Starbucks baristas are people, too

Judging from the nearly 200 comments about the re-training on the Starbucks Gossip blog, baristas are a little piqued at the ribbing from customers and haters in response to the closing for re-training. Sounds like telling them they all need to be re-trained hurt their feelings. Here's one comment:

The training was great. Now if we can only train our customers to be a little more civil with those of us who want to give them a quality beverage and experience.

Who trains the customers? Scorpions?

For the most part, the comments from Starbucks employees about the training itself are positive. They feel inspired and are eager to pour their new knowledge into your cups. For example:

I just got back from the training. Well, I got back an hour ago - the last hour was dedicated to excitedly telling my SO about it.

I've worked at two mainstream coffee shops previously. I was management in one, and a barista in another. NEVER have I seen such dedication to the customer, or such cleanliness! I wouldn't drink coffee anywhere else after working with Sbux for three days. The training highlighted the main points -

Pulling the perfect shot. Yeah, it's not the old style machines (which, naturally, I miss dearly), but they're not totally flawed. The beans are ground seconds before being brewed. Everyone was given a refresher on what to look for in shot quality - timing being the most important, visual and flavor closing in at a second. Now, EVERY EMPLOYEE knows how to do it perfectly. NO EXCUSES.

Steaming milk. It's going to be good - thick, creamy, 'beautiful foam'- on top of your latte. NO EXCUSES.

Customer care. Letting you, the customer, feel comfortable enough to let us know if we screwed up in ANY aspect of your drink. Then, we can remake it for you. And make you happy. NO EXCUSES.

If they hadn't had the training all at the same time, would everyone be getting a perfect cup of coffee tomorrow? It was a great idea. I work two jobs - my full time day job is a rotating shift of ten hour days. I couldn't possibly make it in after midnight to do this. I'm so glad Sbux actually cares enough about their employees to have closed down to do this - at their cost!

The Starbucks Gossip blogger has also posted links to stories from major papers around the country about reaction to the closure.