A reader suggests we ask how you survived those three hours of Starbuckslessness. That gives us an excuse to point you to a couple places with insight as to what went on: The Daily Weekly photographed a group of employees with a butcher-papered easel headed HOUSE RULES; StarbucksGossip.com, of course, has a massive comments thread; and the AP says there’s a new sign posted in SBUX stores.
I drove by and saw a crowd of green aprons huddled around an easle at the Fauntleroy/Avalon Drive-Thru. It seemed like a pretty serious event. With all the national press and such, it looks like a huge PR stunt to get people back into the stores.
Perhaps a strategy meeting to decide who’s going to pick up all the trash and cigarette butts on the sidewalk and around the shop. Grungy old Starbucks. Ick.
The comments thread on their web site is “closed”. Must be they don’t want the civilians to read the snark. That’s a good start toward transparency, communicating, blah blah blah.
I attended one of these last night and I can tell you that it was far more than a “publicity event” like so many want to characterize it as. Sure, it received a lot of press, but that wasn’t the point. It was a serious, structured, and informative meeting consisting of both discussion, videos, and hands-on learning.
I’m consistently amazed about how much snark and hate exists on WSB toward Starbucks. It’s kinda sad.
I don’t want to see anything bad happen to a significant employer like Starbucks… but, after 13 loyal years of going there everyday (I mean every day) and specifically going to the Fauntleroy/California location for 5 consecutive years I decided to start brewing my own coffee.
Primarily becase they never remembered me or my same order which has always been drip coffee. The prices kept creeping up and up and the final straw was when Schultz decided to sell the Sonics down the road. I don’t have the expectation that these guy’s who make crazy money owe us anything- but it’s hard when Gates and Allen consistently give back. I’m sure Schultz is generous, but I don’t see it.
I certainly don’t have the same experiences as Dave. I hit Starbucks @ Union Square every weekday for the past 1.5 years, and they know me, and my drink. They are a friendly bunch, and I’m happy to give them my business. Before that, it was another Starbucks for ~10 years. Same great experience.
Bad link for the AP story. Here’s the real one:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080227/stop_the_espresso.html?.v=1
This seems like an old string…however, does anyone know about the Seattle Starbuck’s Christmas event? I believe it just for employees in which they invite vendors to exhibit their wares..? I am looking for info but just got the run-around on the customer service line..mmmm. Thought some stalwart customers could ask their local Starbucks mgr. or?
Thanx,
Flowergirl
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