Welcome Back Your Local Barista!

Well, if you haven't already done so, you should go down to your local Starbucks and see how your favorite barista is doing. Yesterday, every Starbucks in the country closed from 5:30pm to 9:00pm for "remedial training." This was done to combat a decline in the quality of drinks at Starbucks. This is the second major announcement after the decision to eliminate the egg sandwiches.

Many people have questioned whether this was really needed, and no, I don't think it was. But man, was it great publicity. This was millions in free advertising to drive home to the public that Starbucks is dedicated to quality drinks.

Frankly, I've been on the better end of Starbucks drinks. I've never had a drink from a Starbucks that I would call any less than "good." I had a crap cup of coffee once, but that seems like a pretty minor sin.

So, yes. Go visit your barista and see how the new training went! I heard that one talent they would be taught was free-pouring steamed milk. Bravo!

Starbucks Closes Between 5:30 and 9:00 P.M. on Tuesday to Perfect the Art of Espresso (Starbucks Corporate)
Coffee Break: All Starbucks Closing (CBS News)
Starbucks To Get Rid of Egg Sandwiches (Starbucks Gossip)