Starbucks Shout-out
Today’s Starbucks offering: extra special kindness.
I enjoy Starbucks coffee but I can’t always afford it. However, everyone needs a treat, and mine is coffee. Often Starbucks ends up delighting my taste buds in exchange for a few bucks. In early December, Starbucks returned the love and demonstrated some solid business sense.
I was visiting my hometown of Hobart in northwest Indiana on the occasion of my father’s funeral. As you can imagine, it was a difficult week. My family and I stayed in a hotel in Merrillville, near the old Southlake Mall (now called Westfield Southlake Shopping Centre) at the intersection of Highway 30 and Interstate 65. Southlake Mall was my old stomping grounds in high school, back in the day, back before Starbucks was a phenomenon. I was thankful to find a standalone Starbucks next to the mall, on Mississippi Street.
I passed it every morning on the way to my father’s house, where my sister and brother were staying. The week’s events were such a bonding time for my siblings and I chose to add to the affection with Starbuck’s Christmas blend. My brother and sister loved it. So did my wife. But this story is not about my family, it is about Starbucks.
On the last full day of our visit, I went in to Starbucks one more time. Three previous visits enchanted my palate. You know how it is. Stress. Hectic schedule. Difficult relationship. Sometimes a little java hits just the right spot in a crazy day. So I was looking forward to one more Christmas blend, and with Starbucks amazing consistency from store to store, much better than any other chain I’ve encountered, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. But this story is not about coffee, it is about Starbucks. The people of Starbucks.
On this last day, I decided to splurge with the venti size. For those yet to be baptized in Starbucks terminology, the venti is the largest size available, about 20 ounces.
Keep in mind that I was buying for four: brother, sister, wife, and myself. Four venti’s is a lot of coffee, and apparently I overwhelmed the available supply so much that the young lady helping me needed to brew some more brew.
I’m so glad for you that God sent you this coffee angel to provide a bit of comfort for you in a time of need. When my mom was in the hospital for the last time, I was often blessed by friends and family who brought meals and coffee – I stayed in the hospital 4 days.
I had a pleasant experience at McDonalds just yesterday. We ordered take out and when we checked the order we realized that we were short a big mac. I went back into the store and asked if I had paid for a big mac. The young lady at the counter didn’t even check the receipts but gave us the big mac plus 4 apple pies! She certainly made our day.
A very nice story, which I really enjoyed reading.
I am enjoying my starbucks espresso even as we speek but, I made it on my own espresso maker. Who can afford $4.oo coffee. lol
Very nice article, that’s what you call true customer service – your writing is succinctly superb!
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
I heard Starbucks has good marketing strategy so people keep buying their coffee even though it’s expensive. However I don’t think that they will treat their customer so kindly like your story. So interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Wow man, sorry to hear but I like how you got the free coffee:) I bit over the top getting it for free but 4 ventis is a fair order they should be able to fill:)
Thanks for sharing such a truly unforgettable and heartwarming story!
I enjoyed reading this heartwarming story of yours. Thanks for sharing.
Starbuck’s is good coffee, i can relate with how you feel about their product. Thanks.
Excellent writing, nice and smooth. Thanks for sharing the story.
Karen, thanks for sharing your story! Brian
Darla and Eunice and Routledge and Eddie and papaleng and nutuba, thanks so much for reading my story. Brian
Lauren and hfj, I’m glad we share a passion for good coffee. Brian
Liane, as are your comments!
Whoo-Hoo for StarBucks!
I used to work at Starbucks in Seattle, it’s an interesting environment. You really are taught to bend over backwards for customers, and usually, they’re very appreciative. Also, Starbucks employees aren’t paid a lot but it’s a good company because it will give part-time employees health insurance. It’s how I got through film school. I still like my smaller coffee houses but I go to Starbucks to support what they attempt to do for their employees, though I don’t like how many businesses they drive out of town.
A well written story that reflects on real life situation. I am sorry bout your Dad.I am glad you had a good day. Thanks for sharing your story.
brian, i am sorry to learn of your loss, but this was such a nice story, and written in a very engaging way!
Sorry about your dad. Sorry I missed this story until now. I am not sure how I missed it. Good going StarBucks.
I Teared Up When I Read This. Im Sorry To Hear About Your Father, As A Starbucks Headquarters Employee, Hearing Somthing Like This Lets Me Know That This Is About Way More Than Coffee!
Just had to read your Starbucks article.. I love it. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad and your craving for a caffeine fix brought you to an angel, just when you needed one.
God bless… Karelee
Abdul, Virginia, PR, and Karelee,
Thanks so much for your kind words and for reading. I appreciate it.
Bozsi, thanks for giving us that inside look. I have also heard good things about Starbucks as an employer.
Jasin, I’m grateful you read my article…now go get some coffee.
Latoia, I’m so encouraged to hear your perspective and see you be touched. It makes me think that the Starbucks corporate philosophy is a meaningful one. And thanks for the kind words about my Dad too.
Brian
Sorry to hear about your Dad Brian but glad to know you got a good cup of coffee.
This was nice of the StarBucks, and I’m sorry for your loss!
Lindalulu and BC, thank you for your empathy. I appreciate that. Brian
I really liked the story. Made me want to go get some Starbucks. I really liked how you tied in their small gesture of kindness to your greater experience in life as the end of your article. That was very skillfully presented, especially since such moments rarely happen and can be hard to explain.