April 2011
2 posts
10 tags
Howard Schultz Visits Toronto! Part 2
Last week Howard Schultz visited Toronto to speak to hundreds, maybe even thousands, of Starbucks partners from all over. It was part of Starbucks’ 40th Anniversary Tour.
Luckily, the event took place in my office building – what are the chances?! Obviously I couldn’t hear him speak because I am not a partner. But that doesn’t mean that I couldn’t hang around the foyer of the event and partake in...
7 tags
Howard Schultz Visits Toronto! part 1
Tomorrow, April 13, Howard will make his way to Toronto to speak to a crowd of retail, district, regional managers and corporate partners. But, I bet there will also be shift supervisors and baristas there as well. It’s an invite-only event that is sure to be exciting.
It’s not often that Mr. Howard Schultz graces the Great White North with his presence. Let’s face it; he’s a really busy guy! But...
March 2011
5 posts
AB Social Media Solutions: Target an audience... →
absocialmediasolutions:
Having specific objectives, a content strategy and a strong handle on the tactics is important to your social media plan.
But, recognizing your audience is critical to your social media plan.
Your audience will ultimately dictate the success of your business – you can’t make a…
7 tags
Power Pairing #1 - Ethiopian Sidamo and Lemon...
Two weeks ago I asked Starbucks partners and enthusiasts everywhere: what is your favourite coffee and food pairing?
The response was overwhelming and everyone who contributed added a unique and delicious pairing to that forum discussion. But since we had to choose a winner, or our favourite pairing, we picked Tim McCoy’s Lemon drizzle cake and Ethiopian Sidamo.
And with the winner being...
6 tags
We have a winner!
The Contest is over and we’ve made a selection and picked a contest winner.
First off, I just want to say THANKS to everyone who submitted a suggestion. My friend was overwhelmed with the response and appreciates the great customer and partner feedback.
I said we’d choose the pairing with the most votes, but since everyone gave a unique pairing, we had to choose one.
My friend and I have tried a...
February 2011
3 posts
8 tags
I need your help - what's your favourite coffee...
My close friend, a SM Partner, has been asked to run a coffee tasting at his next District meeting.
To say he’s looking forward to it, would be a gross understatement; he’s ecstatic and hasn’t stopped thinking about what to serve.
But, he’s stumped. He doesn’t really know what coffee to serve and what food to pair it with.
I said I’d help him out – but I need some help from other Starbucks...
9 tags
Tazo Tea at your doorstep
I haven’t been thrilled by the last few announcements Starbucks has made. The news about the new logo and Trenta both took a toll on my Passion, but this last thing Starbucks has done has……………totally redeemed itself! And restored my confidence in the brand. Were you scared there? Probably not. (for those who think this joke looks familiar, you’re right. I stole it from this scene in Dumb and...
January 2011
2 posts
8 tags
Starbucks new logo... I’m at a loss for words
So Starbucks is set to launch a new logo in commemoration of their 40th anniversary sometime in March. When I heard the news I was eager to see what the geniuses at the corporate office came up with. Something with a 40 in it? The Siren with a new haircut? Larger font perhaps?
I had my guesses, just like everyone else did. And I was genuinely excited to see it for the first time.
I opened the...
10 tags
The clover brews...Fair Trade Colombia Asoapia
Just like I said in my last post “going to the clover,” I travelled to the Starbucks in Yorkville at Yonge and Bloor - 765 Yonge Street, to sample their Reserve coffee offerings.
I had no idea what was going to be on the menu, but I was excited to taste whatever the clover was offering. Would it be: Aged Sulawesi Kalosi? Brazil Sul de Minas Peaberry? Or El Salvador Montecarlos Estate...
December 2010
5 posts
7 tags
Off to see the clover, the wonderful clover...
I hope you all had a great Christmas. And, if you don’t celebrate Christmas, I hope you had (and are having) a fantastic holiday season.
I’ve been lucky enough to get a few days off over the past week. But, to tell you the truth, I’ve been bored; sitting around and consuming way too much coffee (if that’s possible). So, I’ve decided that tomorrow, on my last day off, I’ll travel back to Toronto...
10 tags
Angelwish Foundation and Starbucks
Nowadays, many multi-national companies take part in charitable campaigns that aim to help disenfranchised children, families and/or communities. Starbucks is one of those companies. However, what separates Starbucks from the others is their ability to mobilize and inspire their store and district managers to seek out and team-up with charities in their own communities. In this sense, store and...
Anonymous asked: Hi Andrew!
Hoping you could help us spread the word about the great stuff about 35-40 starbucks locations in NJ are doing for the holidays - http://www.angelwish.org/starbucks/ an online toy drive.
Thanks,
Shimmy
Hoping you could help us spread the word about the great stuff about 35-40 starbucks locations in NJ are doing for the holidays - http://www.angelwish.org/starbucks/ an online toy drive.
Thanks,
Shimmy
Starbucks Passion - Canada’s Clover... →
Canada’s Clover stores I didn’t really know much about the whole Clover brewing process, let alone the fact that there are only 2 specialty Clover stores in Canada. But, after a quick discussion…
10 tags
Canada's Clover stores
I didn’t really know much about the whole Clover brewing process, let alone the fact that there are only 2 specialty Clover stores in Canada. But, after a quick discussion with my friend and fellow Starbucks enthusiast Melody (@sbuxmel), I learned exactly what a Starbucks Clover store is all about. Click here to see some of Mel’s best posts on the Clover.
Starbucks was already brewing coffee...
November 2010
1 post
8 tags
Christmas offerings - The 'good' and the 'lacking'
Up until this point, all of my posts have focused on the ‘good’ aspects of Starbucks - the products, the service, the CSR initiatives and the community. However, to keep my blog authentic and believable, I need to highlight some of the aspects that I don’t find so ‘perfect’ about Starbucks; it’s not all about regurgitating corporate jargon. Therefore, this post will focus on a coffee offering...
October 2010
7 posts
iPhone App Scans Product Barcodes for... →
This post is part of Mashables Spark of Genius series, which highlights a unique feature of startups. The series is made possible by Microsoft BizSpark. If you would like to have your startup…
9 tags
A friendly store
Above: Starbucks store at 450 Yonge St. Toronto.
I touch on the whole ‘being an integral part of the community’ aspect of Starbucks’ mandate a lot, but I just can’t stop thinking about some of the really nice things Starbucks does in each community they come in contact with.
I don’t just regurgitate corporate jargon or reiterate Starbucks’ core values; rather, I speak to the positive experiences...
7 tags
Blog Action Day 2010 - Ethos Water Fund
I’ve already discussed the Ethos Water Fund but in light of October 15’s Blog Action Day, I am refeaturing my Ethos Water post from a few months back. Hope you enjoy!
And if you want to learn more about the Blog Action Day campaign, go to their site here.
Ethos Water Fund - a great CSR initiative
One of the main reasons for starting this blog, starbuckspassion, was to express my...
7 tags
Passion Profile: Starbucks Melody
I started this blog to convey my passion for Starbucks. However, I’m certainly not the only one with a deep passion for this great company. My inspiration and the person who I can give much praise to, with regards to Starbucks blogging, is Melody, but you probably know her as Starbucks Melody.
Simply put, she is the embodiment of Starbucks Passion. She writes at least two blog posts a week...
September 2010
4 posts
10 tags
Coffee Review Part 3 - Komodo Dragon
This is my third review of a Starbucks whole bean coffee. If I said Komodo Dragon was my favourite coffee, I’d be lying. Typically, I’m not a huge fan of Asia Pacific coffees, but I do like them when paired with the right food. Komodo Dragon is no exception. I don’t love this coffee but I do respect it. It’s bold, heavy and not meant for the weekend coffee drinker. But for a true coffee lover,...
If you sit on tumblr this late at night because...
senselessslavery:
denzelgtfo
10 tags
My new third-place
I just started a new job in my young PR career. To say the least, I love it. The people are great, the work is exciting and I’ve been given full creative control in my role. But perhaps the best part about my new job is its close proximity to a Starbucks. I spend all my breaks in this nearby Starbucks. It’s a beautiful, large store that’s always packed full of students and business people. It...
9 tags
Whole Bean Coffee Review Part 2: Anniversary Blend
While thinking about which Starbucks coffee to dissect and review for this post, it hit me, it’s Anniversary Blend season! What better coffee to talk about than this delicious blend? The timing couldn’t be better. I love this coffee as it always reminds me of back to school time and the end of summer. However, for me, this year is quite different. It’s the first time in 19 years that I won’t be...
August 2010
2 posts
7 tags
Whole Bean Coffee Review Part 1: Guatemala Antigua
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be reviewing and discussing some of my favourite Starbucks whole bean offerings. This first instalment discusses Guatemala Antigua, a Latin American whole bean coffee.
Guatemala Antigua may be my favourite whole bean coffee from Starbucks. The first time I tried it was last year when my dad brought a bag of it home. Just like any true Italian coffee-loving family,...
9 tags
The importance of good customer service
People always ask me: “Why do you love Starbucks so much?!” And I always find it difficult to answer this question in one sentence. I usually say something like: “Well, the products are top-notch, the atmosphere is welcoming, the partners are friendly, the corporation is socially responsible, etc. etc.” Basically, I can’t narrow it down to just a few reasons. I usually just tell that person to...
July 2010
3 posts
9 tags
Starbucks in the Community – a unique store
Starbucks has always been committed to community, whether that’s in communities in coffee growing regions across the world or in communities where their stores are located. Simply put, Starbucks is a responsible neighbour in every community it comes in contact with.
I live in Oakville, Ontario. It’s a peaceful, scenic town located about 30 minutes from downtown Toronto. There are 9 Starbucks...
9 tags
Challenging Climate Change - Organic Shade Grown...
In keeping with one of my favourite aspects of Starbucks’ corporate mandate, this post is dedicated to examining Starbucks’ climate change CSR initiative. But more specifically, I want to talk about Organic Shade Grown Mexico coffee.
Not only is Shade Grown Mexico one of Starbucks’ finest coffees, it’s also certified organic by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This is a big deal...
8 tags
Ensuring Customer Satisfaction
The majority of my blog posts focus on the corporate side of Starbucks; CSR initiatives, green building, mandate overview, new products, etc. But for this post, I want to highlight the high level of customer service that Starbucks offers in every store. To Starbucks, “a cup should never be half empty” and it’s the partners that epitomize this belief every time they serve a customer. Clearly,...
June 2010
2 posts
8 tags
Ethos Water Fund - a great CSR initiative
One of the main reasons for starting this blog, starbuckspassion, was to express my appreciation for Starbucks’ great CSR work. Starbucks cares for community, environment and people and I felt it was necessary to highlight some of their promising initiatives. My 3-part CSR series touched on several of their initiatives and examined their CSR mandate. (scroll through my older posts to find the...
9 tags
New Favourite Store (#4007)
A new Starbucks store opened in Mississauga on June 10. It’s located at Erin Mills Pkwy. and Burnhamthorpe Rd. I’ve been anxiously awaiting the opening of this store and today, I made my way to the location at around 8pm. I couldn’t wait to see what this store was like. And to be perfectly honest, I was impressed.
Every Starbucks store is different, special and unique. Even though there are...
May 2010
4 posts
8 tags
Starbucks' new allergy friendly food and beverage...
Starbucks has always been known for using the best and freshest ingredients in all their food and beverage offerings. They label their products and ingredients properly, allowing people with food allergies and/or intolerances understand what is in each product. Being lactose intolerant and having a mild intolerance to gluten, I’m always looking for new treats and drinks that accommodate my...
16 tags
Starbucks CSR - Part 3/3: Environmental...
This is the final instalment in my 3-part Starbucks CSR exploration. Being environmentally responsible is a central focus in Starbucks’ overall CSR campaign. ‘Doing good by doing good’ for the environment is clearly a core focus for Starbucks.
Environmental Stewardship is more than just trying to ‘look good’ in the public eye; it’s about being a good citizen and caring for the environment,...
New #starbucks #frappuccino are now officially in #canada! Launch was today.
13 tags
Starbucks CSR part 2/3 - Community
This is the second instalment in my 3-part Starbucks CSR exploration. Community involvement is a key initiative in Starbucks’ CSR campaign and has always been a central focus to the company’s mandate.
Starbucks is committed to having a positive impact on communities where their stores are located and in communities where their coffee is grown. But it’s more than just uttering ‘community’ for...
April 2010
4 posts
10 tags
CSR initiatives part 1 of 3: ethical sourcing
Starbucks has always been committed to their CSR initiatives. This post is the first of a three part series that will dissect each of their three CSR commitments and expose their communication strategies when dealing with each initiative.
“Shared Planet” started as a result of Starbucks’ growing desire to illustrate their commitment to CSR objectives and as a result of consumers’ wish for an...
RT @sbuxexaminer: Swap a paper cup for a travel mug and get free coffee at Starbucks on April 15 - http://tinyurl.com/y2t9lzv #Examiner
5 tags
Via Ready Brew
I’ve always considered myself a Starbucks purist. I enjoy the Starbucks experience, culture and high-end gourmet coffee products. So when I heard that Starbucks was introducing an instant coffee product last summer in Canada, I was a tad bit sceptical. How could Starbucks transfer their culture, their experience and their quality to a new instant coffee beverage? I thought instant coffee was...
6 tags
Starbucks' Policy on Guns
The 2010 Starbucks Annual Shareholders meeting took place in Seattle a few weeks ago. At the meeting, several questions were asked about gun policies in Starbucks US stores. Howard Schultz handled the questions diplomatically and respectfully. He stated that Starbucks’ policy on guns would stay consistent with state laws.
Now, as a Canadian, I can’t fully appreciate the concerns raised by...
March 2010
2 posts
11 tags
Starbucks 2010 Annual Shareholders Meeting
The Starbucks annual meeting was held this past Wednesday, March 24th in Seattle. Although I didn’t attend the meeting, I watched the webcast later that evening. Click here to watch the meeting.
The meeting was extremely informative and interesting. The highlights provided insight into Starbucks’ commitment to its partners, dedication to the highest level of customer service, passion for...
5 tags
The Passion.
Welcome to Starbucks Passion and PR!
From the first time I stepped into a Starbucks store, I was hooked. The decor, lighting, furniture, back-splash behind the bar and the cheerful partners were all warm, welcoming and full of cafe culture. And since that first visit, Starbucks has always stayed true to their form and vision.
It’s more than coffee; it’s culture, community. Every Starbucks...