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Rivals Earn as Starbucks Learns

Rival coffee chains target customers as Starbucks takes training break

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2008 8:10 AM CST

(Newser) – Starbucks customers and competition alike got to know each other yesterday as the java giant closed for a 3-hour training break for all employee, reports the AP. "Free-market economy, baby! You've got to take advantage of what the competition throws at you," said one former Starbucks devotee swilling a competitor's discounted joe.

Starbucks, reeling from sliding stocks, say the training will ensure its coffee lives up to the new promise posted in every store: "Your drink should be perfect, every time." That's all well and good, but Dunkin' Donuts slashed coffee prices to 99 cents, proclaiming "no coffee lover (should be) denied a delicious espresso-based beverage," and one Seattle chain handed out free espressos to hordes.

Baristas participate in espresso training at Starbucks in New York, February 26, 2008. Starbucks closed the doors of its 7,100 company-operated stores across America for an unprecedented barista training... (Associated Press)

Dunkin' Donuts was just one Starbucks competitor looking to cash in yesterday when the java giant closed for three hours to offer nationwide training to its employees. All coffee drinks were 99 cents.... ((c) Flyinace2000)

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Rivals Earn as Starbucks Learns

Rival coffee chains target customers as Starbucks takes training break

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More Newser Stories

Starbucks' New Frontier: India

As many as 50 locations could open by year's end

Starbucks Bans Blonde Jokes

Chain launches 'coffee for non-coffee drinkers'

Starbucks Raising Prices

Tall coffees to cost 10 more cents in much of US

Starbucks Scraps Hidden Fee After State Fine

It added $1.50 to bags of beans under a pound

Starbucks Sells Juice, Preps New Health Chain

Coffee mega-chain acquires Cali juice maker

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Rivals Earn as Starbucks Learns

Rival coffee chains target customers as Starbucks takes training break

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Starbucks • coffee • training • Dunkin' Donuts • espresso

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Starbucks' New Frontier: India

As many as 50 locations could open by year's end

Starbucks Bans Blonde Jokes

Chain launches 'coffee for non-coffee drinkers'

Starbucks Raising Prices

Tall coffees to cost 10 more cents in much of US

Starbucks Scraps Hidden Fee After State Fine

It added $1.50 to bags of beans under a pound

Starbucks Sells Juice, Preps New Health Chain

Coffee mega-chain acquires Cali juice maker

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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What is Newser?