I know I'm not the only one who's complained that Starbucks baristas don't know how to make a decent latte any more. Far from its roots as the reliable place to get coffee made exactly right, the chain has lately become famous for its automatic machines and the hit-or-miss quality of its products.Howard Schultz is here to change all that: by shutting down Every Last Store nationwide for three hours on Tuesday, February 26. Starting at 5:30 p.m., baristas in the coffee giant's 7,100 stores will learn how to do things better. They'll learn how to make a perfect shot, how to steam milk, and (if we have anything to say about it) how not to burn coffee, and how to wipe the milk steamer before switching from dairy to soy milk. (Vegans everywhere will say thank you.)
While it's doubtful that three hours of training will reverse years of gathering mediocrity, it's certainly a symbol of a company that cares about quality. If Howard is serious about this change stuff (and it's obvious that he is), he'll consider switching back to manual latte machines, at least in some stores located in serious coffee markets (like certain neighborhoods in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco). Speed and convenience is no price to pay for really good coffee. Some customers will agree; others will probably mutter swearwords under their breath as they pull up to their local Starbucks only to find it Closed For Training in a couple of weeks. Which customer are you?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 29)
2-13-2008 @ 8:39PM
betty said...
This is George Bush's fault
2-14-2008 @ 7:14AM
william said...
EAT THE RICH........IM USING MY REBATE TO BUY STARBUCKS!!!!!!!
2-14-2008 @ 9:49AM
hsproull said...
Yeah and Kanye too, He did it
2-14-2008 @ 9:56AM
Lazaro said...
Yes, it's George Bush's fault.
That's why I'm voting for Obama.
I can't name any specific thing that he's accomplished, I only know that I like the guy and that's all that is needed because I am the average Duhmerican- looks and personality and
"feel-good" speeches are all that matter to me for President.
2-14-2008 @ 10:05AM
drquest44 said...
"This is George Bush's fault."
ROFL
Thanks Betty. I needed that one.....
2-14-2008 @ 10:51AM
Jackie said...
Too Funny!!!
2-14-2008 @ 2:07PM
*B* said...
Enough of "It's George Bush's Fault"! People get over it! We are all responsible for the situations we are in. I do agree Starbucks has lasped in their coffee making techinques - and that is there fault for placing "Profit" before "Quality"! I think the training should be longer than 3hrs, but I hope everyone comes away with better barista skills. I am looking forward to a well made tasty treat.
2-14-2008 @ 2:08PM
patty said...
you can say that again..but don't forget i didn't vote for peanut butter and jelly man in the first place
2-14-2008 @ 4:07PM
LIZ said...
You have got to be crazy...why is it President Bush's fault that McDonald's sells the same coffee at a lower price??????
Get real.
2-14-2008 @ 5:07PM
Heather said...
Betty, are you serious about that comment? I think that is probably the most outrageous comment I have ever heard. I would LOVE to hear your theory on this one.. CRAZY!
2-14-2008 @ 5:55PM
bisquit138 said...
Everyone in the Philadelphia,Washington D.C, Jersey South Central Pa area go to Buck's County Coffee, their coffee is not burnt, and their employee's do not need EMERGENCY TRAINING !!!!!!!!!!!
2-17-2008 @ 12:42PM
Thom L. Jones said...
To: *B*
*B*, why should I get over it when everyone knows everything is George W's fault.
Thanks
2-16-2008 @ 1:37PM
choice the end said...
the last time I asked Starbuck's if they had any organic coffee it was still NO! I don't think that GMO (genetically modified) is a wise decision for my health. It's not OK for anyone. We are not their guinea pigs. Show me the ORGANIC!
2-16-2008 @ 1:33PM
dansal said...
everything is georgies fault
2-13-2008 @ 9:05PM
Marino said...
Who will be the trainers?
Is it going to be in the stores or at regional centers?
2-14-2008 @ 1:52AM
sarah gilbert said...
Marino, there's no telling who the trainers will be (likely store managers) -- but it seems that the training will be in the individual stores.
2-14-2008 @ 8:44AM
William said...
This really doesnt matter. I don't drink their overpriced poor excuse for coffee anyways.
2-14-2008 @ 12:13PM
rick culbertson said...
in every store, learn how to read
2-16-2008 @ 10:47AM
Ann said...
George W., of course!
2-13-2008 @ 9:50PM
Jack Schneider said...
All I need is a perfect Big Mac to go with my perfect cup of coffee. This whole thing is nuts.