Friday, September 29, 2006
Starbucks, you can’t resist the culture.
Or at least its damn hard. Just try going into Starbucks, even if you really know your coffee lingo, even if you are comfortable with the distinction between an Americano, a Latte and a Cappuccino, none of which incidentally were invented by Starbucks, try going into Starbucks and ordering a large drip coffee.
The employee glares.
“Hello, loser, we have invented are own verbiage for the sizes!! Now would you like a Tall, Grande or a Venti?”
Eeek.
We fought the law for a while here at the Clarion’s local Starbucks, because damn it, that’s what we do. But as you may have heard, the law won.
Incidentally is local Starbucks an oxymoron or what?
So now when the staff hits the Starbucks for rocket fuel, we gently request, “A grande drip with room for cream, please.” No glares, in fact, usually pleasant smiles and non-verbal signs of commiseration.
Side note to Starbucks management: How’s about a tip line on the charge card receipts?
For a company that is so employee friendly, this is a Huge Oversight! If I, Patron X, am using my charge card at a freaking Starbucks, it is because I have no cash money on me. Duh!!?! Therefore, I cannot tip your employee unless you provide a tip line on the charge card for me to do it and an option for them to subsequently rock it into the credit card processing machine later. The Clarion loathes getting good service at a coffee shop and not being able to tip.
Side note to readers: Though we have been through various phases of Starbucks addiction when the staff resided elsewhere, in Durham we rarely patronize them, preferring the terrific Counter Culture Coffee served at various local Durham hot spots. Our fave among them, Foster’s Market.
Disclosure: Some members of our staff were once employees of the same Foster’s Market. Another place that makes it difficult to tip the barista on a credit card. What’s wrong with these people? WTF. Don’t do your employees like that coffee bar owners of America.
The employee glares.
“Hello, loser, we have invented are own verbiage for the sizes!! Now would you like a Tall, Grande or a Venti?”
Eeek.
We fought the law for a while here at the Clarion’s local Starbucks, because damn it, that’s what we do. But as you may have heard, the law won.
Incidentally is local Starbucks an oxymoron or what?
So now when the staff hits the Starbucks for rocket fuel, we gently request, “A grande drip with room for cream, please.” No glares, in fact, usually pleasant smiles and non-verbal signs of commiseration.
Side note to Starbucks management: How’s about a tip line on the charge card receipts?
For a company that is so employee friendly, this is a Huge Oversight! If I, Patron X, am using my charge card at a freaking Starbucks, it is because I have no cash money on me. Duh!!?! Therefore, I cannot tip your employee unless you provide a tip line on the charge card for me to do it and an option for them to subsequently rock it into the credit card processing machine later. The Clarion loathes getting good service at a coffee shop and not being able to tip.
Side note to readers: Though we have been through various phases of Starbucks addiction when the staff resided elsewhere, in Durham we rarely patronize them, preferring the terrific Counter Culture Coffee served at various local Durham hot spots. Our fave among them, Foster’s Market.
Disclosure: Some members of our staff were once employees of the same Foster’s Market. Another place that makes it difficult to tip the barista on a credit card. What’s wrong with these people? WTF. Don’t do your employees like that coffee bar owners of America.
Labels: Pop Culture
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