Starbucks training a first step, experts say, in facing bias
SEATTLE -- Starbucks, trying to put to rest an outcry over the arrest of two black men at one of its stores, is closing more than 8,000 stores for an afternoon of anti-bias training, a strategy some believe can keep racism at bay.After the arrests in Philadelphia last month, the coffee chain's leaders apologized and met with the two men, but also reached out to activists and experts in bias training to put together a curriculum for its 175,000 workers.That has put a spotlight on the little-known world of "unconscious bias training," which is used by many corporations, police departments and other organizations to help address racism in the workplace.
New Starbucks policy: No purchase needed to sit in cafes
NEW YORK — Starbucks announced a new policy Saturday that allows anyone to sit in its cafes or use its restrooms, even if they don't buy anything.The new policy comes five weeks after two black men who hadn't bought anything were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks.Company executives have said its previous policies were loose and ambiguous, leaving decisions on whether people could sit in its stores or use the restroom up to store managers.Starbucks said it has told workers to consider anyone who walks into its stores a customer, "regardless of whether they make a purchase."The company said anyone can use its cafes, patios or restrooms without buying anything, but it noted workers should still call the police if someone is a safety threat."We are committed to creating a culture of warmth and belonging where everyone is welcome," Starbucks said in a statement.The two men who were arrested April 12 in Philadelphia were awaiting a third person for a meeting.
Starbucks changes bathroom policy following racial firestorm
WASHINGTON — Starbucks is opening its bathrooms to everyone regardless of whether they've bought anything following the arrest last month of two African American men at one of its coffee shops in Philadelphia.Chairman Howard Schultz says he doesn't want the company to become a public bathroom, but feels employees can make the "right decision a hundred percent of the time," if that choice is removed at the store level.One of the men arrested on April 12 was denied use of a bathroom before sitting down to await a business meeting.
Nestle takes over sales of Starbucks in the grocery aisle
SEATTLE — Nestle is paying more than $7 billion to buy the rights to sell Starbucks coffee and tea in supermarkets and other stores outside its coffee shops.The deal comes with a huge price tag for Nestle, but it could pay off big for the Swiss company.
Starbucks, city of Philadelphia reach settlement with African-American men arrested in April
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Starbucks says it has reached a financial settlement with two black men arrested for sitting at a Philadelphia Starbucks without ordering anything.The company says it is not yet disclosing the details.The announcement came the same day the two men reached a settlement with the city of Philadelphia.
'Left it there by mistake:' Jackson man faces misdemeanor charge after gun found in Starbucks restroom
WEST BEND -- A CCW permit holder is facing a misdemeanor charge, accused of leaving his gun in the restroom at a West Bend Starbucks store.
'Failed miserably:' 2 black men arrested at Starbucks get an apology from police
PHILADELPHIA — Rashon Nelson initially brushed it off when the Starbucks manager told him he couldn't use the restroom because he wasn't a paying customer.He thought nothing of it when he and his childhood friend and business partner, Donte Robinson, were approached at their table and were asked if they needed help.
Starbucks to close 8,000 stores on afternoon of May 29 for racial bias training
NEW YORK — Starbucks, moving swiftly to confront a racially charged uproar over the arrest of two black men at one of its stores in Philadelphia, plans to close more than 8,000 U.S. stores for several hours next month to conduct racial-bias training for nearly 175,000 workers.The announcement Tuesday comes after the arrests sparked protests and calls for a boycott on social media.
Starbucks to train workers on 'unconscious bias,' CEO says
PHILADELPHIA — Starbucks wants to add training for store managers on "unconscious bias," CEO Kevin Johnson said Monday, as activists held more protests at a Philadelphia store where two black men were arrested when employees said they were trespassing.Johnson, who has called the arrests "reprehensible," arrived in Philadelphia this weekend after video of the arrests gained traction online.
'Reprehensible outcome:' Starbucks CEO apologizes after 2 black men arrested in incident caught on camera
PHILADELPHIA -- Starbucks sells itself as a community gathering spot as much as a coffeehouse, a welcoming place with comfortable chairs for lingering, trendy music and Wi-Fi.
Family sues Starbucks after 2-year-old girl allegedly drinks barista’s blood
REDLANDS, Calif. – A Southern California family is suing Starbucks after a 2-year-old girl allegedly drank a beverage that contained a barista’s blood, attorneys announced Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Starbucks debuts latest crazy creation: The Christmas Tree Frappuccino
As soon as stores roll out those red cups, you know Starbucks is in the mood for Christmas and social media strangely lights up with seasonal spirit, too.From a zombie themed drink creation and a beverage inspired by unicorns, the coffee giant is finding new ways to capture customers' attention.This month, it's the Christmas Tree Frappuccino.
Racine Starbucks manager accused of stealing more than $37K from the coffeehouse chain
RACINE COUNTY -- A Starbucks manager is accused of stealing more than $37,000 from the coffeehouse chain.It happened at the Starbucks store located on South Green Bay Road and Durand Avenue in Racine.According to a criminal complaint, a manager reported five missing deposits from the month of April.
'Zombie Frap' may come to Starbucks in time for Halloween
CHICAGO - Not crazy about the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks?
Suspect plans to sue 'hero' who stopped him from robbing Starbucks
FRESNO, Calif. -- A 30-year-old man who allegedly used a gun during an attempted robbery at a California Starbucks now plans to sue the good Samaritan who stepped in to stop the crime, according to KSEE.Back in July, Ryan Flores attempted to rob a Starbucks when Cregg Jerri, 58, attacked the suspect.
Woman sues Starbucks claiming hot tea killed her dog, badly burned her
DENVER – A Denver woman is suing Starbucks over hot tea that she claims caused second-degree burns and killed her dog, according to KDVR.Deanna Salas-Solano, 58, claims the lid of the tea was not secured onto her cup when she bought a 20-ounce hot tea at the drive-thru Starbucks at 5835 Leetsdale Drive in Denver on Sept. 26, 2015.The lawsuit, filed in Denver District Federal Court on Friday, states hot tea spilled out of the cup through an unsecured lid and onto Salas-Solano's body.The tea was so hot that Solas-Solando said it melted through her clothes and caused severe pain to her stomach, legs, and lap.The lawsuit claims the tea did not have a hot cup sleeve and was not double-cupped.
Most popular seasonal drink of all time: Pumpkin Spice Latte returns to Starbucks September 5th
MILWAUKEE -- You can get your Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks beginning Tuesday, September 5th while supplies last!The popular drink officially returned to Starbucks stores nationwide September 5th.A fan favorite since Starbucks first introduced PSL in 2003, the handcrafted beverage is made with real pumpkin, espresso, perfectly steamed milk and fall spices including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove.More than 350 million Starbucks PSL’s have been sold over the past 14 years, according to Starbucks officials.
Starbucks debuts Horchata Frappuccino made with almond milk
SEATTLE – Forget about the Unicorn Frappuccino, there's a new drink on the Starbucks menu – the Horchata Almondmilk Frappuccino.Horchata is a classic milk drink spiced with cinnamon and vanilla.