Why is it "cool" to tip at Starbucks or any other "in" place to get your coffee, why do their employees deserve a tip than those at any other fast food place, I doubt anyone tips at McDonalds, Burger King, Tim Horton's or any other fast food restaurant, and that is what Starbucks is, just a fast food coffee joint.
Who said it's "cool"? I don't think I've ever tipped in a fast-food establishment, including Starbucks, regardless of how "complicated" my order might be. My rule of thumb is this: if I go to a counter to place my order, I don't tip. If I sit down and someone takes my order and delivers my food to me, then I tip based on service.