Starbucks closes thousands of coffee shop for training
Starbucks coffee lovers were deprived of their caffeine fix for an agonizing three hours Tuesday, as the firm closed its 7,100 shops across America to train staff to brew the perfect cup of joe.
From Washington state to Washington DC, 135,000 Starbucks employees went into training sessions at 5:30 pm to hone their craft and make the tastiest possible capuccino, espresso or latte.
The Seattle, Washington-based company described it as an "historic in-store education and training event" designed to "energize partners and transform the customer experience."
Starbucks, which has been facing increasing competition lately, including from fast-food restaurant McDonald's, announced the layoff of 600 employees last week.
Another top competitor, Dunkin Donuts', seized on Starbucks' three-hour nationwide closure to offer a special deal on its coffees.
"Dunkin' Donuts wants to ensure that no coffee lover is denied a delicious espresso-based beverage," the chain said in a statement.
AFP
