A journalist who spent a day working as a barista at Starbucks recently shared everything she learned working at the world’s largest coffee chain — running down a list of what she “learned” during her time at one location.
Although not all of the journalist’s “discoveries” can be found in every store, the restaurant in Seattle was founded in 1971 and at that time did not even sell brewed coffee – only beans, teas and spices for customers to use at home.
Starbucks recently turned theirs around open door policy and will soon require customers to make a purchase if they want to use the restroom or hang out in the store. News of the policy change was met with plenty of reaction online, with many Starbucks employees celebrating on Reddit.
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Here are five more things about the coffee shop chain that might come as a surprise.
1. There is more than “tall”, “grande” and “venti”
Most drinks at Starbucks, they come in three sizes: “tall,” “grande,” and “venti,” in ascending order.
But there are other possibilities for certain drinks. The smallest of these is the “demi”, which is only 3 ounces – and only for espresso shots.
The “trent” size – 30 fluid ounces – can be seen here on the right next to the “tall” on the left. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The next smallest is the “short,” at 8 ounces.
Also referred to as a “kid’s” size for hot chocolate, but any hot drink can be ordered as a “short”.
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The largest size, “trenta”, is only for ice drinks. As the name suggests, the trenta is 30 fluid ounces.
2. You can adjust the temperature of the drink
Any hot drink can be made at “kid’s temperature,” meaning it will come out at 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Starbucks can adjust the temperature of its hot drinks. (iStock)
The standard hot drink is served at 160 degrees, according to multiple reports.
The “extra hot” drink is served at around 170 or 180 degrees.
3. Apron colors mean different things
Most Starbucks employees, whom the company calls “partners,” wear a green apron.
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But some wear black, tan or red aprons or have special symbols embroidered on them.
Employees with embroidered American flags on their aprons are either veterans or spouses of someone in the military.
The ones with embroidered American flags on the aprons are too veterans or one’s spouse in the military, according to the Starbucks website.
While the standard Starbucks uniform includes a green apron, other apron colors have special meanings. (iStock)
Those with a mortarboard graduated from college thanks to the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.
In “Signing Stores,” Starbucks employees who are deaf and use American Sign Language have ASL fingerspelling on their aprons.
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A black apron means a Starbucks employee is “certified in their coffee knowledge,” according to the company’s website, and tan aprons are “Starbucks backup and roasters.”
Most Starbucks employees, whom the company calls “partners,” wear a green apron. (iStock)
Red aprons mean it’s almost Christmas.
“To help spread the holiday spirit, partners wear their red aprons when the holiday season rolls around,” Starbucks’ website says.
4. A seat at CIA headquarters has special rules
In the vast majority Starbucks restaurantsthe customer’s name is either written or printed on the mug after he or she orders.
Starbucks is located inside the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. (Reuters)
Not so at the Starbucks location at Central Intelligence Agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
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The location, touted by the CIA’s website as “one of the busiest” in the country, has a standard Starbucks menu.
There is “a comfortable seating area for officers … as long as the conversations are not classified, of course.”
It features “a comfortable seating area for officers to take a break, socialize with a co-worker or chat … as long as the conversations are not classified, of course.”
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But names are not allowed.
“Our officers order their cup of joe incognito,” the CIA website says.
5. The logo does not show a siren
It’s actually a mermaid – another half-woman-half-fish creature from folklore.
The one on the Starbucks logo has two tails.
The creature in the Starbucks logo is a mermaid, not a mermaid. (iStock)
“While searching through old nautical books, a mysterious, nautical figure beckoned to them, a mermaid with two tails,” the Starbucks website says.
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The mermaid was chosen as the logo for a number of reasons, including another nod to “Moby Dick,” the book that inspired the chain’s name.
Additionally, “Seattle is a port city, and coffee often travels long distances over water to get to us,” Starbucks said.
