, for the most part, works?

3) It is politically incorrect. Should we start calling drinks with 2% or whole milk and regular syrups "Fat" or "Obese?" Consider what customers on line waiting for their turn to order their drink will think if they hear the drink before them being called out as "Skinny." It leaves the door open for the next person on line to be offended. Additionally, the word "skinny" itself can have many different interpretations, not all of which are positive. In today's society, the term "skinny" often refers to a person who is considered TOO thin or unhealthy looking. People will not want to order a drink with a name that they associate with an unhealthy appearance.

4) The fact cannot be disputed that in society today, people are just waiting for an opportunity to sue major corporations. Without question, people will be leaping at the opportunity file a lawsuit against the Starbucks Corporation for discrimination. In this country, statistics show that more than two thirds of the population is overweight or obese. Calling a drink "Skinny" could easily be considered a form of size discrimination. This is not exclusive to people who are overweight as a result of their lifestyle or eating habits. There are a number of medical maladies that result in people becoming overweight regardless of eating habits or how they live their lives. Whether the corporation cares to recognize the fact or not, Starbucks is a target by society and there are a lot of people who would love to bring it down. This is just giving them the means to do so. Regardless of whether these people are justified in their claims, it is foolish to believe that people will not use this for their own gains.

5) Aside from customers who do not fit societies standards of "skinny," there are partners that are employed by Starbucks who are "overweight," and it is ridiculous to think otherwise. Imagine going to work for several hours at a time, and hearing the term "skinny" being called out countless times. It will undoubtedly have a negative affect on a person's self-esteem that may already be low from living in a society that is generally not accepting of people who do not fit the mold of a "beautiful" person. It creates an environment that people will not want to be in. It will exacerbate self-image issues that partners of ANY size may have. Why would ANYONE want to go into a store where they will hear potentially hurtful terms called out repeatedly with no regard as to how they may affect people?

I have no doubt that there is no malicious intent with "Skinny" platform. I'm sure that it is intended to make our jobs easier, and maybe show the public that Starbucks has options that can eliminate many of the calories and fat in the drinks we serve. Maybe it is even an attempt to use a different kind of lingo that could be considered hip or exciting. But the problems I have brought up cannot be ignored. They are real, and they will affect every single Starbucks that implements this system. As a company that is a part of the service industry, you are alienating customers and employees, and there will be repercussions. On a deeper level, this in essence goes against every one of our six guiding principles in one way or another.

I am not the only employee of this company who holds this opinion. I have yet to come across a single partner in any store who thinks that this is a good idea. There are several policies Starbucks enforces that I do not necessarily agree with, but this is one that I refuse to adhere to, and I will not let this be something that I complain about to coworkers and do nothing about. I am speaking on behalf of myself, and any partner who shares my beliefs but has decided not to voice their opinion. I love my job. It is a part of my life that brings me joy and makes me feel as though I am making people happy. It is for that reason that I believe this "Skinny" platform is a policy that, if nothing else, should be reconsidered by the company, if not completely eliminated. I will accept any consequences that I may face for not following this policy, but I would hope that it does not come to that.

The "Skinny" platform is not legendary.

I thank you for your time and hope that you will consider all that I have said.

Sincerely,
XXXXX

Comments

[jai bragg]

i used to visit Star Bucks regularly...at one point for 2/1/2 years I truly enjoyed the coffee....but then I started to notice the severe after taste ...apparently the pots were not being washed out...also I noticed that If I went in the afternoon...I was given burnt coffee ( coffee that had simmered all day...and then when I would ask for just a simple coffee...I would be served what ever they had brewing...no choice?...decaff...columbian...a couple of times I got decaff...and that pissed me off...I don't like decaff at all..and than I went to one ...where the staff argued whenever the manger was not there...so now I drive through Mac for columbian coffee with sugar and cream added...for less money...I still like starbucks when I can get it fresh...

[SM of a happy store]

Am I mistaken and it's different in other areas? I didn't realize Starbucks was a minimum wage job? Hmmmm.... In our store we hire well above the minimum wage. Maybe that's why I have well over 300 applications in the file on the shelf above my desk of people who want to work for the "evil empire".

[SM of a happy store]

Am I mistaken and it's different in other areas? I didn't realize Starbucks was a minimum wage job? Hmmmm.... In our store we hire well above the minimum wage. Maybe that's why I have well over 300 applications in the file on the shelf above my desk of people who want to work for the "evil empire".

[Lori]

If you have a passion for making good coffee and you work for starbucks you should never have to be put down for vocalizing a valid concern about a decision that has been made for the company. We are called PARTNERS for a reason. A believe that as partners we need to take concern with everything that goes on at our own stores. This would include talking to the right people about complaints.
I speak for myself when I say that it is way too easy to voice concerns to the wrong people but this as an open forum, should remain an open forum.
I give props to Howard for jumping back on top.
If only every rich man with alot of power were to take pride in thier own company and keeping thier integrity.
WOW!
His book 'pour yourself into it' should be a must read!

[Antof9]

The whole skinny thing kind of cracks me up. I've been calling Diet Pepsi "skinny Pepsi" for years.

I honestly don't care what my drink is called in a Starbucks. Call it what you like. What I *do* care about is that I'm a little on the big side, and I ALWAYS -- I mean ALWAYS -- get asked if I want skim milk. I'm serious. I swear every barista in the country is told to ask big girls if they want skim milk. NO I DON'T WANT CHALK WATER TYVM!

You might think I'm exaggerating, but I've asked other big girl friends and also skinny (ha!) friends, and the big girls all corroborate my story. The skinny girls look at us as if we have two heads.

If I didn't ask for skim milk, I don't want it. The worst part? Many times even after the barista asks that question and I say "no thanks" politely, I STILL end up with skim milk in my latte. I can totally taste it.

So then the question is do I say something? Do I risk being not only a high-maintenance customer but a high-maintenance fat chick who wants the fat in her milk? Guess what? I never go back or say anything. I'm stuck drinking a drink that I previously viewed as a treat (based on cost and aforementioned calories) and now don't like at all.

[hope]

Who really gives a crap what they call it. I never order anything in Starbucks in the lingo they require and still they understand me. It's just coffee people.

[Barista McCoy]

Damn it, Jim! I'm a Barista, not a Partner! I won't perform the “skinny” protocol!

[Angela]

Lori,

I am so sorry, I was absolutely shocked when I read this! If I ever hear of a partner in my store doing anything along the lines of what you wrote about above, it would result in corrective action along with a phone call to partner resources.

[Lawana]

I for one was glad to see Starbucks go to the term "Skinny Latte" I can now make an order without doing tongue twisters in my car while placing my order... Have you ever tried to say Sugar Free Cinnamon Latte Dolche made with skim and no whip three times fast... also to answer why would anyone want to drink a sugar free low fat latte let me see if I can explain it without wasting too much space.
1. It tastes great
2. Its a healthy way to get in a low fat milk into your diet if your not so much a milk drinker
3. None of your business why do you care to each their own...

[jill]

this is kind of a delayed response to "mike" and some other unhappy customers who stumbled upon this website looking for answers as to what in the hell the whole "skinny" thing is about.

first off, it is very unfortunate that when mike ordered his "nonfat, no whip mocha" that the barista went ahead and asked if it was "skinny". my point? sugarfree mocha and real mocha are two completely different things. sf mocha tastes like crap, smells awful, and will completly change the way the drink tastes. if people still want their nonfat, no whip mocha, let them have it! i make tons of those everyday! barista's, do not always assume that they want a sugar free syrup! know what your customers want. if you know what you're doing, for crying out loud, share your knowledge with them! educate them on what a skinny latte is! its not hard at all. green apron behaviors.

it saddens me to read the customer comments that are confused because a partner did not take the time to simply tell them what was in their drink. to all the partners out there, do your job, go out of your way for your customers, and do your job right!!!

[Danielle]

Isn't there something more worthwhile to argue over. This seems to be an excessive amount of anger and hate over a word that refers to ingredients in coffee.
I think that there are many more important issues in the Starbucks company alone to discuss that should takes presidence over modifier words in a drink.

[Partners Partner]

Well written but rather silly. I mean should coffee with no sugar or cream be called something other than Black not to offend a person with African Descent...please

[Trent]

I heard from an employee that Starbucks will be implementing digital receipts. Is this true? If so, when can I expect it as I'm SO SICK of paper receipts?

[kortney]

I had no idea what the heck the skinny actually was. I thought it was just made with skim milk. Well I ordered one and it was disgusting, I couldn't even drink it. This totally confused me when I took a sip. I was expecting the same flavor just with skim milk which is not what I got.Furthermore, as an overweight individual I felt ridiculous trying to make a health conscious decision by ordering the "skinny" while feeling self conscious about my weight. Its embarrassing enough as it is but calling attention to myself by ordering a "skinny" made me feel uncomfortable

[Kingmaker]

It was an odd choice of name. Skinny is pejorative after all. I mean I'm not in marketing or anything but why not Health conscious? or healthy, or athletic, anything but the thin equivalent of "fatty"

[barista4life]

Seems like the tide has turned in this thread. To the girl who started it... if you can't handle Starbucks changing a drink code on you, QUIT NOW! The one constant at Sbux (and I am sure ANY retailer) is change.

Yes, there was a small amount of confusion for the first couple of weeks, but as many people stated, we were patient and used our green apron skills and now customers love cutting down on what they have to say. And trust me... all the anorexics here in L.A. LOVE to say skinny.

BTW, many people have already commented on this... 'skinny' has been a term used for NONFAT milk on the east coast for years.

I'm a store manager, and if anyone wrote a letter like the one you did, I'd fire your ass so fast you'd be spinning your way out the door. When did you ever get the idea that you, as a barista, get ANY say over how you will or will not call drinks? I may not agree with some decisions corporate makes myself, but I've never said, "I'm not going to do it!" Maybe it's because I know how fast my DM will fire me!

[DIANA]

My Boyfriend and I went to the Starbucks in Memorial City Mall at 900 south Gessner, #745, Houston, Texas 77024 (tel )713-365-0498 on Sunday July 20th about 4pm.

We waited for quite some time as the line was quite long (7 person In front of us)when its our turn to order, we put in our order and my boyfriend
start getting his cash, and he only hv 4 pcs of $1- and about 4 pcs of $100- so he gave the cashier a hundred dollar bill as the bill was $6.15cents or so, and the cashier start looking around in panic and a Man with a White cotton shirt without a name tag came and says that they do not make $100 change , THANK YOU AND HAVE A NICE DAY! we were dismissed without another word!

My boyfriend was very angry because he knows i wanted a cold frapuccino and we waited for 15 mins for our turn and this is the kind of service we get. He told the guy, he do expect better service then that and he cant help it that he dont hv change, i told him to get his credit card, and he was not happy that he has to use a credit card when he can pay in cash. The service man (mid 50's) is totally rude, not service oriented and we were pretty surprised that he would dismissed us, like he dont need our business.

If Starbucks dont need the public's business, pls dont open anymore shops around and warn the public dont buy if they dont have small change.

We do expect a reply and we will put this on the internet to warn other consumers of rude people Starbucks have.

Surprisingly all the store staff do not wear any name tags, maybe they dont want people to know who they are as their service is so bad?

Awaiting your response.

[P.R.I.D.E.]

Diana, what would you have said would have been the appropriate response, given we do not accept $100 bills? I am interested to see from a customer perspective what should have happened in that scenario.

Personally, it could have gone several ways:
1) The register person should have politely stated that we do not accept $100 bills and do you have another method of payment for your drinks today.
2) If you had a credit/debit card, my assumption would have been at that point you would have pulled it out to pay for the products. If you did not want to use the credit cards, you might have mentioned that you'll cancel your order, and that you'd prefer not to pay in this way.
3) The register person could have politely apologized, and made mention that he/she hopes it won't impact your patronage in the future, and to have a nice day.
4) In the past, I would have said that you might have been given your drinks on the house. However, because of this "honor system" approach we've taken in the past, I have experienced several return customers who suddenly "only have $100 bills" once they realize they get a free drink.
5)Its not a secret that this just say yes approach has been manipulated in these tough times, thus Starbucks having to now enforce more black and white standards.

So with that said, what should have happened from your perspective?

[gmreat]

Diana-
it is really unfortunate that you had such a bad experience with the starbucks you went to. Let me start by saying that it is not starbucks policy to turn away customers with large bills. There are a few things that need clearing up though.
1) there are two types of starbucks: company operated stores and licensed stores. what a licensed store means is that a bigger store (like a supermarket or a mall) has paid x amount of money for the right to sell our product. however, their training, rules and even prices can be different than a company operated store. i don't know for sure which of these two categories this starbucks falls into, but as it is in a mall it could likely be a licensed store. sometimes these stores make decisions that reflect poorly on the entire starbucks company, and that is unfortunate.
i can only testify to the policies of company stores, and there is some information that i would like to share.

1) it IS starbucks policy to not accept any bill over $20. this is simply because, for safety reasons, a limited amount of change is kept in the register drawers. the $20 bills that are accepted are immediately locked away and not available to make change for larger bills. again, this is for reasons of safety and security, so that a large amount of cash is not readily available.

however...
2) it is also the policy of company owned starbucks to do everything in their power to create "enthusiastically satisfied customers", meaning that in no way should any starbucks partner turn you away without a beverage. we are supposed to do everything in our power to make sure you leave with a smile on your face. the very first thing we are supposed to do if presented with a large bill is apologize for the inconvenience and ask if you have another form of payment. if you don't then we work together to figure out a way that you can still have your drink.
what the gentleman in the white shirt did was NOT starbucks policy, and his nametag makes me wonder what position he is in. as far as i know, starbucks employees do not wear nametags at all. we do share our names freely with our customers and have no reason to hide behind anonymity.
again, i am truly saddened by your poor experience anywhere that calls themselves starbucks, and i hope you try another location before passing judgement on the company as a whole!

[making change]

there is no policy on not accepting bills over $20, look it up. it is a major inconvenience, it drains a till, and the change will be in small bills, but there is NO policy prohibiting it. just inform people that their change will be in ones and fives, then ask if they have a card or anything smaller....LOOK IT UP PEOPLE!

[parme]

Making Change,
Where exactly would I find the information? I would love to look it up. I was told during training that I can't accept large bills. A was also told that I really shouldn't ask the shift to open my till back up to give change, such as two fives for a ten. Is there a policy on that too?

[Non-employee]

Can't find anywhere to send an e-mail to Human Resources at Starbuck's Corp. H.Q., so will write a quick note here.

Just on the news here in San Diego County was the story of an employee who is pregnant, who just got a letter canceling her insurance July 31st because she's short 40 minutes of reaching the min. number of hours required for health ins. She has over 29 hours of vacation time accrued. When she called H.R. they told her there's nothing they can do and she better hope she has the baby before the 31st. Well, she has two more months to go. They were cold, and unfeeling. Be assured I have sent a mass e-mailing to all of my professional associates and friends. We will not be going to Starbucks again, unless they reinstate her insurance. Please pass this on to the big shots in Seattle. Thanks.

Be careful everyone. Make sure you know what your timecards say. Starbucks doesn't really care about their employees now.

[Argentius]

Something is wrong here.

If this is a real SBUX experience, I feel badly for you...

But why bring up a strange change-making / customer service experience in a comment on a 2-month old post about skinny lattes?

Also, posting the full store description, location, store number, and telephone number makes it seem as though someone has an axe to grind.

Why is this here?

get over it!

[Linda Garcia]

Does anyone have a phone number for the main office is seattle where you can talk to someone or any contact email for
the ceo?

[persona]

seriously people. it's just a name for a freaking drink. get over yourselves and get a life. don't you have better things to do than bicker? "ooh. I don't like the name! I'm going to make a big deal about it and post my incredibly mature insights to this whole matter on the internet. maybe then people will rally together to join me in my quest of seeking politically correct titles." This is why I'm never working in the restaurant business ever again... whiny babies like you.
sounds like you got a lot of willpower. use it for something worthwhile. fighting for the well-being of our soldiers, fighting against pollution, you could even be fighting for the manatees for all I care! just use that bottled up energy you got for something that has meaning and purpose.
maybe you don't even realize how utterly simple-minded your article truly is. how utterly immature and insignificant. twenty or so years for now, are you going to be proud of this? are you going to brag to your grandchildren about how you single-handedly brought the world a small step closer to reaching peace by battling the evils of heinous words such as "skinny"?
just felt like getting that off my chest :) have a nice day

[Mojito]

Serves you corporate clowns right, with your made-up crap like "venti" and "misto'. Hoisted on your own marketing petards.

Walk into any Starbucks and order "a large house coffee" and watch the 'partner' (CLERK) stare at you blankly and ask if you want a 'grande' (MEDIUM) instead. Say you want room for a little milk and have him get all flustered and charge you for a 'latte' (COFFEE WITH STEAMED MILK) or a 'misto' (CAFE AU LAIT, literally 'coffee with milk').

Punching buttons on a coffee dispenser does not make you a 'barista' (BARTENDER), it makes you a clerk in a coffeeshop.

Lastly, let me remind you that during any major economic downturn (such as the one we are just now entering), the first thing that goes is discretionary income. At five-plus bucks for a small cup of bitter coffee, your jobs have just become very discretionary.

Welcome to the 'mundo real' (REAL WORLD).

[Megan Minor]

Skinny is so much easier to say/remember than non-fat sugar free.

[StarbucksBarista90]

I dunno which "Starbucks" Mojito goes to where they find $5 coffee at..

[Jesusa Snell]

I'm just curious if there's any other nationality (specifically Asians or Hispanics) working for any Starbucks location down here in the South or any other state? I am Filipino, my brother applied at one Starbucks location in Bollingbrook, IL and he didn't get hired. Almost a month ago I submitted my application at one store for a store that is opening up pretty soon. I haven't heard anything and now this store that I applied for is open and I called and spoke with the Store Manager to follow up. I was told that they are not hiring anymore and didn't even check if she got my resume and application. Now she's suggesting that I fill out another application and submit it directly to her store. She also said maybe my application got mixed up with the folder for the store that I went to submit it. Can you believe that? Is it just me or what?

[bettybarista]

I wouldn't take it personally. At my store, we receive about 10 applications a day...which all get stuck into the same file folder. It's so hard to get hired at our store--usually you have to have a personal recommendation from a current barista or you are transferring in from another area store. I've been with the company for almost two years and in that time, we've only lost 2 partners.

[wabbit]

if you have nothing good to say about Starbucks just shut up and find another job...or maybe open your own coffeeshop..."if you can afford it." LOL

You are a paid peon, not paid to think, that's why they have corporate! My suggestion to you would be to shut your trap and do your job. If you don't do your job, you should be terminated immediately. End of story!

[Mike]

Number three is the only argument that can actually be CONSIDERED a legitimate one. And even still its a pretty weak argument.

Non fat/sugar free/no whip. Skinny. Wow that change is gonna be the end of Starbucks as we know it. Stop bitching and learn to deal with a minor change.

[Mike]

Number three is the only argument that can actually be CONSIDERED a legitimate one. And even still its a pretty weak argument.

Non fat/sugar free/no whip. Skinny. Wow that change is gonna be the end of Starbucks as we know it. Stop bitching and learn to deal with a minor change.

[Mike]

Number three is the only argument that can actually be CONSIDERED a legitimate one. And even still its a pretty weak argument.

Non fat/sugar free/no whip. Skinny. Wow that change is gonna be the end of Starbucks as we know it. Stop bitching and learn to deal with a minor change.

[YVRcustomer]

My favourite drink is a Venti nonfat no-whip extra hot CDL.

That is an expensive drink!

Sometimes when I get it, it tastes horrendous and I'm thinking it is because they have put the sugar-free CDL syrup in it?! (and at least a couple times they have forgotten to put any syrup at all in it!)

It then turns me off Starbucks for a while as I don't like wasting my money... throwing it down the drain.

I am specifically NOT ordering it as SKINNY as I do NOT want sugar-free syrup!

Is that what is happening when my CDL tastes gross? Is the sugar-free syrup somewhat disgusting tasting in comparison to the regular CDL syrup?

[Jason]

I have to disagree with this letter completely. I can't believe a person who works for a company is told to do something and decides, "I don't agree with this platform so I'm not gonna do it, nah, nah, nah." Please, childlike behavior, no matter how well reasoned, is still childlike. If you disagree with something your company is doing, then you have a few choices- Say your piece to whomever you report to (maybe they'll listen, maybe they won't); do what your told because you don't have a "right" to any job; quit. Forget it, it was January 08, she's probably fired by now!

[dietpills]

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference diet review :
adipex said...

http://www.Phenhermine.com/Adipex

[champagne]

I am not a fan of corporate coffee. They are driving locals out of business. for $4.00 a cup it better have some booze in it.

http://www.boutiqueliquors.com

[Ernie]

What kind of partners are you people? I can't believe you don't support the brand. I'm a partner and love what I do. Calling a skinny latte actually makes the experience easier for the customer as well as for the partner. I know as a barista that " skinny" means sugar-free syrup, non-fat milk, and no whip. Compare "Grande, two splenda, extra hot, skinny, vanilla latte" versus "Grande, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, two splenda, extra hot latte." I work high volume and its a lot quicker. As far as the customer understanding the process; make the connection. Take this time to learn their names and what they want.Anticipate their needs and give them legendary service.

[Ernie]

What kind of partners are you people? I can't believe you don't support the brand. I'm a partner and love what I do. Calling a skinny latte actually makes the experience easier for the customer as well as for the partner. I know as a barista that " skinny" means sugar-free syrup, non-fat milk, and no whip. Compare "Grande, two splenda, extra hot, skinny, vanilla latte" versus "Grande, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, two splenda, extra hot latte." I work high volume and its a lot quicker. As far as the customer understanding the process; make the connection. Take this time to learn their names and what they want.Anticipate their needs and give them legendary service.

Wow! People are such babies. Get over it! I've only been a Starbucks for 6 months now and really don't understand how using the word skinny is so confusing. Honestly, are you kidding me? I have to say that although this article was very well-written, I just don't understand how there is such a big hype over this. It's just a word. People really get their feelings hurt over a skinny drink? Grow a thicker skin people! And for the record, it is much much much easier to write and say "tall skinny vanilla latte" instead of a "tall nonfat sugar-free vanilla latte."

[Ernie]

What kind of partners are you people? I can't believe you don't support the brand. I'm a partner and love what I do. Calling a skinny latte actually makes the experience easier for the customer as well as for the partner. I know as a barista that " skinny" means sugar-free syrup, non-fat milk, and no whip. Compare "Grande, two splenda, extra hot, skinny, vanilla latte" versus "Grande, sugar-free vanilla, non-fat, two splenda, extra hot latte." I work high volume and its a lot quicker. As far as the customer understanding the process; make the connection. Take this time to learn their names and what they want.Anticipate their needs and give them legendary service.

[amer]

wow you are so right, You know what else offends me, when people ask for dark coffee. Yes I don't care about my health and I am fine with being pale, but don't say dark coffee in front of me. Its hurtful... I need to go see my therapist now. :(

[April]

So, did they ever write back and what was the response/ outcome??

[star trek voyager]

I love your blog so much, and there are just some differences with others'. Hope there will be more wonderful things in your blog. Happy every day! http://www.star-trek-dvd.com/star_trek/Voyager/index.html

[Papi-LongO]

PAPIS and MAMISITTAS

I had a customer come in and tell me their drink and then proceed to say "I want the fat version, not the skinny one"...

I was shocked, and pissed at how rude he was especially not taking peoples considerations into account...So I made him the skinny version and passed it off, HAHA who's laughing now! :o

[Lenore]

Although many of our customers understand what a skinny latte is there are many of them who still do not. There are many times when I find myself explaining what a skinny latte is to them. I do not mind it at all but I wish that our signs were a bit more clear (the same goes for our iced teas it is very hard to read the sign). Like I said I do not mind telling the customer what skinny lattes are. My only issue with starbucks is that I wish we can focus on simplicity yes customers can still order fancy drinks but can we do without forcing every promo down there throat? I find that I myself will stay away from places were I feel more like a dollar bill vs a human.

[Me]

I think this whole thing is pretty ridiculous.

Firstly, how is calling out "Skinny" harder than calling out "Nonfat Drink with Sugar Free Syrup?" Wouldn't that actually speed things up and make it simpler?

Also, about half her letter was about how people shouldn't use the word "skinny" in any context because it makes people think about how they look.

If someone is that self-obsessed that they can't even hear a term used for food without thinking of themselves, then their insecurity is originating on the inside. It's not the restaurant's fault. It would be like banning chefs from using the term "white meat" because white people might get offended, or "small sausages" because it might make some men think about their penises. :/

(Although I would love to hear about a man suing a sausage company because it made him "feel bad about HIS weenie." lmao.)

Or for that matter, why is the term "Skinny" wrong, but the term "Non-Fat" better? It's basically like calling out "NOT FAT" every day.

I could perhaps understand if there were signs all over Starbucks with slogans like "Skinny is BETTER than Whole," but the word used alone indicates no preference one way or the other. It's just listed as an option, the same way "nonfat" is an option.

Also, she herself makes a lot of physical stereotypes in this. For one, I don't know anyone who hears the word skinny and "frequently thinks it has unhealthy connotations, like being too skinny or anorexic." How does the word "skinny" equate "too skinny?" Isn't that why you need the word "too" in there?

And isn't the assumption that skinny "sounds like anorexic" offensive to skinny people? Or for that matter, couldn't telling people "you can't use the word skinny" come off as offensive to skinny people?

Overall, this letter simply indicates a case of severely poor self-esteem merged with a large ego, which isn't a restaurant's (of all things) job to tip toe around.