Even Target is Trying To Get RID of Pike Puke

My Turn.........

"Told ya they have "little red tags" at Target.

Good Coffee Day to You........ :)

Handcrafted, 20 at a Time!

My Turn:

I have an idea for "lean"... just put push button vending machine dispensers in the stores. One machine for cold drinks, one for hot drinks, one stocked with Via to replace brewed Pike Puke and one more for food. Maybe a microwave in the corner to heat the food. This way you just need one employee to throw in the pre-packaged mixes delivered from a central kitchen. And Viola "LEAN".

Really, I don't go to $tarbucks to be served by a robot! I feel very sorry for those who care; employees and customers alike. It's really just a crying shame.

Handcrafted Drinks? Hmmm! Maybe it should be Handcrafted 20 at a time!


Latest Starbucks Buzzword: 'Lean' Japanese Techniques - WSJ.com

Good Coffee Day to You!

$tarbucks made Jeff feel like a Dog?

My turn.....
I just couldn't resist posting this........ Thanks "Jeff" on your comedic approach to the subject. It's so sad it is funny.... kinda like the "bold coffee" subject......


Starbucks Gossip: Weekend OPEN THREAD: Anything left to discuss? You bet!:

"How about Starbucks insulting tweet to their celiac customers? They recently
introduced a nice gluten free almond cake and are promptly discontinuing it.
Instead of telling us celiacs flat out that the thing is not selling, they
snidely inform us that the reason they are no longer carrying it is that 'its
too much of a treat' and has to be replace with a healthy Kind bar. Celiacs
can't have treats? I feel like a bad dog. 'No treats for you, celiac scum!
Starbucks knows what is good for you, now shut up and eat your Kind bar.' Woof!"
Posted by: Jeff

Hey $tarbucks, Didn't you do this once Before?

My turn.........

This story is a follow up to an earlier post today on "$tarbucks Identity Crisis"

The $tarbucks that isn't a $tarbucks has already been done.... and it failed....

This article is dated June 1999........

Strange brew: wake up and smell Starbucks' latest coffeehouse concept Entrepreneur Find Articles at BNET

Good Coffee Day to You.......
Any thoughts on this?.............

Sorry, No More Gluten-Free Cakes for you Buster!

My Turn.............

On May 5, 2009, a mere two months ago, $tarbucks made this big announcement that they are going to carry gluten-free cakes. They posted this on MSI, Ideas in Action.... hugh article, pictures included.... They touted this as the next big thing to hit Mc$tarbucks..... Over 400 people commented on this blog....

Today, in the ever changing, schizophrenic business model of $tarbucks....$tarbucks announced on Twitter, of all places... "They are being discountinued", "We were told it was too much a treat".....

So who said celiacs couldn't have treats?

Way to go again $tarbucks..... You have made me ask the question once again: Who is driving this ship?

Click the link below to read $tarbucks MSI/Ideas in Action post about Gluten Free Cake

http://blogs.starbucks.com/blogs/customer/archive/2009/05/05/gluten-free-valencia-cake.aspx?PageIndex=3

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Good Coffee Day to You...... :)

Your turn........

Is Mc$tarbucks Having an Identity Crisis? Again?

My Turn........

When is a $tarbucks not a $tarbucks?

Just like the other million and one new ideas, launches, food, drinks, products...This certainly reeks of desperation..... Is this $tarbucks idea of "We didn't want to be like McDonalds..... just happened..... but here, we will start over and give you a real coffee house".....

Well turn about is fair play......Remember when they thought they could open stores on every frigging corner of the planet and put the Mom & Pop coffee houses out of business? Well now that they have turned into the Mickey D's of coffee the real coffee connoisseurs are heading back to the traditional coffee houses for coffee, real coffee, not that cheap Pike Puke, hand pulled espresso shots, customers want atmosphere, and great service, latte art anyone?

Well desperate times call for desperate measures. Good Luck Mc$tabucks!

Read on...... click the link below

Local News Starbucks tests new names for stores Seattle Times Newspaper

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Good Coffee Day to You.......

Your turn........

Coffee Break: Starbucks Secret Menu | The Forum

My turn............

Another worthwhile read. Is this satire or is she serious?

Coffee Break: Starbucks Secret Menu The Forum

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Good Coffee Day to You!

Is the Nation's Love Affair with $tarbucks Over?

My Turn

...............
This is a great piece of satire...Good for a quick read and a little laughter. Enjoy...

Good Coffee Day to You!

Advertising Brings Buzz for Starbucks, McDonald's, Dunkin' - Advertising Age - News - Scene_1

Advertising Brings Buzz for Starbucks, McDonald's, Dunkin' - Advertising Age - News - Scene_1

My Turn....................... Very interesting article..... Thought it might make a good, quick read....

Good Coffee Day to You!

Any thoughts on this article? Share with us.

Starbucks' muffin man McDougall fresh out of luck

Starbucks' muffin man McDougall fresh out of luck

My Turn.......................Canadian $tarbucks' might have bold coffee, all day, everyday; but now must endure frozen, trucked in muffins. And $tarbucks and Canada now have one pissed off bakery owner. Is $tarbucks streamlining, ahem, I mean going lean?

Good Coffee Day to You.....

MSI $TARBUCKS CHART.....WHAT THEY ARE NOT TELLING US! OR ADMITTING

My Turn.......................

Look what I found..... What a gem!.....UNBELIEVEABLE

This document is dated 11/08/08......The issue of "bold coffee" is off the charts....17,000 plus votes and that was way back in Nov. '08. (And personally I think the votes are much higher)

Why does $tarbucks keep ignoring us?

Good Coffee Day to You!
Any thoughts?

My Starbucks Idea..... The Conversation Continues....

My Starbucks Idea

My Turn....................... Here is a link (Click above on title) to MSI to some very recent conversation about "Bold Coffee", "Brew on Demand"........ If you get a minute would you please join the conversation....... thanks.... BTW.... I post as "Breve" on those pages.

Good Coffee Day to You :-)

Starbucks Brews a Plan to Twitter for Dollars

Starbucks Brews a Plan to Twitter for Dollars

My Turn....................... Very interesting and true for $tarbucks ....... Hey when will it be time to push the "block" button?........ There is a fine line between a tweet and an advertisment........

Good Coffee Day to You!

Selling coffee becomes diacritical for McDonald's - Los Angeles Times

Selling coffee becomes diacritical for McDonald's - Los Angeles Times

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Good Coffee Day to You.....

"Bold Coffee Thoughts"

My Turn.......................

I posted this on my $tarbucks Idea "Blog Post" today in reference to the latest
"Ideas in Action" Blog about "Bold Coffee"........ just some thoughts......

$tarbucks cannot expect to be the "finest purveyors of coffee" yet send a message that they are not in the business of selling any.

These "short term" money saving strategies are disenfranchising your long time loyal customers. These are the customers that went out of their way to seek $tarbucks day after day, they are no longer going to be your customers. These are the customers that have discretionary income and will find another place to spend their money.

Your reckless approach to appease the shareholders have put you in the "fast food" class now. Your signs will hang with best among them: Jack in the Box, McDonalds, Wendy's and the such.

Good Luck Mc$tarbucks!

Oh, Sorry, Your Just Not Worth It!

My Turn.......................

Well it looks as if the brewed decaf coffee drinkers of Mc$tarbucks are joining the ranks with the bold coffee drinkers. $tarbucks has sent them a message also. Here's how I "hear" it. "Your decaf coffee that you drink, that measly $1.80 that you spend, well it's just not worth it. Not worth our time, our money and our effort." WOW! Way to go Mc$tarbucks. Smart of you to keep alienating another segment of your business.
And just like the "bold" coffee drinkers, the decaf drinkers were also told "just ask, we will brew it on demand"! Um...... "ON DEMAND" well that's for another post...

Good Coffee Day to You :)

Your turn, any thoughts ?.........

Those Little "Red" Tags

My Turn.......................

Nothing screams, I'm a reject, more than a little red clearance tag on an item at the store. It tells people I wasn't worthy to be purchased the first time around. Nobody wanted me. I'm inferior...this is my last chance......Now it might make for some great bargain hunting, but somehow in the back of your mind your thinking, "ok, what's wrong with this product?" If someone didn't want it the first time around am I willing to give it a second chance?

Which brings me to ask "Why in the hell does Mc$tarbucks ALLOW little red tags on their merchandise and coffee?" "Why does it allow their merchandise and coffee to be put on the clearance racks?"

I see it all the time.......In their own stores, in Target, in the grocery stores, in licensed stores.

Take for example my local Mc$tarbucks, corporate store, they have a clearance area. Mugs, cups, candy, books, cd's, tea..... Talking about dragging down the brand. Hey did I walk into Mc$tarbucks or a swap meet?

Next, Target stores. I see clearance areas all the time with bags and bags of Mc$tarbucks coffees sitting there with their little red tag. And some bags were the "premium coffee's. Wow, makes me want to pay full price next time. Makes me think NOBODY wants bags of Mc$tarbucks coffee. It really ruins the brand. Just kind of takes it down a notch in your head.

Next the grocery store. This past Christmas Ralphs (Kroger) grocery stores were selling "gift baskets" with Mc$tarbucks merchandise. And they were selling bags "Winter Blend" coffee. Well guess what..... after Christmas they were red-tagged, sitting in a heap of clearance items at the back of the store. Just like some old can of peas..... tossed aside. Wow, Mc$tarbucks maybe I'll wait until after Christmas next year to shop. New Year's Day presents anyone?

Next, licensed stores in the grocery store. There is a licensed store inside my local Albertsons. They are famous for red-tags. In fact they had a whole basket of Christmas blend and boxes and boxes of Joy tea marked down after the holiday. And tons of holiday merchandise. And it's not just after the holiday, they always have a couple of clearance shelves on a display. In fact right now there is "Aged Sumatra", the one in the cute little tin, on clearance with those little red tags. ugh!!!!

So my question is if Mc$tarbucks wants to be "purveyors of fine coffee" why I ask is so much of it red-tagged, clearanced and tossed aside. And the bigger question is why does Mc$tarbucks allow it?

A little side note..... years ago I used to work as a merchandiser for Hallmark. Hallmark has built brand name recognition in the world of the finest cards and gift merchandise. NEVER was anything with the Hallmark name/brand, clearanced. In fact after every holiday, those greeting cards got shredded. Hallmark has a reputation to uphold. A brand image to uphold. Why doesn't Mc$tarbucks take a lesson from them?

Am I really supposed to be persuaded to think Mc$tarbucks is the "best", the "luxury" brand when I see those little red stickers?

Now it's your turn.........

Good Coffee Day to You :)

It's Been too Long.............

My Turn.......................

The fall and winter is a very busy time for me personally. Now that we are headed to spring and summer I'm hoping I can come back here a few times a week. With that said there has been SO MUCH going on with $tarbucks, well Mc$tarbucks now. I wouldn't even know where to pick up......But come back real soon for some more "Pike Place Sucks"!

Have a good coffee day!
Jolene

Your turn........ What's been going on in your Mc$tarbucks life???

Then and Now

My Turn.......................

I started thinking how I USED to feel when I walked in $tarbucks compared to how I feel NOW. I remember when I had to go out of my way to get a cup of coffee at $tarbucks, that in itself made it special. Then I got near the doors and I could smell that great coffee smell. And the atmosphere was wonderful, people visiting, working, students doing homework, I loved just being there. I knew I could grab a magazine or book and go escape for a little bit. The barista's were wonderful. You could tell that they truly enjoyed being there and loved their jobs. The barista's were ALWAYS sampling. I loved going occasionally and buying beans, I felt like a kid in a candy store. The barista's could tell you about the beans and they would be hand scooped in bags, weighed and a little sticker would be placed on the bag to seal it. I even miss the coffee passports. (ugh, I should have kept them)

Now when I go to $tarbucks, It's not fun, it's not relaxing. I'm wondering if I'm going to have to fight to get bold coffee. And if I do order an espresso drink is it going to be made right? I'm sick and tired of the up-sell, "would you like a "berry stella"? ugh... If I wanted a frigging berry stella don't you think I would have enough brains to order it? And my local store, which is about 4 years old, is so small and cramped it's not conducive to staying there and enjoying yourself for a few minutes. There is no sampling, and why buy the beans there when I could get them anywhere, maybe even at Target on the clearance rack. Alot of the barista's hate their jobs, the customers and being there, it shows in the service and drink quality. Heck most of them hate coffee, I've asked. And on top of all this the store doesn't even smell like coffee.

Going to $tarbucks is just not a "feel good" experience anymore. The whole $tarbucks experience is gone for me. Now it's herd them in, herd them out, no pride in service or drink quality. But really who are we kidding it is fast food and it's only going to get worse. The bottom line is the "dollar". But the shitty service and awful drink quality, I believe, will come back to bite them in the ass. Sales are down????? Please $tarbucks don't blame it on the economy.

Good Coffee Day to You..........

Your turn........... How to your compare your $tarbucks experience from "then" to "now"?

"Bringing Back the Bold?"

My Turn.......................


$tarbucks made an announcement yesterday on their http://www.mystarbucksidea.com/ blog that they "Are bringing back the bold!"......... And this mornings http://www.wsj.com/ has a short article too.

BUT WAIT................... Should the "bold" drinkers of America be jumping for joy quite yet?

Well definitively $tarbucks is bringing back bold until 5:00 p.m. in approx. 800 of their "top performing" brew stores. The rest of us are supposed to get bold coffee on demand!

I went last night and didn't! (more on this later)

Gotta run for now. I just wanted to throw this out for right now.

Have a good coffee day :)

Any thoughts right now?

Frapps?

My Turn.......................

Just had to throw this out..................... If I read one more idea on http://www.starbucksmyidea.com/, how to put candy, cookies and/or jimmies on or in frapps. I'm going to SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I feel better!

I thought it would be interesting to post some "wild" frapp idea's here. I'll add to the list as I see new one's.

1. Cotton Candy -Wow, is that coffee or cream base?
2. Blue Frapp : blueberry flavor w/ blue sprinkles - never could go for "blue" food
3. Cotton Candy Cupcake - What!
4. Recees- Peanut butter and chocolate- Um, peanut butter and coffee?
5. Brownie-Chip Frapp - Ah, what the hell is a "brownie chip" anyway?
6. Read Bean - ?
7. Someone ask for "more flavors" wow maybe they confused $tarubucks with 31 Flavors!
8. Chilled "Cheescake" Frapp....... Ugh... Liquid chessecake..... disgusting!
9. Not a Frapp.... but I had to add it......... Cake flavored coffee....... "all the taste- 0 calories" umm OK!
10. Crumble Mountain Frapp: cookie crumbles, chocolate fudge, carmel, ice cream and topped with whipped cream! My God, diabetes in a cup. UMMM...
11. Captain Crunch Frapp...... Excuse me - Did you want a Frapp or a bowl of cereal?

What..........A Merchandise Outlet !!!!!!!!!!!!

My Turn.......................

Hey All, My summer break is here and I am going to try to catch up and write a little everyday!
But I need your input. It can't be a good or great blog without your voice too!!!! It takes at least two to make some conversation......................................... So go 'head leave a comment or two. Maybe we on to something great here!

Well first order of business today.

If you thought $tarbucks couldn't get any more "watered down" well.................................

$tarbucks has opened an "outlet store" in the Ontario Mills Outlet Mall here in SoCal. I guess it's for all the reject merchandise that has been piling up in the stores for the last 15 years or more.
Since I live about 3 miles as the crow flies from the mall I decided a little visit was in order.

Well what was there? (I knew you were going to ask)

Ton's and ton's of C.D.'s. Boxes and Boxes of them. Kinda displayed like a "swap meet".
Holiday merchandise: Halloween, Valentines Day, Fall, Christmas; even those cute little "barista bears!
Mugs, cups, coffee makers (Cuisinart?), espresso makers, insulated venti cold drink cups with added bonus - a straw. (hey aren't there tons of people on $tarbucks My Idea asking for those?)
Coffee Beans - didn't take the time to look which brew.... sorry.... next time! lol
Outdoor cold drink cups -frigging a ton of those! And a myriad of other little things that didn't quite get my attention.

So if $tarbucks didn't stoop low enough with Pike Puke they just went down one more rung on the ladder with this store.
Hey, maybe they can send all the Pike Puke there!!!!!

Your turn..................... what's your thoughts on $tarbucks opening an "outlet store?"

HAVE A GOOD COFFEE DAY :)

Starbucks Corporation News - The New York Times

My turn............

Just a little bit of $tarbucks News..... Read on.

Starbucks Corporation News - The New York Times

Your turn.......................... Any comments?

"Open Letter to "bucks from G.Q."

My Turn.......................

So True................ So Sad.......................

read on................

Have a good coffee day :)

your turn...................

"My 5 Minutes at $tarbucks Today"

My Turn.......................

Hi Everyone, One of my "darling" son's gave me a $tarbucks gift card for the Mom's Day. (poor kid didn't know mommy was boycotting and I didn't tell him 'cause I didn't want to break his heart, about the gift...not, not going to $tarbucks. lol) but....... Today, I decided to use it......... (I was going to try to get some kind of " bold drip coffee") OMG...... What an experience..... I thought I was in the "twilight zone". Now mind you I haven't been to my local store in about a 6 weeks. When I walked in the two barista's recognized me (I will give credit for that) and said " Oh, haven't seen you in a while". I said "well I hear that there is no more bold after 12:00 and seeing I come in about 2:00 I found no reason to come". The reply...... they looked at each other and "rolled their eyes"..... like to say "another whiner". I asked what they were brewing "Pike Puke" they said. I asked if they could BREW me a "bold" coffee. Ya know what the frigging answer was, "No, we have no more "bold left". I said "but you have bags and bags on the shelves, can you just open one?" Their answer, "No, we are not allowed to open the bags or brew bold coffee." "But we can make you an americano." I politely told them I didn't want an "americano". I asked them what is one to do if they want a "bold" coffee....... ya know what.... they handed me the card to "$tarbucks My Idea" website. I said "thanks. and left. (I really didn't want to hassle the poor kids, they were only doing what they are told). As I was leaving I was laughing to myself, I couldn't believe I just left a "coffee house". What a joke!!!!!!! Well I probably will re-gift my gift card because at this point I really have no intention of going into a $tarbucks any time soon. I have heard of BAD customer service but this experience today really took the cake. What is this corporation thinking? or coming too? Needless to say I went home a brewed some great coffee from beans that I have been buying at a local specialty store.

Have a great coffee day ;)

Now it's your turn.....................................

"Pike Place is more like Pike Poop"

My turn..............................

Not my words exactly............. but the words of this author from the New York Post...... And they say there is no truth is journalism .........
read on........... just click the link below....

NO PLACE FOR PIKE AT STARBUCKS

Your turn.........

Have a good coffee day :)

"Help...We Need Our Voices Heard...VOTE!"

My turn.....................

Some of you that read this blog might not be aware that $tarbucks has an offshoot of their website called "My Idea" It's a forum for customers to post "ideas" then people can vote and comment on those "ideas" Many of us have been on the website daily voting on all the Pike Puke issues. We have been working very hard to encourage new people to vote. So if you hate "Pike Puke" and/ or want a "choice" of coffee back please take the time to go to "Starbucks My Idea":
http://www.mystarbucksidea.com/

Good Coffee Day to You :)

Now it's your turn....................

"Has $tarbucks Just Fallen Out of Fashion?"

My turn...............................

This past weekend I attended a college graduation ceremony (way to go daughter-in-law!) at a very well known college here in SoCal and I amazed to see many people with Mickey D's coffee/coffee drinks in their hands. WOW!!!!! I know there was a time in the not so distant past where "nobody" that was "anybody" would have been "seen" with a Mickey D' coffee. Now I know that that sounds so shallow but let me get to my point..............This observation tells me something we all know about human nature.............. When a "few" have it "everybody" wants it - When "everybody" has it "nobody" wants it....... $tarbucks has just fallen out of fashion..... Simple as that. What "was" the attraction to $tarbucks is no more. Remember when only the "few" in privileged areas could get 'bucks...... No more... it doesn't matter what your zip code is there will be a $tarbucks. Yes, it used to be the "3rd Place" a place to meet friends and have conversation...No more....they have made the stores impossible to sit and relax. There was a time when the coffee was unique.....No more....now they have introduced us to Pike Puke (all frigging day, I should add). Nothing unique about this coffee and people are figuring "if I have to drink dishwater and not relax and pay a ton of money " I might as well go to Mickey D's. They introduced us to "barista's".....No more......now they are button pushers with an attitude! They used to be a time when you could only get $tarbucks at $tarbucks.......No more....now the "crap" is everywhere. So you see $tarbucks is not unique anymore......They really are just falling out of fashion...... There's really nothing "cool" anymore about holding a 'bucks cup....... It's just another retail establishment, really nothing better than Mickey D's. And as a footnote, I thought the Mickey D's cups were kinda "cute". Maybe those cups is what we will be "wearing" in the fall! And if one movie star is seen with a Mickey D' cup ....well.....watch out 'bucks your day's are numbered....people are just fickle like that.

Have a good coffee day :)

Now it's your turn...................................

"Pike Puke Might Not Be Our Only Worry"

My Turn...................................

I just read today that the 'bucks is going to reveal plans for "a smoothie like drink with fruit and whey", and a second drink described as "sweet and icy". Wow!!! It looks like "good coffee" is really not on their agenda. They really are a commodity based retailer now and I'm afraid that the "real" coffee lovers will have to find a new place to get their brew. Everyday the more I hear and read the direction that $tarbucks is taking ,the easier it is to stay away. I really am disappointed because for a long time I really had a love affair with $tarbucks. $tarbucks wooed me..........the fresh beans,the espresso shots, the coffee's, the smells, the barista's, the atmosphere, the cute merchandise.....but my love affair with the 'bucks is come to an end......like a "breakup of sorts". It's kinda sad....the new and future customers will never know the $tarbucks that I knew. The "old" 'bucks is like a bygone era. I sure hope the "new" customers like thier "fruit and whey" drinks..............

Good Coffee Day to You............

Now it's Your Turn...........................

"CLOVER"?

My turn..................................



The following is from the www.starbucks.com. Just some FYI on the "Clover":

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire The Coffee Equipment Company and its proprietary Clover® brewing system. The Coffee Equipment Company is a privately held coffee equipment developer and manufacturer based in Seattle, Wash. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Coffee Equipment Company is best known for developing the revolutionary Clover® system, one of the most significant innovations in coffee brewing since the espresso machine. The Clover®’s specialized brewing process allows a barista to quickly deliver one freshly brewed cup of coffee at a time. This technique, which blends the best of the vacuum pot and coffee press methods, further develops and unlocks the unique flavor nuances of specialty coffees.
“Strategically, this acquisition will demonstrate our commitment to provide Starbucks customers with individual brewed cups of the rarest and most exotic Starbucks coffee using the Clover brewing system,” said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “In my over 25 years at Starbucks, the Clover machine unquestionably delivers the best cup of brewed coffee I have ever tasted and we want to share this experience with our customers.”
“Coffee is as complex, rich and distinctive as fine wines," said Zander Nosler, co-founder of The Coffee Equipment Company. “The Clover brings out amazing and distinctive coffee flavors - like the earthy, woodsy flavors of an Aged Sumatra or the bright citrus tones of an Ethiopia Yergacheffe - with the depth of the coffee press and a clarity that was formerly only found at the professional coffee grader’s cupping table. It puts the coffee front and center.
“We are thrilled to be a part of Starbucks Coffee Company, given its brewed coffee heritage and passion for specialty coffees,” Nosler said. “Personally, I’m delighted to unite our innovative technology with Starbucks’ amazing influence from origin to consumer. Starbucks is uniquely positioned to change the way the world thinks about brewed coffee.”
“The Clover brings drama and theater to the brewing process and enables our baristas to have emotionally rich conversations with our customers,” added Schultz.
Starbucks expects to accelerate the roll out of the Clover® machines to select domestic and international markets. Currently, they are in use in some Seattle and Boston area stores.

Have a good coffee day! :)

Now it's your turn............................

"Hey Pike Puke is on the Front Pages Now"!

I have had a very busy weekend so far ........not much time for writing............but..... Many of us have been on $tarbucks "My Idea" web page........we have been voting, commenting and encouraging others to vote on the Pike Puke issue........It looks like we are making some head way. Our Pike Puke issues are on the front pages now!!!! Lots of people feel like us....either they want their "bold" coffee back or at least a "choice"! So this really is good news....we are just waiting for the day for $tarbucks to admit their mistakes......Yeah right......

By the way I stopped at my new coffee house tonight....I was pleasantly surprised to find a live guitarist. It was a good thing.....I have never ever seen a live guitarist at the 'bucks.

Good Coffee Weekend to You :)

Now it's your turn.........................

"$tarbucks says "It's the Economy"!

My turn..................................

......... A company cannot be all things to all people. A company needs to find their niche. I think Starbucks "did": or Starbucks wouldn't "have been" so successful. There will always be something a customer finds favorite about their favorite place. Look what happened to Mickey D's when they tried being the best burger joint, then the best salad joint, the best breakfast joint. Mickey D's got confused and tried to do all things when really they were doing nothing right. I feel Starbucks is heading in the same direction. My favorite business model is a hamburger place that we have here on the west coast- "In and Out Burger" and they are best at burgers, fries and shakes and that is all they have on the menu. Their stores are spic and span and they pay their employees above minimum wage.Great customer service. And they have limited stores...BUT they are very successful...they found their niche. Just folks that want a decent burger and fries. Why doesn't Starbucks get back to their roots that made them successful in the first place and give us a decent coffee (Pike Pike is Puke), clean stores, good service. Why are they trying to be everything? Who are they trying to please? (The stockholders?) I don't understand their business model. Well I don't think anybody knows either seeing their stock is going more in the toilet everyday. And NO it's not the economy!................
Good Coffee Day to You................

Now it's your turn.............................

"Oh, too bad!" "The Stocks are Tumbling!"

My turn.............................................................

"I read this and couldn't resist posting this tonight, It gave me a good laugh.....The stocks are tumbling......the stocks are tumbling....and tonight alone they tumbled almost -$2.00......I'm sure it's because Pike Puke is sooooo gooood! "Keep up the good work $tarbucks!

Starbucks Sees First Annual Profit Decline in 8 Years (Update4)
By Duane D. Stanford

April 23 (Bloomberg) -- Starbucks Corp., the world's biggest chain of coffee shops, forecast its first annual profit decline in eight years as sales at U.S. stores slowed, causing the shares to drop 11 percent in late Nasdaq trading.
Profit in the year through September will probably trail the 87 cents a share the company posted last year, Seattle-based Starbucks said today in a statement. Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg estimated 97 cents a share for the year.
``This is all very serious stuff,'' Jack Russo, an analyst at Edward Jones & Co. in St. Louis, said in a telephone interview. ``The company has revised the earnings guidance pretty dramatically.'' Russo recommends holding the shares.
Howard Schultz returned as chief executive officer in January after two quarters of U.S. customer declines erased almost half the company's stock market value. He has closed stores and retrained employees to make espressos just as record gas prices, a stalled housing market and soaring food costs prompt consumers to seek ways to cut back spending.
``The current economic environment is the weakest in our company's history,'' Schultz said in the statement.
Starbucks tumbled $1.91 to $15.94 at 7:59 p.m. New York time in trading after the close of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Schultz is trying to return Starbucks to the sales-growth rates of 20 percent or more that the chain posted early in the decade.
Stock Declines
Starbucks is down 1.4 percent since Schultz returned to the CEO position after a seven-year hiatus. He hired former colleagues who worked at Starbucks during the past two decades to assume newly created positions, including a chief creative officer who will manage the ``look and feel'' of the stores.
The company revived an earlier design of coffee cups and began selling a milder blend of coffee called Pike Place Roast, named for its first store, in all company-owned shops. Schultz will discontinue breakfast sandwiches Sept. 30, in part because their smell overwhelmed the aroma of coffee in the cafes.
``The things he laid out in his plan are hard to quantify,'' said Walter Todd, a principal at Greenwood Capital Associates LLC in Greenwood, South Carolina, which sold its Starbucks shares late last year. ``Outside of maybe closing underperforming stores, a lot of the stuff he talked about was kind of touchy-feely stuff, like bringing back the spirit of Starbucks. A lot of that stuff is hard to drop to the bottom line.''
McDonald's Inroads
Competition has intensified from McDonald's Corp. and Dunkin' Donuts, which have undercut Starbucks' $1.55 regular coffee with $1.39 cups. McDonald's coffee was judged tastier than Starbucks' by Consumer Reports magazine, and the hamburger chain is also is adding espresso counters.
In an attempt to boost sales, Starbucks tested $2.50 cups of ``fresh-pressed'' coffee in Seattle and is offering a customer loyalty card for the first time.
Second-quarter earnings were probably 15 cents a share, Starbucks said. Analysts in a Bloomberg survey estimated average profit of 21 cents.
Sales in stores open at least a 13 months were probably down in the ``mid-single-digit'' range on a percentage basis, hurt by lower sales in California and Florida. The states account for 32 percent of retail revenue and 31 percent of company-owned stores in the U.S., according to the statement. Consumers in those states ``have been especially impacted by the effects of the downturn in the housing market,'' the company said.
Restructuring charges and a write-off for closed stores and abandoned plans for new ones will reduce per-share earnings by 3 cents in the second quarter, Starbucks said.
The company will give details of its second-quarter earnings April 30, along with forecasts for the next three years ``as it realizes the expected benefits of its transformation initiatives,'' according to the statement.
Good Coffee Day to You!

Now it's your turn...........................


Your turn................................................

"Would I Go Back?"

My turn...........................................................

.......You know it's funny I have been on $tarbucks Idea website, daily, for about 2 weeks now. voting and commenting, (I know, get a life) to get the "bold" coffee back. To get $tarbucks to give us variety and choice. (And to get them to throw all the Pike Puke in the ocean). But I asked myself today; if they brought the "bold" back tomorrow, would I go back? I haven't been to a $tarbucks in 11 days now. I have been mostly brewing my afternoon cup at home. But I have, a handful of times , went out for coffee to a new place that I have found. This place is fantastic. Really reminds me of my "old skool" $tarbucks. I walked in and actually smelled coffee....wow! Then I looked around and it was so quaint looking. Small couches, chairs with ottomans, magazine racks, books, small round tables and chairs. On to the the coffee bar.......Fresh brewed coffee ,about 6 choices, again wow. Then I saw the barista hand pull shots of espresso, now I'm really impressed. (I like a espresso , breve latte once in a blue moon). They even have free Wi-fi. I ordered a drip bold and the flavor was great. The baristas were extremely friendly and knowledgeable and I saw many awards that the barista's had won for their latte art and espresso shots. I was impressed. And that's exactly what $tarbucks should be afraid of....they may think that they are gaining new customers with thier Pike Puke but they are risking losing long time customers that really appreciate a good cup of coffee and a nice enviroment to drink it in. So ,would I go back? Uh, Uh, Well I do miss my "Sumatra"............................
Good Coffee Day to You.....................

Now it's your turn........................................................

Why In The Hell Did You Go There In The First Place?

My Turn..................................

..............................I really love the people who have done nothing but complain about $tarbucks drip coffee. My favorite-
"I had to put in 20 sugars just to make it taste good". The Folgers drinkers- "It's too strong". The whiners- "It taste burnt". The idiots- I had to put in a gallon of half and half just to get it down". The whimps- "It gives me heartburn".....
So I ask "why in the hell did you go there in the first place"? I know, I know...you wanted to "look cool". You wanted to walk around with that "green logo" all day so everyone would know your hip and with it. You wanted to mention "$tarbucks in your conversations". But all along you really hated the stuff. YOUR the Pike Puke drinkers....... I really laugh at people like you.......yeah, your cool......... and I can see you really know your coffee.

Good Coffee Day to You!

Now It's Your turn...........................................

"Appealing to the Masses"

My Turn........................................

......................cookie flavor lattes: like... suger cookie, peanut butter, snickerdoodle something new to add to the list. gum drop, jelly bean, rootbeer fraps for summer. also starbucks needs new chocolate flavor drinks, i dont care for the current mocha syrup but i love the white chocolate mocha. (sic)

This folks is a real suggestion on www.starbucksmyidea.com

My question is what does any of that shit mentioned have to do with coffee? I hate to sound so harsh , but I have to beg for a bold drip in a "coffee" house while $tarbucks bows down for these customers. Customers that want cookies in their coffee. Folks, I'm sure, these are the same customers that "love" Pike Puke. You see $tarbucks is not about the "coffee" anymore. It's not about the atmosphere anymore. It's become a place to serve people drinks with cookies in it, a place to serve generic brewed drip coffee.... $tarbucks wants to appeal to the masses. I call it the dumbing down of $tarbucks. I wouldn't be surprised if one day Pepsi-co makes a bid for this corporate giant. Then we could have coffee/soda shops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe even soda in our coffee.
Good Coffee Day to You!

Now it's your turn.................................................................................

"Ideas in Action....the saga continues"

My Turn...........................................

Just read "Ideas in Action for April 19, 2008. Talk about a frigging joke! Are these people at Starbucks for real? I feel like we are dealing with a company that has a set script and at this point it looks like they are not swaying on the Pike Puke issue. My favorite part is where they have listed 20 or so "ideas" and show how many posts there has been on them. Where I ask are the Pike Puke posts? I haven't really taken the time to count each individual post ( Has anybody counted?) But I know the're dozens and dozens, almost every page has one negative post about Pike Puke. Well, what to do ? At this point "bold drip" drinkers really need to unite and boycott the 'bucks. And that means don't even buy the frigging beans to brew at home. Just like any big corporate company $tarbucks may have deep pockets but I'm sure my $1.90 a day meant something. Please tell everybody you know who feels the same about Pike Puke to Boycott the 'bucks pretty soon all those $1.90's will add up. Good Coffee Day to You.

Now it's your turn...........................................................................

"Meeting Meg"

My turn...............................

As I scroll through the pages of $tarbucks new "voting and comment" suggestion box I have noticed that there are ten postings on every page. And at least one, and sometimes two or three, are comments about Pike Puke. And these are not positive comments, they're negative comments. There was even one poor 'buckie who posted he loved the stuff and 5 people shot him down, with thier comments. People just don't like Pike Puke and if they do they still want a "choice" of coffee. Especially a "bold" coffee after noon time. After many days of posting, commenting and voting $tarbucks introduced us to MEG on "Ideas in Action" this is what MEG had to say: www.starbucksmyidea.com

"Hi, I'm Meg, and I work on the Brewed Coffee team. I feel proud to have been a part of the Pike Place Roast launch, and I enjoy reading your comments about it. Exciting as this launch has been, I'm even more excited to think about what's next for brewed coffee at Starbucks.
In addition to some of the things we're thinking about for the future (which I'll have to keep a secret for a little while longer), I've seen a lot of great ideas posted here, like the desire for a coffee-only line and standardizing what we mean by "room for cream".
I'm curious to know more about your preferences. Would you rather skip the condiment bar and have the barista add the perfect amount of milk and sugar for you? Do you come in for a Coffee Press and an authentic coffee "experience" or would you like to have self-serve coffee? Perhaps both, depending on the time and day? Ultimately, I want to know how you would like your perfect cup of coffee to be served. I look forward to your comments! "

First-Your proud to be part of a company who abandoned their "drip" customers

Second- Pike Puke launch I'm sure has been exciting...your losing customers...

Third- You have a secret? Is it the new clover machine? Now "bold" drinkers will pay 2x as much?

Fourth-You think drip drinkers are complaining about "room for cream" and a "coffee-only line"?

Fifth-You want our comments....Well we have commented and you and your company are not listening.

Sixth-Find a new job quick-$tarbucks in going in the toilet.... Good Coffee Day to You!

Now it's your turn..........................................................

"Insulted by Starbucks"

My turn.................................

I started this blog because the more I thought about $tarbucks not offering a "bold" coffee after noon time the more I felt insulted . Let me explain. I drink "drip" coffee because that is what I truly like. I order a venti drip, double cup, with a little half and half. I don't order this because I'm cheap. But this is how Starbucks made me feel "cheap" like my venti drip doesn't count. I have been getting my coffee at $tarbucks since 1996, that's about 12 years. I have been a loyal customer. But now "I" don't count. Now my "drip" doesn't count? What a bunch of crap. Good Coffee Day to You!

Now it's your turn................................