How Starbucks uses psychological triggers

Starbucks getting it right

It came to my attention the other day that Starbucks, the largest coffee shop chain the world, has not been getting it "right" lately. Just take a look at the miserable performance of their stock over the past year if you think Starbucks has their act together.



Steve Shultz has returned to set Starbucks on the right track (or put it back on the track). The question is still open; will they get it right?

Beth Burkholder, Starbucks icon, succumbs

Beth Burkholder spent much of her time in the last year right up to January 1, 2008 sipping green tea and engaging in conversation with many of the Starbucks' patrons at Starbucks' Camp Hill, Pennsylvania store. In between her medical treatments, you could say that she made Starbucks her second home. She passed away on January 4. She was only 46 years young. In tribute to her, the Starbucks partners at Camp Hill setup a table for her for the last time. As of this posting funeral services were undetermined.

Beth always sat at this table where she literally ran her consulting business with a Blackberry device and laptop. She was an icon of inspiration to all of us who knew her. Her presence influenced everyone particularly in the manner in which she dealt with the pain and suffering. She never expressed the overwhelming self-doubt and depression associated with her illness. Each day came to her as an opportunity to make a positive difference with her friends at Starbucks and elsewhere. Beth had more strength and courage than anyone could imagine; it never ran dry.

Life is a gift. Beth lived it fully. Thank you Beth for sharing your courage and strength.

May you rest in peace!

Espresso - a matter of culture

There’s not solely one way to enjoy espresso. Traditionally espresso defines the “shot” , the drink one enjoys in a single gulp of fullest flavor. But there are other drinks based on coffee made with the espresso brewing method.

How do you like your coffee? Are you one of those individuals who chug it down completely black? Or, maybe youre one of us new-age folks who prefer a latte or iced cappuccino. Either way, one thing remains the same; you love your daily java fix.

Many people are unaware of the power of an espresso machine and how great coffee can taste and save money over time! Espresso is a relatively new discovery. Coffee lovers everywhere have enjoyed many cups of espresso, and with it, the higher doses of caffeine.

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The Best Espresso in Town!!!

T'was the night before Christmas...

Twas the night before Christmas and all round my hips
were Fannie May candies that sneaked past my lips.
Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with care
in hopes that my thighs would forget they were there.

While Mama in her girdle and I in chin straps
had just settled down to sugar-borne naps.
When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash
tore open the icebox then threw up the sash.
The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow
sent thoughts of a binge to my body below.

When what to my wandering eyes should appear:
a marzipan Santa with eight chocolate reindeer!
That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick
I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick.

The sweet-coated Santa, those sugared reindeer,
I closed my eyes tightly, but still I could hear
On Pritzker, on Stillman, on Weak One, on TOPS,
a Weight Watcher dropout from sugar detox.

From the top of the scales to the top of the hall
now dash away pounds now dash away all.
Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to nightdress
my clothes were all bulging from too much excess.

My droll little mouth and my round little belly
they shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly.
I spoke not a word but went straight to my work
ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk.

And laying a finger beside my heartburn,
I gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned.
I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry
if temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by.

And I mumbled again as I turned for the night
in the morning I'll starve....'til I take that first bite!

Author Unknown

This is Coffee!!!

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A wake-up call for Coffee Drinkers

According to Tara Parker who authors the NYT's Well Blog, coffee drinkers may be getting an unwanted jolt from their morning decaf.

Coffee sleuths from Consumer Reports recently tested cups of decaf at Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks, Seattle’s Best Coffee, 7-Eleven, McDonald’s and Burger King. Most of the 10- to 12-ounce decafs tested had less than five milligrams, the magazine reports in its November issue. But one decaf from Dunkin’ Donuts contained 32 milligrams of caffeine — about the same amount in 12 ounces of Coca-Cola Classic. A cup of Seattle’s Best was found to contain 29 milligrams of caffeine, while a tall Starbucks decaf packed 21 milligrams. Results varied at each chain, but the magazine found that the decaf at McDonald’s consistently had the lowest levels of caffeine. FYI a regular cup has from 85 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.

Parker further points out that "It’s long been known that the decaffeinating process doesn’t eliminate 100 percent of the caffeine in coffee, but there are no standards for acceptable levels in brewed decaf. Last year, University of Florida researchers also tested several 16-ounce servings of decaf, finding the caffeine content ranged from nine to 14 milligrams, according to a study published in the Journal of Analytical Toxicology."

The Consumer Report showed that there is a wide variability in caffeine levels in both decaf and caffeinated coffees. Caffienated coffees varied widely in terms of caffeine content ranging from 58 all the way up to 281 milligrams.

Source: NYT Well Blog

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Ever feel like black coffee in a Frappuccino world?

John Norberg

We recently got a great new coffee shop near our house.

On Saturday and Sunday mornings, there's a parade of cars driving out of our neighborhood and over to the coffee shop, where we all stand in line to place our orders.

"I'll have a grande cinnamon dolce Frappuccino and a cheese and marmite panini please."

"Oh, that sounds delicious. But I'm going to have a grande dulce de leche latte and a scone."

"Grande caramel macchiato and a muffin, grazie! Pronto per favore!"

"Two grande raspberry mocha Frappuccinos with extra raspberry and double mocha! And some passion cheesecake."

Waitress: "Yes sir, what can I get for you?"

Me: "Can I have a cup of black coffee and a piece of toast?"

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Red Rock Rocks!

"The folks at Red Rock (Brendan, Dan, Kerry, Janelle, and the latest newcomer, Emily Jr) recognize our faces and start our drinks before we reach the counter. Brendan has perfected latte art and still manages to squeak out a rosetta leaf even when the line is long. They notice small things like new hair cuts, that Andreas went a spell without his regular cup of Red Eye, or tell-tale sunburns suggesting a weekend adventure."

Source: Elaine, Meebo Blog