On the heels of news in recent months that sales are down at Starbucks - the java King was hit with another whammy this past week - where it hurts the most.
In the tip jar!
After reviewing pleadings in a class-action suit filed against the Seattle-based corporate giant, a Superior Court Judge in San Diego found that the company's policy of collecting tips and divvying out a portion of the baristas' spoils to supervisors and managers, was wrongful.
In her ruling Judge Patricia Cowett issued a directive that Starbucks cough the tip money back up with interest and that the practice of siphoning off funds to management stop.
In response, Starbucks vowed to appeal on the grounds that:
"The decision today in our view represents an extreme example of an abuse of the class-action procedures in California."
I disagree.
I have a number of friends who toil as professional waiters in expensive restaurants.
Usually they work together as a team and at the end of the night the tips are shared among the waiters, busboys, wine stewards and bartenders on duty.
The Starbucks practices are outrageous.
According to court pleadings, money collected in tip jars is stowed away in safes daily and divided up each week based on the staff's work schedule.
But - get this - supervisors and managers receive a portion of the tips!
It appears that instead of paying their management teams a proper salary, the coffee-maker has opted to supplement the incomes of the management teams off the backs of the baristas and the sweat of their brows.
Disreputable, at best!
But, what of the customers?
They have a right to be outraged, too.
Personally, I tend to tip based on the quality of service that day. And, if I plunk some cash into the jar, I expect that it be passed on to the person I am giving the nod to.
It irks me - as it does many others - that some employee down the line I've had no interaction with is receiving a portion of that tip money.
Moreover, to hold the tips is unconscionable!
Generally, waiters, bartenders, and service people rely on the cash flow each day to make ends meet.
How dare the managers lock up the funds and make 'em wait!
If Starbucks appeals the ruling, then consumers should boycot.
Otherwise, when will the greed end?
Yes, Java Devour - that new upstart down the street - is starting to look mighty appealing.
In the evening - I often saunter in there for an organic tea - then slip into a deep leather armchair and pen a post or two.
What do I find most appetizing about this little detour past Starbucks?
The understated decor, the flattering lighting, and - most of all - their inclination to provide a relaxing ambiance that is relatively commercial-free.
Java Detour entices!