I don't drink muck coffee, but...

[TFOGGER]

I'm liking Starbucks more all the time.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,587938,00.html?mep


My question is this: Why do HCI and the Brady Bunch feel like they need to pressure Starbucks? It doesn't change the law, and would only reduce patronage by a fraction of a percent. We might boycott them if they changed their policy, bu the vast majority of the sheeple won't care one way or another. Bravo to Starbucks for standing on principal, instead of taking the easy path and quietly instituting a "no guns" policy. I may have to start drinking more coffee.... [Coffee]

[iamhunter]

I would encourage everyone with some free time to drop Starbucks some positive feedback for not caving in.

As far as I'm concered, any time I need coffee, starbucks is the way to go.

Here was a quote from an article posted in AOL News -


Last month, the Brady campaign sent a letter (http://www.bradycampaign.org/xshare/bcam/legislation/open_carry/starbucks-letter.pdf) to Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz urging him to reverse the company's policy. The campaign noted that three Starbucks employees were shot and killed at a Washington, D.C., outlet in 1997 during a robbery attempt.

Completely relevant right? It's beyond insulting that they would put a murderous criminal on the same level as a law abiding citizen.

If some OC advocates had been sitting in there, they might have saved three lives.

I can't even fathom the thought process of these people.

[al_g]

Don't subject yourself to the vile beverage known as Coffee. Instead get a Venti Chai Tea Latte with 2 pump vanilla [Coffee]


I've got to agree that Starbucks is being very reasonable on this.

[refryguy]

I can't stand Starbucks. I like just regular coffee with cream and sugar and their regular coffee is HORRIBLE!! Plus I'm not going to pay 3, 4, and 5 dollars for a cup of coffee. The latte's and caps don't taste bad, their just too expensive. And again, I can't drink their regular coffee it tastes burnt.

[iamhunter]

I can't stand Starbucks. I like just regular coffee with cream and sugar and their regular coffee is HORRIBLE!! Plus I'm not going to pay 3, 4, and 5 dollars for a cup of coffee. The latte's and caps don't taste bad, their just too expensive. And again, I can't drink their regular coffee it tastes burnt.


The most expensive cup of coffee there is 2 bucks.

[Tooth]

[BigBear]

MMMmmmhmmmm... the caramel apple cider is my favorite.....

[7.62x39(4)life]

order a "shot in the dark" it is black coffee with a shot of espresso
[Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee][Coffee]

[mutt]

"In California, where it's legal to carry a gun openly without a license in most places as long as it's unloaded"

I don't get it. If it's not loaded, what's the point? Good to know criminals live in fear in California...

[GreenScoutII]

Don't subject yourself to the vile beverage known as Coffee. Instead get a Venti Chai Tea Latte with 2 pump vanilla [Coffee]


I've got to agree that Starbucks is being very reasonable on this.

My friend, coffee is pure ambrosia, the sweet, caffinated nectar of the gods....[LOL]

I agree, kudos to Starbucks!

[KevDen2005]

I can't stand Starbucks. I like just regular coffee with cream and sugar and their regular coffee is HORRIBLE!! Plus I'm not going to pay 3, 4, and 5 dollars for a cup of coffee. The latte's and caps don't taste bad, their just too expensive. And again, I can't drink their regular coffee it tastes burnt.


That's the beauty of starbucks man, you can get your regular coffee, actually you can get a tall, grande, or venti coffee, but you get the idea.

I also think it's great that starbucks is not giving in. I read another article attached to the link, it said that gun control groups are petitioning to have the store change it's policy...which is odd to me because they could have a million or more signatures and the store owner could say, "Great, we are still going to allow people to open carry as long as it is within the laws of the state."

It also said Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, and Barnes and Noble have the same policy as Starbucks does.

[KevDen2005]

I'm liking Starbucks more all the time.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,587938,00.html?mep


My question is this: Why do HCI and the Brady Bunch feel like they need to pressure Starbucks? It doesn't change the law, and would only reduce patronage by a fraction of a percent. We might boycott them if they changed their policy, bu the vast majority of the sheeple won't care one way or another. Bravo to Starbucks for standing on principal, instead of taking the easy path and quietly instituting a "no guns" policy. I may have to start drinking more coffee.... [Coffee]

I like the choice of picture this article used...

[bjl913]

Im a regular at my local "Bux", and have even gone out for beers with a majority of the employees there. All of the ones I know personaly know my background, what I do for a living, and the fact that I carry 99.9% of the time(that .1% usually involves basketball shorts and an undershirt, makes it super tough to conceal on person...)! None of them have a problem with it, and I have actually guided a few of them into their first firearms purchases and classes.

While I dont usually open carry unless in uniform or camping/hunting(which is pretty rare now), I believe that if the company doesnt care, more importantly the management at specific locations, then why should it matter? People need to stop seeing a law abiding person carrying a gun as a threat, and more as a protector. Its definately not going to be the guy open carrying a majority of the time that is going to commit a crime involving their gun. And the bad guys who do go through with something armed, probably arent even carrying in any sort of holster! I always take that into account when I find a gun on somebody. If they were up front about it and it is in some sort of holster, they are usualy good to go as far as if they are allowed to carry it. VERY rarely do you see a law abiding person with their pistol just dropped into their wasteband and not secured in some sort of way.

[Tim K]

I just contacted Starbucks through their website and congratulated them on their decision. I hope they get more positive response.

[newracer]

Look closely at the picture in the article. The anti-gunners have kids holding signs. That really pisses me off. I can respect some one having a different opinion but don't bring your kids into it to try and sway people to your side. I wish they would have a protest here. I'd take my sons (8 and 11) down there and hand them pistols right in front of those people. [Rant1]

[MrPrena]

Wasn't a fan of Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) after the stupid publicity on their coupons and etc. However, this incident might change me on SBUX.

Please contact Starbucks and give them support for what they did.

Starbucks Corp.
2401 Utah Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98134
United States
Phone: 206-447-1575
Fax: 206-682-7570
Web Site: http://www.starbucks.com

Howard D. Schultz , chairman & ceo
Arthur I. Rubinfeld, Pres of Global Devel.
Clifford Burrows, Pres of Starbucks Coffee US

[coop68]

I'm not a huge coffee fan,

but my family is so they are very excited to hear this they sent me an email of this article gives them an excuses to get sbux.[Coffee] was going to post it if it hadn't been discussed.

[TS12000]

It's good to see a major corporation not bow down to pressure for fear of protests and public headbutting from a group like Brady (using those kids is a horrible low blow by the way).

[bellavite1]

I am in the coffee business, particularly Espresso coffee.
Being an Italian brought up on Espresso, Starbucks coffee REALLY sucks.
However I did send them an email applauding their policy.
I wish I still had their reply, but it kinds of went like "Thanks for your feedbacks, we value our customers safety, you don't need to worry about those gun people".
I wondered if they even read the email!
[Coffee]

[iamhunter]

I am in the coffee business, particularly Espresso coffee.
Being an Italian brought up on Espresso, Starbucks coffee REALLY sucks.
However I did send them an email applauding their policy.
I wish I still had their reply, but it kinds of went like "Thanks for your feedbacks, we value our customers safety, you don't need to worry about those gun people".
I wondered if they even read the email!
[Coffee]

I come from a long line of italian coffee aficionados as well.

And you know, I've had some really good coffee at starbucks.

Made by my fiance (who happens to work their currently)
and happens to be a like minded coffee aficionado. haha.

I don't think it's so much the coffee itself, as it is a combination of under-trained and over-rushed baristas.

Good coffee takes time and attention.

Something that's just hard to give at a overly-popular chain store like Starbucks.

Most good coffee I've ever had has either been in Italy, or in little mom and pop shops.

As a kid though, when we'd go camping, we'd percolate it on the camp stove.

Man that was good stuff.

[cowboykjohnson]

As a kid though, when we'd go camping, we'd percolate it on the camp stove.

Man that was good stuff.
We still do that at home on the stove, it does make really good coffee.

I feel the need to go to sbux with a heater on now.

[theGinsue]

order a "shot in the dark" it is black coffee with a shot of espresso

Ever order a JFK? That's 3 shots of espresso and you blow the head off of it.




Please contact Starbucks and give them support for what they did.


I just contacted Starbucks through their website and congratulated them on their decision. I hope they get more positive response.

I contacted them through their web site as well. Here is what I said:

My wife and I are both very fond of your products and do business with you several times a week. With that said, we want to congratulate and thank you on your corporate decision to stand firm on allowing the Open Carry of firearms (where legally allowed) by your customers. The right to keep and bear arms in central to our personal interests and we are proud of Starbucks for not buckling to pressure to restrict that right within your establishments. We will certainly remain loyal to your company




Look closely at the picture in the article. The anti-gunners have kids holding signs. That really pisses me off. I can respect some one having a different opinion but don't bring your kids into it to try and sway people to your side. I wish they would have a protest here. I'd take my sons (8 and 11) down there and hand them pistols right in front of those people.


It's good to see a major corporation not bow down to pressure for fear of protests and public headbutting from a group like Brady (using those kids is a horrible low blow by the way).

The only weapon in their arsenal (sorry for the pun) is using the kids. Sort of a "It's to protect the children" thing. Since they know they don't have anything logical to back them up, they have to fall back on the emotional aspect.

[bellavite1]

We import and sell Lavazza coffee and several brands of espresso machines.
You should try it sometimes, we take great pride in training our customers to serve it correctly, and the results usually show it.

I come from a long line of italian coffee aficionados as well.

And you know, I've had some really good coffee at starbucks.

Made by my fiance (who happens to work their currently)
and happens to be a like minded coffee aficionado. haha.

I don't think it's so much the coffee itself, as it is a combination of under-trained and over-rushed baristas.

Good coffee takes time and attention.

Something that's just hard to give at a overly-popular chain store like Starbucks.

Most good coffee I've ever had has either been in Italy, or in little mom and pop shops.

As a kid though, when we'd go camping, we'd percolate it on the camp stove.

Man that was good stuff.

[ryanek9freak]

I don't go there much, but when I do, I can't help but order a Venti Java Chip Latte. It's like a crack milkshake!!

[robsterclaw]

I don't drink coffee. But I did buy wifey a $25 gift card for there, and I emailed them my support of their position. It took over a week, but I got a response that didn't seem canned.

[theGinsue]

We import and sell Lavazza coffee and several brands of espresso machines.
You should try it sometimes, we take great pride in training our customers to serve it correctly, and the results usually show it.

I wish I could afford an espresso machine - they are just so darned expensive.

[iamhunter]

I wish I could afford an espresso machine - they are just so darned expensive.


You can get a pretty basic one on the cheap. You'll have to load and pack the shots by hand, but if you learn how to properly pack the grinds, you can make some of the best tasting espresso around.

[KevDen2005]

I wish I could afford an espresso machine - they are just so darned expensive.


Don't know much about them but my girlfriend's dad got one, it takes forever for a cup...so if I want to make anything at home it's just plain old coffee, I gotta strap on my heater and head to the starbucks for the fancy lattes and whatnot

[iamhunter]

Don't know much about them but my girlfriend's dad got one, it takes forever for a cup...so if I want to make anything at home it's just plain old coffee, I gotta strap on my heater and head to the starbucks for the fancy lattes and whatnot

Espresso machines aren't meant to make entire cups of coffee...

They're just made to pull small shots of espresso.

[KevDen2005]

Espresso machines aren't meant to make entire cups of coffee...

They're just made to pull small shots of espresso.


Well he's got something that makes entire cups and it takes forever, I have no idea then. All I know it takes way too damn long for a cup of coffee

[newracer]

Here is the responce I received


Hello,

Thanks for contacting Starbucks Coffee Company.

We recognize that there is significant and genuine passion surrounding the issue of open carry weapons laws. Advocacy groups from both sides of this issue have chosen to use Starbucks as a way to draw attention to their positions.

While we deeply respect the views of all our customers, Starbucks long-standing approach to this issue remains unchanged. We comply with local laws and statutes in all the communities we serve. In this case, 43 of the 50 U.S. states have open carry weapon laws. Where these laws don't exist, we comply with laws that prohibit the open carrying of weapons. The political, policy and legal debates around these issues belong in the legislatures and courts, not in our stores.

At the same time, we have a security protocol for any threatening situation that might occur in our stores. Partners are trained to call law enforcement as situations arise. We will continuously review our procedures to ensure the highest safety guidelines are in place and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement.

We have examined this issue through the lens of partner (employee) and customer safety. Were we to adopt a policy different from local laws allowing open carry, we would be forced to require our partners to ask law abiding customers to leave our stores, putting our partners in an unfair and potentially unsafe position.

As the public debate continues, we are asking all interested parties to refrain from putting Starbucks or our partners into the middle of this divisive issue. As a company, we are extremely sensitive to the issue of gun violence in our society. Our Starbucks family knows all too well the dangers that exist when guns are used irresponsibly and illegally. Without minimizing this unfortunate reality, we believe that supporting local laws is the right way for us to ensure a safe environment for both partners and customers.

We appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.

Warm Regards,

Alyssa R.
Customer Relations
Starbucks Coffee Company

[theGinsue]

Yup, that's a clone of the response I received from them as well.

[KFinn]

I like the choice of picture this article used...
You are such a Homo! You just enjoyed drooling over a guys almost exposed ass. This is a gun forum. Lets keep it kleen KevDen!

[ROFL1][ROFL2][ROFL3]

[KevDen2005]

You are such a Homo! You just enjoyed drooling over a guys almost exposed ass. This is a gun forum. Lets keep it kleen KevDen!

[ROFL1][ROFL2][ROFL3]


You are the last person to talk about keeping it clean, don't make me bring up the 8th-12th grades...[UZI]

[bellavite1]

You can get a pretty basic one on the cheap. You'll have to load and pack the shots by hand, but if you learn how to properly pack the grinds, you can make some of the best tasting espresso around.
Basic home machines (good ones) will run around than $ 900-$1200.
At $5 a pop at Starbucks it will pay for itself in less than a year.
Used commercial ones (we do refurbish them) can run as low as $1500-$2000.[Coffee]

[ChunkyMonkey]

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_14522280?source=pop


Lewis: Starbucks bites the bullet

By Al Lewis
Dow Jones Newswires
(al.lewis@dowjones.com?subject=The%20Denver%20Post :%20Lewis:%20Starbucks%20bites%20the%20bullet)
Posted: 03/06/2010 01:00:00 AM MST


Gun advocates have just sent a message to Starbucks customers: You can have my iced caramel macchiato when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers.


Starbucks says it is OK to bring a firearm into its stores in the 43 states where it is legal to openly carry weapons. Just don't get too jittery from the caffeine, and leave the coffee makers out of it.


"We are asking all interested parties to refrain from putting Starbucks or our partners into the middle of this divisive issue," the company said in a statement released Wednesday.


"They're ducking the issue," said Paul Helmke, president of the Brady Campaign To Prevent Gun Violence.


Um, isn't that what you're supposed do when someone walks into your store with a gun?


"The way to get out of the middle," Helmke told me, "would be to show some common sense and some leadership and keep the guns out of their restaurants."


Turns out, advocates of our fundamental right to strut around in public with guns holstered to our belts like John Wayne have been organizing on social networking sites, particularly in the Bay Area of California. They have been getting fellow gun-toters to sometimes show up en masse at coffee shops and restaurants to celebrate their freedom.


Can you imagine sprinkling a little chocolate or vanilla into your venti decaf wet cappuccino with extra-foam and suddenly 50 or 60 people walk by with guns?


"When you see someone openly carry a gun, you're wondering if all the pieces of the puzzle are there," Helmke said. "It raises the risk for everyone Guns can be lost, dropped, stolen and misused. And if you turn them into the equivalent of a protest sign or a bumper sticker, then you've crossed a line."


Helmke is a Republican who served as mayor of Fort Wayne, Ind., for 12 years before getting behind a group named for James Brady, a Reagan assistant who took a bullet with the president. Helmke says he's not anti-gun. He just doesn't want it to make too easy for excitable people to use them.


On Wednesday, his group had a press conference at Seattle's famous Pike Place Market and marched petitions signed by about 28,000 people to Starbucks' corporate headquarters.


Starbucks has been put into this awkward position, largely because of its iconic status as America's meeting place. And it has made a curious choice between the people who carry guns and the people who carry money.
"They are becoming the favorite place of the gun-rights crowd," Helmke said, "that hadn't been there before, and I don't think spend much money.
"One of the people who signed a petition said, 'I spend $3,000 a year at Starbucks, and I'm not going back,'" Helmke told me. "That's a little scary to me: $3,000 a year at Starbucks?"


Gun control? How about some Starbucks control, people?
Helmke is fighting a lost battle against what has long been the status quo, said Mike Stollenwerk, a retired Army Lt. Colonel with a law degree, who runs a website called Opencarry.org (http://opencarry.org/).


"Starbucks is taking the mainstream business position in this country," Stollenwerk said. "They do not want to get in a debate over gun-carrying regulations. They are in the business of business."


Stollenwerk, who lives in northern Virginia, wants people to carry guns openly so that it becomes accepted as natural in society. He goes to grocery stores and restaurants, and even Starbucks, several times a week with his gun at his side.


"Why do you feel the need to carry a gun?" I asked.


"Why do you own an insurance policy?" he answered.


"The anti-gun lobby has picked on Starbucks for having the mainstream policy of our country," he continued. "Bottom line: Free enterprise is going to mean that gun owners will get served in our country."


Just as people have the right to bear arms, businesses have the right to ban guns from their premises. Most U.S. restaurants and retailers haven't formally done so because why walk through this rifle range if you don't have to?


Peet's Coffee & Tea Inc. and California Pizza Kitchen are among the exceptions — but I don't think they are likely to suffer sales losses since normal shoppers don't usually arrive armed to the teeth.


Starbucks is now in the unenviable position of having to calm many of it customers.


"Partners are trained to call law enforcement as situations arise," Starbucks said in its statement.


Hey, Starbucks, did you know that even preschoolers are trained to call 911? And who do you think is going to win? The guy who just snatched a gun from your new Second-Amendment-loving customer, or the hippie barista with the cell phone?


Stollenwerk said he doesn't encourage gun-toting rallies at Starbucks, but he has suggested that open-carry advocates thank Starbucks for its position by drinking its coffee.


So when you order the espresso, please be sure to say "dopio" instead of "double-shot."
Al Lewis: 212-416-2617, al.lewis@dowjones.com or tellittoal.com (http://tellittoal.com/)


Read more: http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_14522280?source=pop#ixzz0hcH5zf7z


I sent an email to Al Lewis!!!!

[Irving]

If I had the money, I'd open carry to a starbucks that was having a protest, and buy all the anti-gun people a drink from Starbucks, just to make the point that I want to carry a gun while I do other things like drink coffee or whatever, not so I can start a debate every where I go. I'd buy everyone on the whole premises a coffee. I wonder how well that would go over if the gun people started really throwing some money around.

[KevDen2005]

If I had the money, I'd open carry to a starbucks that was having a protest, and buy all the anti-gun people a drink from Starbucks, just to make the point that I want to carry a gun while I do other things like drink coffee or whatever, not so I can start a debate every where I go. I'd buy everyone on the whole premises a coffee. I wonder how well that would go over if the gun people started really throwing some money around.


I don't have any $1 bills to burn..

[Mtn.man]

Use the Obama Dollar..

[ChunkyMonkey]

Obama Dollars = my kids future!!

[Mtn.man]

Poor Kids,,, What Future?

[KevDen2005]

Poor Kids,,, What Future?


I don't know what you guys are even talking about...I got all kinds of stimulus money, maybe even all of it...ha ha

I'm rich b*$&@[Tooth]

[theGinsue]

Stripper get stimulus money.

American taxpayers get raped by Obama/.gov to "spread the wealth". I don't find that stimulating!

I haven't OC'd @ a Starbucks yet, but I have dropped pro-comments while buying my coffee.