Starbucks nationwide to close for emergeny re-training

I know I'm not the only one who's complained that Starbucks baristas do not know how to make a decent coffee anymore. The chain has lately become famous for its automatic machines and the hit-or-miss quality of its products. Last night I was with a friend who ordered a latte which she normally loves no matter what, yet she commented that it was the worst latte she has ever had and it was not worth the $3.

Starbucks is going to change all this by shutting down every store nationwide for three hours on Tuesday, February 26. Starting at 5:30 p.m. and will learn how to do things better such as how to make a perfect shot, how to steam milk, (hopefully) how not to burn coffee, and how to wipe the milk steamer before switching from dairy to soy milk.

While it is doubtful that three hours of training will reverse years of gathering mediocrity, it's certainly a symbol of a company that cares about quality. If Starbucks is serious about this change stuff, they will consider switching back to manual latte machines, at least in some stores located in serious coffee markets (like certain neighborhoods in Seattle, Portland and San Francisco). Speed and convenience is no price to pay for really good coffee. Some customers will agree; others will probably mutter swearwords under their breath as they pull up to their local Starbucks only to find it Closed For Training in a couple of weeks. Which customer are you?