Ringing up a short Starbucks drink
Jan 5, 2011 | 11:11 am
#1
Original Poster
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Ringing up a short Starbucks drink
A previous thread about Starbucks abroad got me thinking more about my preferred drinks: doppio macchiato and double-short cappuccino.
At times, when I attempt to order an 8oz drink, I'll get a cashier who claims that there's no "short" key on the register, at which point I'll just get a doppio and add my own milk. This is despite the fact that they do have short cups available for espresso and kids' drinks.
I've found this to be the case mainly at non-standalone counters (like at the airport or Target).
Is there a "standard" keyboard layout for these registers, and if so, how can I tell the cashier to properly ring up a short drink if they claim no "short" key?
At times, when I attempt to order an 8oz drink, I'll get a cashier who claims that there's no "short" key on the register, at which point I'll just get a doppio and add my own milk. This is despite the fact that they do have short cups available for espresso and kids' drinks.
I've found this to be the case mainly at non-standalone counters (like at the airport or Target).
Is there a "standard" keyboard layout for these registers, and if so, how can I tell the cashier to properly ring up a short drink if they claim no "short" key?
Jan 12, 2011 | 1:39 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Denver, CO
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I used to order a short cappuccino when I was travelling in the US (the other versions are all too milky for my European taste buds). But the last time I was over I was told they couldn't sell "short" versions anymore. I had to buy a "Tall" that was only filled two-thirds with milk and foam 
Jan 12, 2011 | 3:39 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA Premier Exec
Posts: 105
By the way, there's an interesting article on Slate on the elusive short cappuccino, entitled: "Starbucks Economics - Solving the mystery of the elusive "short" cappuccino."
Essentially it says that Starbucks has made the short cappuccino invisible because the margins are unacceptably low. However, if you ask for one the baristas will comply without batting an eye.
See http://www.slate.com/id/2133754/
Essentially it says that Starbucks has made the short cappuccino invisible because the margins are unacceptably low. However, if you ask for one the baristas will comply without batting an eye.
See http://www.slate.com/id/2133754/
Jan 12, 2011 | 1:59 pm
#4
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I don't really have an issue with the baristas at standalone stores. The issue with ringing up a short occurs with the licensed stores, like ones you would see in a grocery store, bookstore, or airport.
That said, my workaround in those situations would be to order a doppio and add my own half-and-half or milk at the self-serve station.
That said, my workaround in those situations would be to order a doppio and add my own half-and-half or milk at the self-serve station.
Jan 14, 2011 | 12:31 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,964
I used to order a short cappuccino when I was travelling in the US (the other versions are all too milky for my European taste buds). But the last time I was over I was told they couldn't sell "short" versions anymore. I had to buy a "Tall" that was only filled two-thirds with milk and foam
I also suggest ordering an extra shot or two may help (and thereby also increasing the cost)
I have also tried asking for a child size cappucino.
Jan 15, 2011 | 11:27 pm
#7
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This is what I do, only I order iced. I refuse to pay $1.35 extra for some milk when I really only need an ounce or two (or less if I use half & half).
Jan 20, 2011 | 2:26 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Denver, CO
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Starbucks Supersizes!
Just announced: "Starbucks Corp will roll out its biggest drink size yet -- the 31-ounce "Trenta" -- in all of its U.S. coffee shops by May 3, the company said Sunday".
Fortunately this will only be for iced drinks (iced coffee, iced tea, etc). I can't imagine drinking a 31-ounce hot coffee drink. Anyone for 31 shots of espresso?
Fortunately this will only be for iced drinks (iced coffee, iced tea, etc). I can't imagine drinking a 31-ounce hot coffee drink. Anyone for 31 shots of espresso?
Jan 20, 2011 | 5:19 pm
#9
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Jan 24, 2011 | 10:05 am
#10
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That will depend on the system they use. If I recall what my wife said correctly (don't tell her if I don't), the licensee stores have the ability to roll out different registers per license. So Target and Barnes & Noble will have different layouts. That is supposed to change eventually, but currently Starbucks is rolling out a new Point Of Sales system to all their corporate stores with new onscreen systems and the ability to pay using your cellphone.
Jan 25, 2011 | 2:37 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2009
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My approach to getting cafe latte from Starbucks in the US is to ask for a double shot in a "tall" (or whatever their smallest cup is) and then only add milk to a the level of one-third of the cup (it's still always served too hot however). I get some strange looks occasionally but it's the only way I can get a decent cafe latte as opposed to a hot coffee milkshake.
It's interesting that the smallest sized Starbucks cup in the US is the largest available in Australia!
It's interesting that the smallest sized Starbucks cup in the US is the largest available in Australia!