To the editors:
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I can’t explain or excuse the treatment Ms. Mathieu claims she observed by the baristas at the Starbucks she visited. I can say that, having patronized numerous Starbucks in Lincoln Park, Old Town, the Loop, and even Evanston, the one thing that impresses me is the consistently good treatment and delicious coffee I always receive at Starbucks.
On the other hand, my Starbucks baristas greet me with a smile. They take my order, make my drink, ring me up, and send me on my way before I can say “iced grande Americano.” They’ve also taught me how to brew Starbucks-quality coffee at home. A Starbucks barista once spent half an hour with me, going over every step in the brewing process. He didn’t want me to leave until he was confident that I had the coffee-making expertise I needed. Thanks to his help, I can now make coffee as good as my favorite barista can.
