Guide Note

Starbucks closed all of its stores for three hours on February 26, 2008, so that its baristas could receive a refresher course on improving the customer experience. According to a Starbucks spokeswoman: "We will have all new standards for how we create the drinks...[Employees] will be trained in creating the perfect shot, steaming the milk and all the pieces that come together in a drink." Starbucks is the largest coffee chain in the world, with over 12,000 locations worldwide.

Fast Facts

1. When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m
2. Approx. 135,000 employees affected
3. Starbuck's shares fell 42% last year amid signs that consumers were falling out of love with the brand.

Starbucks Fast Facts

1. Founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington
2. Stock: SBUX
3. Chairman: Howard Shultz
4. Revenue: 7.786 billion (2006)
5. Employees: 147,436