RSS
Home
A vegan's letter to Starbucks
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
Inferno Pix, freedigitalphoto.net
Hey Starbucks,
So here’s the deal: some vegans outright detest you. And then there are others like me, who spend an obscene amount of money each year on tall toffee-nut soy iced coffees. Deep down, I think vegans want to like you. We may denounce your ties to Kraft as your grocery store distributor, and we wish your fair trade practices were just a little stronger. But you know, I still can’t imagine walking into any other coffee shop and be received with the same warmth and excellent customer service. I’ve tried. And I know I’m not the only vegan out there enamored with the green lady logo… we just might not like admitting it. When a vegan’s friends ask them to meet them at Starbucks, I’m positive that they don’t want to feel a sense of guilt for walking through your doors.
On the subject of sticking local, as much as I want to support my local coffee shops, most every one I’ve visited (I can think of 5) has made me feel like an obligation instead of a customer. One example is Xtreme Bean in Tempe on McClintock and Southern: I came in for two weeks straight and they never once knew my name, they didn’t serve my drink consistently, nor did they seem to value me over the conversation they were having with the other barista on the newest Mirah album. Plus, their bathroom/key situation is entirely too frustrating.
So, Starbucks, as much as I wish I had a local haunt it looks like I’m drawn to your pull every time until some coffee shop fills that void. Your customer service is just too friendly and your coffee is too much to my liking to seek another place. Plus, I like having neutral territory for meetups with fellow students. I can also blend in with my business suit and heels instead of sticking out like a sore thumb over at Three Roots just across the street.
Here’s what I’m proposing: could you be a little more inviting for vegans? I stare at the pastry case longingly, but I haven’t a clue which products are vegan. Could you put a small ‘V’ on the sign? I had to do some research, and finally I found this list with items that may or may not be offered at any given time. For the most part, you leave me in the dark, Starbucks: your website, when entering ‘vegan’ into the search engine, produced 0 results. A small notation on the signs of each product in the stores would be so much better, and this wouldn't be too difficult an undertaking. Oh, and I used to love your trail mix until you put in those white chocolate chips in them. What’s up with that? The trail mix was great as is! Next, could you find some vegan blends for your chai tea mix as well as your mocha mix? Ghirardelli (non-vegan) chocolate is all fine and well for many customers, but the coffee possibilities for vegans are essentially limited to whatever can be made with soy and liquid syrups.
Thank you for providing Naked Juice, oatmeal and Jones Soda. If your fruit cups (something I could make for 25 cents) weren’t around $3, I would buy them. Given your product expansion for things like those meat-laden breakfast sandwiches, I was sure hoping for something with tofu, fresh veggies, or sandwiches that don’t include meat or cheese.
Indeed, those are just a few of the requests. My intent isn’t to complain, as the company ethos is impressive: your title as one of the world’s most ethical companies by Ethisphere magazine is one such example, as is your (Starbucks) Red campaign that helps Africa. No, I'm not drinking the corporate koolaid here, either. I don't see many othercoffee shops putting their dinero towards the same causes.
On the sustainability front, your efforts are noticed. I’m so pleased that Arizona State’s Starbucks offers a refill of one’s second daily drink for a mere 55 cents should the original cup be used with proof of receipt. Plus, I’m pleased that your iced coffee cups made of 15% less plastic.
I’ll certainly remain a customer, but please think of the vegans.
Sincerely,
Catherine Capozzi
Related Articles:
Comments
Single, married or something in between? Find what you need for Valentine's Day.
