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

[itsnotamermaid]

RE: Letter: I'm glad said barista feels that her voice can/will be heard.
RE: Skinny Drink Platform: I was "eh" about it at first, think it's ridiculous since skinny already means nonfat to the rest of the milk drinking, english speaking community. Having worked w/it today: yes, it will take proper education on the part of the baristas and strong communication to the customers, but so far, SKVL is easier to write and we all just keep calling out "skinny" vanilla latte, over-emphasizing the "skinny" just to entertain ourselves. This is not the worst idea sbux has come out with yet, and I'm sure it won't be the last idea we baristas complain about. I do believe the SFM is one of the worst tasting things ever, tho.

[Starista17]

I HATE THE SKINNY LINGO!!!!!!!!!!!
My entire store is opposed. It's ridiculous, takes MORE time, and is just plain TACKY. One of my shifts and I have made it clear to our partners that we refuse to use the lingo and most other partners at our store feel the same way.

Today, one customer read the board and asked for a tall skinny mocha. When she asked what the "skinny" meant, I explained and she nearly died when I told her it was SF Mocha. She thought the syrup sounded gross and wanted real chocolate. She just wanted regular mocha with no whip and nonfat milk, but NOT the SFM. Completely understandable! This system is not only DUMB but it confuses the customers, the baristas, and leaves even MORE room for error!

Starbucks needs to realize that this idea is creating MORE problems and the majority, as far as I have seen, DOES NOT LIKE THE IDEA!!!!!

I know it's silly to get so worked up over something so dumb, but I honestly HATE this new "skinny" thing.

It's tacky and trashy which is NOT what we aim for. I always take a *little* bit of pride when I call drinks and say "nonfat" after a customer has stated "uuhhh yeah I wannuh skeeny lahtay"

Come on, people.

The only time I've ever talked about the whole "skinny" thing was when the other partners and I were making fun of it. I just do not like this idea! At all!! Why don't we just write "Forget the coffee, get a free iced venti water from us today, fatties!" on all of our signs!

We have spent so long getting our customers used to saying "sugar-free...." "nonfat" "nowhip" and to change it is stupid. And for WHAT? Saving time!? It creates more problems and takes more time. So if we're really so lazy that we have to say "skinny" that's just stupid.

P.S
Sugar-free Mocha syrup is one of the nastiest tasting things I have ever had.

P.S.S
SKM= Skinny Mocha
OR
(use your imagination...)
SKUM

it's destined to be inherently disgusting with an abbreviation like that.

[Starista17]

Another thing....

Our drinks may seem bad.. but hello... everything in moderation!

At least in our store, I mean, we sample things, and drink beverages at LEAST once a day... and none of us are even remotely fat..... so people just need to watch their intake of sugar.... and not limit themselves to nasty SF drinks....gross....

[MusicGal]

Personally, I don't care about the word "skinny" making someone feel fat, or casting negative connotations on the obese people who work at/frequently visit Starbucks.
But I do care about the confusion that's going to follow! We baristas are going to have to explain this over and over again to new customers (or ones that only visit once in a while); meanwhile, the regulars aren't going to want to change the way they've always ordered their drink.
Please, how much time is this going to save? What is the point of this change? Geez...

[starrma]

Glad to read that I'm not the only one with a sensitivity to the SF syrups. I thought it was all in my head, in the form of a massive, POUNDING headache for the rest of the day! ugh.

All I know is today, I got a tall 2% vanilla latte and it tastes about 10 times better than a non-fat sugarfree vanilla latte that I used to get. And I think it's more satisfying. Consider me a convert to the "fat" latte.

[Anon]

Seriously who names their kid xxxxxxx anyways?

[sealless]

You are making a g-d cup of coffee - get over yourself already. A monkey could do it.

[Gonzo]

No one makes you work for such schleps. In their defense they do own the company and can do whatever they want. That's why they suck. I was once a barista at a small, locally owned shop. We didn't grovel all over ourselves about our barista-ness and neither did our customers. Get over yourself Starbucks employee.

[Small Double Chubby, Please]

Don't call it a "fat" latte, that's offensive.

The correct term is a "chubby."

[dave]

You accuse Starbucks of calling our customers fat, but I accuse this partner of calling our customers stupid. Customers can figure these things out, I think. I certainly didn't get confused and frustrated when McDonalds changed the name of their "supersize" meals. I accepted the change and moved forward. Any confusion can be resolved with smooth communication. If a guest asks for a skinny vanilla latte, the partner can say "skinny means it uses nonfat milk, and sugar-free syrup, is that okay?" Then guest accepts, or clarified what he/she wants. No man-hours/product wasted. The waste only begins when partners make an assumption and move forward without verifying. I do know one thing: having the entire floor team operating one way, except for the one chick operating on "some principle" who refuses to conform--will create a hell of a lot more confusion.
I guess they only have these kinds of problems in New York. And maybe California.

[Daydotter]

SS,

no, 4 H, 4 SFH would NOT be wrong. There is NOTHING in ANY CURRENT SBUX literature that talks about how to mark pumps on cups. If the answer is YEs, show me the page number in BRM either paper or online, or in any other literature (such as Barista 101, or whichever)

So, we may BOTH be correct, however "p", in my opinion, is redundant and can be confused with the capital "P" for Pepperment,

You sound like you are right and I am wrong.

[Daydotter]

To the people who have had experience at McDonald's and come here to criticize us, baristas, -- sod off! (using a British expression).

[Ignatz's coffee]

Does anyone else think this girl might have a hard time sitting down on her HUGE behind with that big stick shoved up it?

I happen to work for a Starbucks competitor, Those guests who are offended by the word "skinny" can come to us...Oh, Damn, thats right, we call it skinny, too. Crap- Foiled by the evil empire again. NOW who are you gonna hate?
"KHAAAAAAAANN!!" (Thats a Star-Trek reference, for those of you who actually get dates and therefore would not otherwise know that...)

[RJD]

If you dont like it, go work somewhere else. The skinny platform is a marketing tool. it has nothing to do with "skinny or fat". Quit under protest if you would like but if you were my employee I'd write you up for insubordination and after the third write up, start cutting your hours until you only work 2 hrs a week and then .. Goodbye.

Oafcore - SBux is not a career?

What about store managers - even assistant store managers - they're salary. Oh, and Corporate likes to hire from within the company and prefers people who have had experience working in a store and making lattes. Corporate actually prefers to hire that way, so, yes, Starbucks can be and is a career for many.

[shovel]

hm, because it apparently matters to people I happen to be a slim female...

I was a barista many years ago, and I hated the term not for PC reasons, but because people just sound like idiots using it. Often the person was female, tanorexic, and would giggle whilst saying, "SKINEEEEE..."

I always took great pleasure in looking the person straight in the eye, and asking, "by chance, do you mean, 'skim milk?" Of course it would fly over the customer's head and the response would be, "yesss skiNEEEEEEE!"

sigh.

calling a beverage "skinny" makes you sound kind of douchey, no matter what name given by a corporation.

[Mandee]

I'm a barista and most of the customers that have gone through our drive through these last few days have been very HAPPY that they don't have to give a long paragraph just to say what kind of drink they want now. Honestly, it SIMPLIFIES things for our customers. It even makes it a bit faster to get their order...which IS the point of a drive-through, right? So we may have to ask if they mean sugar-free and not just the milk, but most people who come in to each store are regular Starbucks-goers and they will catch on sooner, rather than later. They aren't stupid, after all. Plus, it helps to post those personalized signs out front. Our's specifies "The NEW Skinny: sugar-free + nonfat milk + no whip" The only complaint I've heard is about the taste of the sugar-free mocha...which I fully understand! ;-)

[sonrisa]

As a regular of starbucks, I would have to order a tall non-fat, sugar free, no whip mocha. That is so much crap to have to say. It really is SO MUCH EASIER to order a tall skinny mocha. If I want a non-fat no whip mocha, then I'll just ASK for that. Quit trying to make things more difficult for us, people. Skinny = easy to order.

[Isabella]

Get over it. Coddling fat people is absurd. Fat is not beautiful. Too bad if fatties "feel bad" hearing about "skinny" drinks. They need a reality check. Fat is nasty and doesn't end on the hips. It cost uncounted millions in health care and insurance costs. And fat kids? Tragic. Baby 'em and bury 'em.

[barista]

I'm neutral on this whole "skinny" ordeal.

That's the corporate world for you.

Marketing geniuses gathered around an extended rectangular desk and discovered yet another marvelous idea in increasing profit by targeting our health..

Seeing the word "skinny" on the board may offend some but also motivate others to get "skinny" or fool them and make them think a certain drink will make them "skinny". and this is the time of the year where many people are trying to slim away their holiday weight, so of course such a platform was thought out at this timing.

i just wonder how long it's going to last

[SoCAL STARBUCKS REBEL]

"tall skinny mocha"

what i want is

a "short fat mocha"

its not like i am talking about customers here

"yeah did you see that tall hot skinny vanilla latte, man was she fiiine, and did you get a load of the foam on her"

[SoCAL STARBUCKS REBEL]

"man, why was she with that Grande White Mocha I could Whip and top him so fast you don't even know"

"its not worth it, She has two Kids hot chocolates"

[sarahthegreat]

Obesity or size of a person is not included in the discrimination statutes unless it is in a particular state. A stretch could be that if a court found someone's obesity is a disability, they might have a case. Discrimination doesn't mean just ANYTHING. I agree that "skinny" is not a great term to use, but writing letters to corporations and sighting bad law just makes you look stupid.

[Marcus B.]

You're ridiculous. There is absolutely no reason for a company to go out of its way in order to make FAT people feel good about themselves when they should be finding a way to lose the weight! We'd hope that fat people would start ordering "skinny" drinks because they associate the name of the drink with the size they SHOULD be!

[Charlie D.]

I have a feeling the people that agree with the article are fat and the people that disagree are thin, normal-sized people. Get a life, fat asses.

[brit]

thats it, im gonna start calling 2% drinks 'fat ass' lattes!! you set yourself up for this one starbucks!!!!

[BaritaFromAnothaMotha]

You know...I don't work at Starbucks (thank Jesus) but as a Barista, I can't help but wonder...did someone order too much non fat milk?

[nybarista]

Everyone here is making this into a fat debate, but I want to throw in my two cents.
As a recovering, eating disordered partner, hearing the word skinny multiple times makes me uncomfortable. I have worked for the company over 2 years, and I have no plans to get a new job. The whole marketing plan is just in very poor taste, and is very inconsiderate to all sorts of people, overweight, underweight, healthy, or ill.

[anonymous]

Brilliant original post. Hope Starbucks listened and followed this intelligent direction.

[Ted Leo (but not the Pharmacists)]

I still say the term "Barista" sounds like it belongs in the Communist rebel camps in the jungles of Puerto Rico, rather than in a coffee shop that goes out of its way to be cloyingly "Post Modern."

[Skinny Vanilla]

I have to say I was thrilled when I heard about this change-- I've been wanting this very thing for years. I get really tired of saying "grande latte non-fat sugar-free vanilla", and it was even worse at Christmas because it was "grande latte non-fat sugar-free gingerbread no whip." Not only does it take forever to say, but it is so long there is a good chance the barista will miss some part of it. Now its so much quicker and easier for everyone. Sorry that it offends anyone. Yesterday I even ordered a tall skinny caramel mocha, which was quite tasty and cost more too (which is ultimately good for Starbucks bottom line). The plain skinny mocha still needs some work fwiw.

[Alex]

I work as a shift in Nc and glad that I only have to press one button on the register instead of every modifier separately. To confuse customers even further with the "skinny", on the menu it does not say no whip, just that it is sugar free and skim milk. Customers were also frustrated by the Christmas Blend being listed on the menu and not brewed daily.

The girl was just expressing an opinion, she may not even be a heavy set girl. It's funny that some of you went strait for the 'fat card'. We all have our issues and nobody is 100% sure of themselves all the time. Some of you should really take a step out of your own lives and think on a more open perspective. I personally think the drink is easier to call out, but I had no problems calling it the original way. In the end it's up to the costumers or the suits running the company and that's what we all should keep in mind before ripping each other apart in this debate.

[chitown's best/angriest barista]

i serve coffee to smart people, doctors and nurses and med students, and they're baffeld by some of the most utterly basic things, like we've been asked "how many shots come in a double tall cappuccino?" and we get too much of the "I said SMALL!" when tall drinks are called and the "i wanted SKIM!" when it's called a "non-fat" latte.
are we so damn lazy that it's too hard for us to say a few extra words to make sure we're getting exactly what we want? really people, if you can't say " grande sugar-free vanilla non-fat latte" because it's too much for you, what the hell are you doing out in the world? do you need me to coach you through calling the pizza delivery place too? "ohmygod, i want extra cheese, but only on half my pizza and my husband doesn't like mushrooms but i do, what ever should i do?!"
it's not that hard. if us "stupid uneducated baristas" can do it so can you.

[Darleen]

thats it, im gonna start calling 2% drinks 'fat ass' lattes!! you set yourself up for this one starbucks!!!!

You'll set yourself up for the unemployment line if you're a partner brit. Get over it already, it's happened, deal with it.

[Skinny Vanilla]

It's funny how angry some people are about this-- obviously I am not stupid or lazy. I have now been saying "grande sugar-free vanilla non-fat latte" for years. It is simply quicker and easier, though, to just say skinny and it eliminates confusion about what exactly I want. The baristas at my local Starbucks were really happy about the change too. It makes a lot of sense. Plus, like I said, I am now more likely to order more complicated (and thus costly) variations. A win for me and for Starbucks.

[Another Chris]

I guarantee she is a "pleasantly plump", "big beautiful woman" or "big-boned gal"; and would almost bet that if the company had required them to refer to them as "thin" or "ideal weight" drinks, not only would it sound much sillier, it would cause someone else "distress". Not to mention, who is confused when presented two options: regular or skinny?

[Fuyuko]

I think starbucks can call their drinks what they want. Skinny, personally doesn't offend me. I'm kinda surprised such a big deal is being made.

[Goodbye Kitty]

FYI:

Starbucks is Altria aka Phillip Morris

http://www.altria.com/annualreport2003/ar2003_09_0200.asp

Not sure if they are an Altria property or just in distribution, but its not good. I got into it with a director at the Pax fund when they sent out an email stating they were dropping Starbucks because of their use of Jack Daniels products. I asked them why now, when Starbucks has been involved with Altria from 2003, if not earlier.

[Michael]

Haha. I have not read any of the previous comments, however, i think the 'skinny' idea is GREAT.

I drink starbucks generally around 4-5 times a week. My order is simple and the same everytime - Venti 4-pump vanilla chai tea latte. Now, c'mon. Anyone with a brain can totally tell I'm packing major calories over a course of a month.

.. Yeah. I am a skinny-freak, and, used to order non-fat milk, and, the non-fat vanilla. But. My lord. That got annoying, hence, I stopped.

With this new 'skinny' name - It'd be perfect to watch my calories, and, not having to recite non-fat forty two million times when ordering. :]

Skinny venti 4-pump vanilla chai tea latte, please.

Hey. That rings pretty good. :]

-x-

.. Just hoping the 'skinny' applies to lattes, as well. Haha.

[IThinkIPinchedAPerve]

With the sign prominently displayed at our Starbuck's, I ordered my usual sugar free, non-fat latte as a "skinny," only to be followed up by the partner if I wanted whip on it! For me, sugar-free is a dietary necessity, not just a mere preference, so I will continue to order it the old fashioned way to hopefully ensure it's correct.

[Ruby Doomsday]

while I wish they would have picked a less obnoxious word than "skinny", I do like that there's one word and one marking. At least it will ensure less of those drive through orders that go like...

"Yes. I'll have a Chai Latte Grande seven pump and a Cinnamon Venti Dolce... uhhh... Non fat for the chai... uhhh... Cinnamon Non fat Venti Dolce latte... what do you have for loaf today? NO! NOT MUFFINS! I WANT LOAF! yeah, okay, I'll take the pumpkin loaf, and sugar free syrup in the cinnamon dolce latte. Um... and a rice crispy square. And no whip on the cinnamon venti non fat dolce latte with sugar free cinnamon dolce syrup."

meanwhile you'r trying to ring it in, hand off a drink to another customer, fetch the loaf, and retrieve the cup six times from the bar person to mark the latest modification. Now that the customer is made aware of the "skinny" option, maybe they can just order all their mods in one fell swoop! :P

[Stacey]

Hear hear! We went through the drive through yesterday, and got the "would you like the new 'skinny'" pitch, and my friend said: "WTF is this 'skinny' thing, how insulting! Let's go to Pete's."

So we did.

[Rocky Mountain Barista]

I think the skinny thing is less likely to cause confusion, and FASTER than nonfat, no-whip, sugar-free cinnamon dolce latte, we all can catch on, so that is really no concern to me. I didn't think the customers would like the adjustment, but so far I've found that the ones who used skinny to mean non-fat were happy to change their lingo, and the people who knew the old system LOVE the simplification. That's what all our changes our about, KISS philosophy all the way!!

Just a note. there seems o be alot of people telling the barista's on the board to "get a real job" or "get an education."

are you ready for this...most of them are getting an education *gasp* 75% of the baristas i know are college students. its good cash and a flexable schedule.

and if theyre a career Starbucks employee, kudos to them. i loved working in a coffee shop, and i can certainly think of worse companies to work for.

as for homegirl that wrote the original letter...I know it seems outlandish now, but give yourself a week or 2 to get it down. youll get used to it. my coffee shop used this designation years ago. its pretty simple.

and if fat people are offended by the modifier "skinny" then theyre probably also the type to get offended at Ford and Chevy for their "double wide" trucks and Ande's "thin" mints. there isnt much you can do for them.

What i imagine is even more offensive is a self described "crusader" type telling the world what fat people and arent offended by. undoubtedly, it was well intentioned, but come on. unless you yourself are fat, thats not your call to make.

[a shareholder and not an employee]

I'm a customer and a shareholder. Skinny is a gimmick and a waste of all of our intelligence. My normal drink is a Dbl Tall SVF NF Latte. It is not a Dbl Tall Skinny Latte?... I'm still not sure how it should work. Way to alienate customers... glad Howard's back, maybe my shares won't be worth dick eventually.

michael, do you know WTF you'r eordering? chais are not called skinny. there is no non-fat vanilla. there is no sugar-free chai. if you are embaressed or confused to order your own drink, is that not a sign that perhaps you shouldn't be ordering it in the first place. it's coffee, not rocket science, not that hard.
as for using the word skinny, it's stupid and does nothing more than try to be cutesy and frou-frou. i imagine a bunch of giggling pre-teen girls or snobby upper middle aged ladies who do nothing but shop and fake tan all day every time i hear a drink called that. and i'm pretty sure most of you don't want to be like that, so call it what it is, sugar-free non-fat, cuz drinking it isn't going to make you skinny. i had hoped we were all smarter than that.

[Adrienne]

First time post here... love reading what you all have to say! I, for one, drink 'skinny' lattes but do not mind the old way of ordering/calling. This morning in the drive through I figured I'd give in and order the new way. "Tall skinny CDL, please."

I thought it was odd when, at the window I was asked "Do you want whip on that?" Double odd when I got to work and saw the markings NF CDL. I'm assuming I've got regular syrup. No biggy (although this could be a major health issue for some!)

If the baristas making the drink don't take to 'skinny' drinks, I doubt the customer will. I, for one, will go back to ordering the old way from now on. And to think I tipped a dollar! :)

adrienne- you show a good example of why the new system needs some work. i still like the old way better because it was clear and got rid of possible confusion, as we've found a lot of people who want "skinny" want regular syrup instead of sugar-free, and some people who want sugar-free syrup want regular milk, and then some people want whip on "skinny" drinks, thus making them no longer skinny and complicating the system. just tell me exactly what you want and you'll get exactly what you want. it's much easier for everyone that way.