Have you been to the Starbucks in the Curry Student Center recently? It’s great; conveniently located and conducive for sharing a biscotti and coffee with friends. I have been going to that Starbucks every morning since the semester started. Every day I get my tea and head to class. Usually this is a pleasant experience.
But recently I have been frustrated with Starbucks and its not-so-chipper employees. The past week I started taking my travel coffee mug to Starbucks for the employees to fill with tea. I want to be as environmentally friendly as I can. I noticed that Dining Services and the on-campus Starbucks were offering a 10 cent discount on drinks for customers who brought their own mugs. This doesn’t sound like a large amount, but 10 cents a day can add up. I would bring my own mug regardless, but it is a nice incentive to get people to bring their own mugs and be environmentally friendly.
During my last couple visits to Starbucks, I noticed I was not receiving the 10 cent discount. So with the sign facing me, I asked the server behind the counter if I could receive the discount. Every time I go there with a mug to be filled, the staff looks at me like they are insanely confused. The employee looked at me with disgust and claimed that the discount was only applicable for people who ordered coffees.
Apparently tea does not fit the criteria.
The employee did fill my mug, but she didn’t give me the discount.
I accepted her lame excuse and thanked her for my mug of tea. Still, I couldn’t help but feel like Starbucks was completely missing the point. I’m helping the environment, why should it matter if I order tea or coffee? The sign does not specify that you need to order a specific kind of drink.
Starbucks is falsely advertising. Other people looking for the discount may be turned off by the employees’ customer service. The transaction goes much smoother if I just let them take my order and use two paper cups like they do with most transactions. The green attempt seems to fall flat. It’s also confusing because mugs vary in sizes, and while I can say I want a ‘grande’ drink, my mug might be bigger.
I think Dining Services had a good idea, but it is being undermined by Starbucks employees.
Now I feel awkward going to Starbucks with my mug. I think I’ll take my business to Espresso Royale Cafe from now on.

‘- Nora Drago is a middler
entrepreneurship and
marketing major.