SBUX downsizing is in the P-I: A managing director at McAdams Wright Ragen is quoted as saying Starbucks may cut up to 1,000 jobs from its headquarters, and also some district managers and field employees--but not baristas. Over at Starbucks Gossip, the...well, the gossip is that previous layoffs have already affected customer service. more ›

At least not in Mason County. County officials have declared the barely-dressed baristas at local coffee stand Espresso Gone Wild are actually "erotic entertainers." Since the coffee stand is not zoned for erotic entertainment, the baristas are going to have to put some clothes on or close shop. Would you support the "stripper or barista" trend if it came to Seattle? Or do you prefer your coffee-puller fully-clothed? more ›

Because we haven't said enough about Starbucks this week, and because we haven't said enough about local coffee shops today, we figured we'd jump in on this story. more ›

Speaking of snappish baristas, this weekend we stopped by a neighborhood coffeeshop we've been visiting since 2003, and handed over a prepaid card good for our usual drink. A new-ish barista took it, looked it over, looked us over, sighed a little, and -- as if he were doing us a favor -- checked off one of the drinks. "You know," he said, "these cards are supposed to be signed by the baristas when they're sold. Yours isn't. So...if you ever buy one and it isn't signed, could you remind the barista to sign it?" more ›