Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

Starbucks is Ok with me. The coffee is better than the watery stuff you are given at most places and it's nowhere near 'way more' expensive. In the summer I'm not above getting a cafe vanilla frappucino too. If that makes me gay so be it, because they're damn good.

Question: Not being racist, but have you ever seen a black lady order any other drink than a strawberries n cream frap or a caramel macchiatto?

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

Most workers are pretty friendly and helpful if you present yourself as a noob

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
Haven't read the thread, hope this hasn't been asked.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've had coffee in my life. I'm pretty sure I don't like it, but I'd like to learn to.

Is it just me or is Starbucks incredibly intimidating to the novice coffee drinker? All those stupid names for the sizes/drinks are pretty scary when you know absolutely nothing about coffee.

Anyway, what should my first order be?

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't start. Once you get hooked, the $0.036 cup just isn't gonna do it for you.

"tall drip with room" minimizes your initial investment, and allows you to add as much creamer and/or sugar as you want.

---

OP:

I just thought of another question...I'm not sure how many different locations I've been to, maybe 50-75 in the US and Japan, and at only one specific location was I asked, "Mild or Bold?" when I ordered a drip. Is that supposed to be standard?

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

Can't speak for CB's starbucks, but that was standard at our starbucks if they didn't specify it in their order

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Blarg,

"I don't think a lot of economically challenged people are going to starbucks for their coffee, hippie or not."

You'd be surprised.

[/ QUOTE ]

If so, that would show how flexible the definition of that term can be. When I was economically challenged, it wasn't voluntary and expensive treats were out of the question.

[/ QUOTE ]

That response sucked.

[/ QUOTE ]

WTF?

[/ QUOTE ]

I had typed a response, realized it didn't make sense, and deleted it.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
CB, Months ago I read about hot Starbucks breakfast sandwiches but haven't seen them firsthand. Opinions?

[/ QUOTE ]

Alright, I'm extrapolating/guessing/possibly lying, etc.

Usually this sort of thing occurs in a test-market first, and if it is successful, is then rolled out to the rest of the country. I've heard it is happening, don't know where it is being tested (if at all). Only certain stores are considered "Warming" stores, meaning, they have an oven or some other function to warm/toast pastries and sandwiches.

I also believe that you have to have a different permit from the city in order to have an oven than most Starbucks typically have. Whether or not that is gumming up the works, I don't know.

I'm going with it's being tested somewhere, and will probably catch on enough to roll out eventually.

I'd be all for it. I open a lot, and by the time my lunch break rolls around, most places aren't open for lunch yet. I don't want to buy my own pastries for breakfast, I typically want something hot. Of course, I'd probably get sick of them eventually, too.

[/ QUOTE ]

These have been around in at least 3 Starbucks in the Portland area that I know of. They're actually pretty good, and unlike Starbucks lunches, not really that overpriced.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've seen the breakfast sandwiches in both NY and NJ. I'm typically a Dunkin Donuts coffee drinker (with the occasional Starbucks), but it is now closer to 50/50 because I'm such a huge fan of the new breakfast menu.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
Blarg,

Obviously if someone doesn't have $4, they can't purchase a $4 coffee drink. I don't think that's worth mentioning.

However, people who can in no reasonable way come anywhere close to being able to afford Starbucks purchase it way more often than you probably imagine.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't count someone who can spend $4.00 on coffee as economically challenged. If he can spend $4.00 on coffee but can't afford to sleep indoors, he's not poor, he's a bum. I think being a bum and being poor are very, very different things and should never be confused or thought of as having much to do with each other at all, but YMMV.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
CB, Months ago I read about hot Starbucks breakfast sandwiches but haven't seen them firsthand. Opinions?

[/ QUOTE ]

Alright, I'm extrapolating/guessing/possibly lying, etc.

Usually this sort of thing occurs in a test-market first, and if it is successful, is then rolled out to the rest of the country. I've heard it is happening, don't know where it is being tested (if at all). Only certain stores are considered "Warming" stores, meaning, they have an oven or some other function to warm/toast pastries and sandwiches.

I also believe that you have to have a different permit from the city in order to have an oven than most Starbucks typically have. Whether or not that is gumming up the works, I don't know.

I'm going with it's being tested somewhere, and will probably catch on enough to roll out eventually.

I'd be all for it. I open a lot, and by the time my lunch break rolls around, most places aren't open for lunch yet. I don't want to buy my own pastries for breakfast, I typically want something hot. Of course, I'd probably get sick of them eventually, too.

[/ QUOTE ]

These have been around in at least 3 Starbucks in the Portland area that I know of. They're actually pretty good, and unlike Starbucks lunches, not really that overpriced.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've seen the breakfast sandwiches in both NY and NJ. I'm typically a Dunkin Donuts coffee drinker (with the occasional Starbucks), but it is now closer to 50/50 because I'm such a huge fan of the new breakfast menu.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hm - apparently they are in LA also, this is a positive review of the sandwich... I'll try it out when I get a Sulawesi blend - thanks for the rec CB.

-Al

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
Can't speak for CB's starbucks, but that was standard at our starbucks if they didn't specify it in their order

[/ QUOTE ]

Hm...the overwhelming majority of places I've been to just grabbed a cup and filled it. Slackers. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

how much do they match on 401k if you work 20hrs or less week.

What do I need to drink to get the most caffeine per ounce ratio. I am seeking to experience a meth like high solely from coffee. Is this remotely possible?

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

When are you going to get rid of that sucky orange coffee cake thing and bring back the yummiest-evar banana-carmel-ish one???

Also how much is everyone there drinking the corporate koolaid? I would guess a lot.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
CB, Months ago I read about hot Starbucks breakfast sandwiches but haven't seen them firsthand. Opinions?

[/ QUOTE ]

Alright, I'm extrapolating/guessing/possibly lying, etc.

Usually this sort of thing occurs in a test-market first, and if it is successful, is then rolled out to the rest of the country. I've heard it is happening, don't know where it is being tested (if at all). Only certain stores are considered "Warming" stores, meaning, they have an oven or some other function to warm/toast pastries and sandwiches.

I also believe that you have to have a different permit from the city in order to have an oven than most Starbucks typically have. Whether or not that is gumming up the works, I don't know.

I'm going with it's being tested somewhere, and will probably catch on enough to roll out eventually.

I'd be all for it. I open a lot, and by the time my lunch break rolls around, most places aren't open for lunch yet. I don't want to buy my own pastries for breakfast, I typically want something hot. Of course, I'd probably get sick of them eventually, too.

[/ QUOTE ]

These have been around in at least 3 Starbucks in the Portland area that I know of. They're actually pretty good, and unlike Starbucks lunches, not really that overpriced.

[/ QUOTE ]

They had them in Gresham station about a year ago. Not sure about now as I haven't been back in a while.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
Haven't read the thread, hope this hasn't been asked.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've had coffee in my life. I'm pretty sure I don't like it, but I'd like to learn to.

Is it just me or is Starbucks incredibly intimidating to the novice coffee drinker? All those stupid names for the sizes/drinks are pretty scary when you know absolutely nothing about coffee.

Anyway, what should my first order be?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not just you. Lots of people feel intimidated. I assume you've tried coffee before, so, I'd recommend trying a latte, which is just shots of espresso with steamed milk. Most everything on the menu is a variation of this. If you like vanilla, get a vanilla latte. You like chocolate? Get a mocha. As someone above said, most baristas are helpful to newbies, especially if the store isn't busy.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

They have the breakfast sandwiches them at the Sbux by my house. Very tasty.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
Starbucks is Ok with me. The coffee is better than the watery stuff you are given at most places and it's nowhere near 'way more' expensive. In the summer I'm not above getting a cafe vanilla frappucino too. If that makes me gay so be it, because they're damn good.

Question: Not being racist, but have you ever seen a black lady order any other drink than a strawberries n cream frap or a caramel macchiatto?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, but caramel macchiattos are definitely a very common order for black women. Also, Asians get Americanos a lot ("tall size").

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

I think you're out of luck, the best I've been able to obtain from caffeine is a sniffing glue-like high.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

ClassicBob,

NBA POSTERS REPRESENT!!! Good job with this thread. Hope you're not still pissed at me cuz I forgot you in that list of Mavericks homers that one time.

Hey, I'm a 2-3X/week Starbucks customer (Iced Chai Latte, sue me). I typically go in one in the Safeway by my place since I have a 1/2 mile commute to work. However, there are two standalone Starbucksesses a mile to the west and another couple a mile or two the other way.

Anyway, I've heard a stigma attached to the ones in grocery stores and what not, that they're not "real" Starbucks. Any thoughts that the product or talent level of baristas may be inferior at those? My drink is ridiculously easy to make so they get it right, but the employees are Safeway employees, not Starbucks employees, and their pastry selection is disappointingly slim as well. What have you heard?

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

I'm addicted to the tarasomething chicken sandwich with cranberries. I will Admit to eating this tasty sandwich every work day for the past 2 months. Sometimes I will eat one for breakfast and again for lunch. Why does the liquid sugar they have taste fruity. How come the breakfast sandwiches suck so bad. How come everybody that works at Starbucks is so very overly nice and sometimes zany nice.

Am I nuts for spending close to 100 bucks at star bucks a week? Or do you have regulars that spend about the same. What is the average tip from a customer. I'm sure it adds up by the end of the shift.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Blarg,

Obviously if someone doesn't have $4, they can't purchase a $4 coffee drink. I don't think that's worth mentioning.

However, people who can in no reasonable way come anywhere close to being able to afford Starbucks purchase it way more often than you probably imagine.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't count someone who can spend $4.00 on coffee as economically challenged. If he can spend $4.00 on coffee but can't afford to sleep indoors, he's not poor, he's a bum. I think being a bum and being poor are very, very different things and should never be confused or thought of as having much to do with each other at all, but YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

That response sucked.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

ClassicBob,

Also, ballpark, what % of the employees you've worked with in your time there have been gay or lesbian? It seems to attract them like flies for some reason.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Haven't read the thread, hope this hasn't been asked.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've had coffee in my life. I'm pretty sure I don't like it, but I'd like to learn to.

Is it just me or is Starbucks incredibly intimidating to the novice coffee drinker? All those stupid names for the sizes/drinks are pretty scary when you know absolutely nothing about coffee.

Anyway, what should my first order be?

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't start. Once you get hooked, the $0.036 cup just isn't gonna do it for you.

"tall drip with room" minimizes your initial investment, and allows you to add as much creamer and/or sugar as you want.

---

OP:

I just thought of another question...I'm not sure how many different locations I've been to, maybe 50-75 in the US and Japan, and at only one specific location was I asked, "Mild or Bold?" when I ordered a drip. Is that supposed to be standard?

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, we're supposed to default to the featured coffee, which is usually a bold. Sometimes you can ask, but they shouldn't just say "bold or mild." They should identify the coffee blend, as in "Would you prefer the bold Yukon, or the mild House blend?"

Also, we're not supposed to say "here's your coffee", we are supposed to identify the blend as we hand it off.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
They have the breakfast sandwiches them at the Sbux by my house. Very tasty.

[/ QUOTE ]

I assume they serve these all day (or when they run out of them)?

-Al

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

Those little coffee/brownie triangle things, just ridiculously delicious or is there a little bit of crack baked into each one?

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Blarg,

Obviously if someone doesn't have $4, they can't purchase a $4 coffee drink. I don't think that's worth mentioning.

However, people who can in no reasonable way come anywhere close to being able to afford Starbucks purchase it way more often than you probably imagine.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't count someone who can spend $4.00 on coffee as economically challenged. If he can spend $4.00 on coffee but can't afford to sleep indoors, he's not poor, he's a bum. I think being a bum and being poor are very, very different things and should never be confused or thought of as having much to do with each other at all, but YMMV.

[/ QUOTE ]

That response sucked.

[/ QUOTE ]
Your posts in this thread have been awesome by the way.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
CB,

"I've also hooked up with a few customers."

Whoa, really? Stories, please. I would imagine "Starbucks dude" to be very low on the desirability scale for most women.

[/ QUOTE ]

Younger girls (college freshman) who haven't figured out how lame it is that I work at Starbucks yet.

[/ QUOTE ]

Let's all give a silent thanks for the naivete of youth.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
ClassicBob,

NBA POSTERS REPRESENT!!! Good job with this thread. Hope you're not still pissed at me cuz I forgot you in that list of Mavericks homers that one time.

Hey, I'm a 2-3X/week Starbucks customer (Iced Chai Latte, sue me). I typically go in one in the Safeway by my place since I have a 1/2 mile commute to work. However, there are two standalone Starbucksesses a mile to the west and another couple a mile or two the other way.

Anyway, I've heard a stigma attached to the ones in grocery stores and what not, that they're not "real" Starbucks. Any thoughts that the product or talent level of baristas may be inferior at those? My drink is ridiculously easy to make so they get it right, but the employees are Safeway employees, not Starbucks employees, and their pastry selection is disappointingly slim as well. What have you heard?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm going to reply to this because the one I worked at was in a safeway.

I started there when the starbucks was first put in. Since it was opened yet, we got a full week of training in the kiosk without having to deal with customers. We spent a full 40 hours with a starbucks trainer before the store was even opened.

All future employees we hired were trained with the same structure and testing as regular starbucks employees. We had regular and inspectors to make sure everything as up to starbucks code and all that jazz.

People think it's a lower version of starbucks, but it's really exactly the same, albeit with limited pastries. The drink menu is still the same.

The employees get shafted though. The safeway union benefits, by and large, are alot worse than the starbucks ones. We didn't get any perks at all. Plus we had to deal with twice as many secret shoppers (safeway and starbucks).

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

Tup - oT's posts are awesome in every thread.

-Al

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
I dared to order a Venti something from some indie place and the snide [censored] got huffy at me for using Starbucks lingo.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a huge fear of doing this in an indy coffee shop. I'm sure it will happen when there's some hot pierced/tattooed chick behind the counter I'm trying to impress.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
how much do they match on 401k if you work 20hrs or less week.

What do I need to drink to get the most caffeine per ounce ratio. I am seeking to experience a meth like high solely from coffee. Is this remotely possible?

[/ QUOTE ]

Most benefits don't apply if you don't work at least 20 hours a week.

Straight Espresso is your best bet for caffeine per ounce.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
When are you going to get rid of that sucky orange coffee cake thing and bring back the yummiest-evar banana-carmel-ish one???

Also how much is everyone there drinking the corporate koolaid? I would guess a lot.

[/ QUOTE ]

I kinda dig the Orange Coffee Cake. If you're referring to the Banana Dulce coffee cake, I think it's gone for good, but it could be floating around at other locations.

Koolaid varies from store to store, person to person, really. I wouldn't say it's a super high percentage.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
They have the breakfast sandwiches them at the Sbux by my house. Very tasty.

[/ QUOTE ]

I assume they serve these all day (or when they run out of them)?

-Al

[/ QUOTE ]

I think they shut down the oven at some point, but it seems you can get them into the day. Also that oven is some kind of techno marvel. It cooks a whole sandwich to scalding temps in like 30 seconds, and they're crispy.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

traz,

Helpful, thanks.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
ClassicBob,

NBA POSTERS REPRESENT!!! Good job with this thread. Hope you're not still pissed at me cuz I forgot you in that list of Mavericks homers that one time.

Hey, I'm a 2-3X/week Starbucks customer (Iced Chai Latte, sue me). I typically go in one in the Safeway by my place since I have a 1/2 mile commute to work. However, there are two standalone Starbucksesses a mile to the west and another couple a mile or two the other way.

Anyway, I've heard a stigma attached to the ones in grocery stores and what not, that they're not "real" Starbucks. Any thoughts that the product or talent level of baristas may be inferior at those? My drink is ridiculously easy to make so they get it right, but the employees are Safeway employees, not Starbucks employees, and their pastry selection is disappointingly slim as well. What have you heard?

[/ QUOTE ]

You still my boy, tup.

Good question, here.

Starbucks that you see in Targets, Safeways, Airports, etc. are more times than not "not real Starbucks." They are owned by the store around them, and are considered "licensed concepts." You can't expect the same level of customer service or depth of knowledge at one as you will at an actual store. However, an Iced Chai is the easiest drink that we make, they'll never screw that up. I doubt they use the same food distributor, so their pastry selections could very well be stuff that the grocery store sells, but I could be wrong about that.

They won't screw up your Chai, but if you have any real questions, I'd go to a real Starbucks.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
I'm addicted to the tarasomething chicken sandwich with cranberries. I will Admit to eating this tasty sandwich every work day for the past 2 months. Sometimes I will eat one for breakfast and again for lunch. Why does the liquid sugar they have taste fruity. How come the breakfast sandwiches suck so bad. How come everybody that works at Starbucks is so very overly nice and sometimes zany nice.

Am I nuts for spending close to 100 bucks at star bucks a week? Or do you have regulars that spend about the same. What is the average tip from a customer. I'm sure it adds up by the end of the shift.

[/ QUOTE ]

Tarragon Chicken Salad sandwich is definitely my favorite sandwich.

Don't know about fruity simple (Classic) syrup.

We are told to act cheerful, always be happy, etc. Some people don't. I actually find that being over-the-top cheerful is hilariously fun to do. Greeting half-awake caffeine zombies loudly gets you some awesome reactions. Entertaining myself in that fashion helps get me through the day.

100 bucks a week is pretty steep, but you are buying lunch everyday. I've seen multiple people who will spend 50+ a week, without food involved.

Tips vary from store to store, region to region. The two stores I've been at typically have averaged around $1.70 per hour, per person in tips. Some get more, some get less. I've heard that Baristas in Vegas clear 4 bucks an hour in tips. I think you'd be surprised at how many people don't tip. Also, we don't have an option to write in tips on credit cards, which hurts.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
If you're referring to the Banana Dulce coffee cake, I think it's gone for good

[/ QUOTE ]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!! You finally did it! You bastards!

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/8...6a1d8beld7.jpg

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
ClassicBob,

Also, ballpark, what % of the employees you've worked with in your time there have been gay or lesbian? It seems to attract them like flies for some reason.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've only worked with 1 lesbian. However, of the male employees, I would guess that more than 50% are gay, and I may be underestimating.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
Those little coffee/brownie triangle things, just ridiculously delicious or is there a little bit of crack baked into each one?

[/ QUOTE ]

Espresso Fudge Brownies? They are good, and have a little bits of espresso beans in them, I believe, which is close to crack.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
ClassicBob,

NBA POSTERS REPRESENT!!! Good job with this thread. Hope you're not still pissed at me cuz I forgot you in that list of Mavericks homers that one time.

Hey, I'm a 2-3X/week Starbucks customer (Iced Chai Latte, sue me). I typically go in one in the Safeway by my place since I have a 1/2 mile commute to work. However, there are two standalone Starbucksesses a mile to the west and another couple a mile or two the other way.

Anyway, I've heard a stigma attached to the ones in grocery stores and what not, that they're not "real" Starbucks. Any thoughts that the product or talent level of baristas may be inferior at those? My drink is ridiculously easy to make so they get it right, but the employees are Safeway employees, not Starbucks employees, and their pastry selection is disappointingly slim as well. What have you heard?

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm going to reply to this because the one I worked at was in a safeway.

I started there when the starbucks was first put in. Since it was opened yet, we got a full week of training in the kiosk without having to deal with customers. We spent a full 40 hours with a starbucks trainer before the store was even opened.

All future employees we hired were trained with the same structure and testing as regular starbucks employees. We had regular and inspectors to make sure everything as up to starbucks code and all that jazz.

People think it's a lower version of starbucks, but it's really exactly the same, albeit with limited pastries. The drink menu is still the same.

The employees get shafted though. The safeway union benefits, by and large, are alot worse than the starbucks ones. We didn't get any perks at all. Plus we had to deal with twice as many secret shoppers (safeway and starbucks).

[/ QUOTE ]

Looks like traz pwned me on the licensed concepts.

Whatever.

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

1. I like a lot of milk in the coffee so I order a grande in a venti cup - otherwise I have to pour out a ton of coffee into the garbage every time I put milk in. Acceptable practice?
2. Does the brewing of a new "featured coffee" almost every day actually drive sales of whole bean bags of that coffee? Maybe it's because I am usually only in a Starbucks during the AM rush, but I never see people buy bags of coffee.
3. I order a grande iced unsweetened coffee. The cashier calls out "iced grande unsweetened iced coffee" every time. Why repeat the word iced?

Re: Ask me about Starbucks
 

Blarg,

OK, now that you've clarified that when you wrote "I don't think a lot of economically challenged people are going to starbucks for their coffee, hippie or not" you were simply saying that homeless people who have basically no money aren't going to Starbucks for coffee.

Sure, I agree with that, but I guess I don't see the point of why you would even bother to write that.