Starbucks CEO: ‘Best Cup of Coffee Known to Mankind’ Is Made at Home, Not Starbucks
- Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:30pm by
Becket Adams
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We’re confused. We can‘t tell if this is intentional or if he just wasn’t thinking. Is this a gaffe?
During an interview with Business Week’s Susan Berfield, chairman and CEO of Starbucks said the best way to make a cup of coffee is by employing a method not used by Starbucks baristas: the French press.
Yep. Howard Schultz uses a Bodum French press, which he says makes “the best cup of coffee known to mankind.”
Which it does. Which is why we never go to Starbucks.
“This means if Mr Schultz uses a 1lb bag of Starbucks coffee beans, it works out roughly 46 cents, compared to the $2.01 coffee drinkers in Manhattan pay for a small americano in store,” the Daily Mail notes.
Schultz went on to explain that a French press brings out “oils, flavor and essence of blends.”
“Don’t buy preground coffee,” the CEO added, “After it’s opened, a bag of whole bean coffee has a shelf life of no more than a week.”
At $12-$15 per bag, that’s not a bad suggestion.
“[T]he French press should not be on a burner, transfer the coffee to a thermos. Drink it within an hour or two, at the max,” Schultz continued.
Again, is this a gaffe? We’re so confused. He’s really doubling down on what he believes (and rightfully so) is a good cup of coffee.
Why would he advise people to make their coffee with methods not used by his brand? Furthermore, by dissuading people from buying preground coffee, he just advised against a large portion of his business.
“[I]t could be a clever promotion on Mr Schultz’s part – Starbucks sell the coffee presser on their website for $19.95,” the Daily hypothesizes.
True. But this would also mean that if people take Schultz at his word, and for the onetime price of $19.95, Starbucks can count on never seeing that customer again (you know, that whole “teach ‘em how to fish” thing). Which is fine; it‘s just not something you’d expect a CEO to let slip, let alone explain in meticulous detail.
Of course, this is all contingent on whether or not Schultz is right and it really is “the best cup of coffee known to mankind.”
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Comments (58)
schlepnier
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:44ami will patronize their store but i do not drink coffee, i support tthem because they told the anti-gun retards to go take a hike. so when we have our monthly firearms owners meetup we usually do it at starbucks.
Report Post »Rohawk
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 11:55pmI appreciate them supporting gun rights, but they are also supporting gay marriage in Washington State which is a bigger moral issue for me. I don’t boycott them, but all things being equal, I’ll patronize Caribou. (unfortunately all the small shops I like in Minneapolis have went under)
Report Post »wifezilla
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:40amSome people can’t tell the difference between fresh ground beans in a french press or preground cheap coffee in an automatic drip machine…..like my husband. I think his time in the army drinking tar permanently scarred his taste buds.
Report Post »justafollower
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:38am@RangerRP – … “SIDED WITH SATAN” this literally had lol-ing. Where the heck are you from Westboro Baptist?! haha. I’m not saying I completely disagree with you. I appreciate a person who votes on the cultural values with their dollars. But, though in a literal biblical sense saying that is true, it’s just a really cheeky way of saying “their corporation is a supporter of the gay rights movement, that is horrible and is contrary to the teachings of the Word of God, so we don’t spend our money there.”
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:14amjustafollower
You can word it your way, I will word it my way. Siding with the homosexual crowd, is siding with Satan.
Judges 19 22 Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Be’li-al, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.
If the bible can call sodomites sons of the wicked one, then I guess I am correct in saying that they are on the side of Satan.
You might want to study the Westboro crowd. Those of them that are registered, are registered as democrats. They are not any more Baptist than I am an astronaut.
Report Post »rangerp
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:00amMy family no longer buys any products from starbucks. They joined the fight in Washington in favor or gay marriage. They have sided with satan, and will not get any of my money.
Report Post »ImChiquita
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 11:48amI’m not here to defend SBUX.
I am here to defend the thousands of us Conservatives who are employed by Uncle Howie and our gay board of directors.
By all means, spend your money elsewhere (as I do myself), but know that many of us are active in getting Obama defeated. As a matter of fact, we’re probably the silent majority at any SBUX. You’d be surprised.
Report Post »Ron Staiger
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 7:53amFor those of you who really enjoy coffee, you should try roasting your own. You don’t need an expensive roaster although that does make it a little easier. You buy green beans online- look at the descriptions and pick what you like. I prefer low acidity, flavorful and high caffein- Kona Peaberry or Jamaican Blue Mountain but also like the Bolivian free trade. Marlton coffee has very accurate descriptions but once I know which variety, I check the internet for a better deal. To keep it fresh, I never buy more than 5 pounds at a time. Now for roasting- Marlton has roasters from $109 to $1000 and I have used the cheeper model in the past but I prefer a stainless steel stovetop popcorn popper (Whirleypop) about $30. You can roast about a pound or so at a time and easily roast anywhere from blonde to expresso in about 20 minutes. Don‘t grind until you’re ready to use and make sure you store it properly. Once you‘ve tried it you’ll never go back to ground coffee.
Report Post »letswin
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:55amr u saying roast beans in the popcorn popper? tks
Report Post »Jasper64
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:59amHome roasting is the only way to go! I’ve been roasting my own beans at home for almost 10 years now. Not only do I get the freshest coffee possible, but, as you said, you can control the level of roast that suits your tastes. One thing I would beg to differ on with you, though, is that properly stored green (un-roasted) beans will keep for several years (if necessary) without significant loss of flavor. The “freshness” clock really starts ticking after they are roasted.
Another coffee site with very good cupping reviews and roasting tips is Sweet Maria’s, but there are plenty of places to get some really good deals on top quality Arabica beans.
Life is too short to drink bad coffee!
Report Post »jespasinthru
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 7:21amI read somewhere that Starbucks is selling this exotic flavored coffee that has ground-up beetles in it to make it red. Ugh. But why should I care, I don’t even drink coffee. But plain old jars of instant coffee will make great barter when the SHTF, because so many people are addicted to the stuff.
Report Post »coffeenomics
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 11:06amYes, it is true. It is called “Carmine” or “Cochineal”. I usually see the carmine. Start looking at labels and you will see it listed in ingredients ALOT!!
Report Post »Godzgrl247
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 5:29amPeople are going to do what is expedient and popular for them to do. Most youth are not going to French Press anything…They may get mama or daddy to do it but more than likely, they’ll go in their Daddy bought car in their name brand clothes to Starbucks and keep buying their highly junked up coffee. Kieron Dwyer had it right in his parody of the company.
Report Post »http://inventors.about.com/b/2007/04/15/starbucks-your-daily-cup-of-trademark.htm
Guitar Master
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 2:39amzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
From THE REPORTER
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Gee, I wonder why Starbucks coffee has been so popular?
I‘m just wonder’n, just think’n now. . . . could it be that maybe they put something in this coffee to make everyone want more?
Why do people seem so addicted to it?
Just ask’n.
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 7:59amSoylent Brown!
Report Post »denispaul
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 8:24amI think their coffee sucks i’ll take dunkin donuts any day.If you tell people poop taste good the’ll buy it.Not me!
Report Post »jackbauer
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 9:23amIt’s a status symbol just like wearing the right clothes or driving a German car. Look at me I got money to burn on burnt bean tasting coffee.
Report Post »mycomet123
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 10:13amMcDonalds regular coffee taste BETTER!
Report Post »Gripes
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 11:23amIt’s not the coffee, it’s the espresso drinks…. you know, the ones that cost $4.
Report Post »Kerstile
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 1:52amThe best gun? The one you own and like to shoot.
Report Post »The best motorcycle? The one you own and like to ride.
The best car/truck? See motorcycle.
The best coffee? What’s in your cup, made whatever way you like it.
The best this. The best that. See the trend here?
confederacyofdunces
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 1:49amI always use a french press when camping, cowboy coffee! Great stuff!
Report Post »OMBrandon
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 12:39am100% on this one. Although they don’t advertise it in stores, a barista will make a single serving cup of the daily bold at any time during the day and will prepare a French Press on request. This one is in need of a revision.
That being said, I think that the story misses the point. Starbucks creates the best coffee and recently has been returning to its “roots” of brewing spectacular cups of joe. I respect and will patronize a business that is interested in sharing their passion for the product they sell, even if it may slightly harm their sales. Plus, I trust them that much more for that passion and hope that the customer-driven attitude sets a standard for all employees. (Not coincidentally, this is the exact same case for GBTV: The Truth Has No Agenda!)
Report Post »ImChiquita
Posted on April 17, 2012 at 11:51amYou are welcome at my store any day!
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 11:58pmJust give me my Master Blend from the automatic drip. I will be awake in fifteen minutes and then you can tell me how great the french press is…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Report Post »mharry860
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 11:01pmI’ve been hearing a lot about cold water drip method. Apparently it doesn’t pull out the acids, so it’s not bitter. But I don’t drink coffee, so what do I know.
Report Post »hi
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:47pmI had coffee from a French press years ago. It was definitely the best cup of coffee I ever had. There is no way I’m going to put that much work into making a cup of coffee though. I love the instant packs from Starbucks!
Report Post »(Sorry. I have a hard time giving up Starbucks and Costco. )
trolltrainer
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 11:11pmI was waiting for someone to mention all the “work” in using a French press. I have had many mention this. Truth is, it really is no more work than an instant coffee maker. I fill my press with filtered, cold water then dump it into a small pot. Bring it to a boil on high, about 3 minutes. While waiting to boil you dump the beans in the grinder, you don’t even need to measure, experience will tell you just how many beans. Give that a course grind then dump it into the press. Wash out the top of the grinder. When the water boils dump it in the press and stir good. Put the top on the press and wait a few minutes, I like to let mine seep for 5 or more minutes, I usually do something else while this is happening. Come back and slowly press the grounds down then I just pour the whole thing in my big insulated mug. Presto…No more work than a Mr. Coffee and so much better.
Report Post »Reavin
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:39pmThis will have little effect on Starbucks sales. Most of the people who go to Starbucks are simply in too much of a hurry or too lazy to make their own coffee anyway…with or without a french press.
Report Post »wbaranowski
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:33pmHello o! It’s coffee, for pete’s sake. Buy the $3.99 ground stuff in a can, 3 scoops into the coffee maker with a pot of tap water, hit the switch, pour it in your car sippy cup and hit the road. If you still work at an an office, drink the slop they provide there and get back to work. Good grief. When you get home, there’s always Grey Goose, anyway, if you’re still looking for pure.
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:29pmCoffee snobs, beer snobs, wine snobs…
Report Post »Harry Callahan’s statement on opinions sums all this up.
Cynic-clinic
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:26pmThe only way the flavor of coffee can be released is by BOILING HOT water. Even poor beans can make a decent cup of coffee with boiling hot water. No home coffee maker ever gets water hot enough to make anything but crap. Also, watch for stale coffee beans, the ones that have been in glass jars for months with no buyers. Better to buy them at WalMart where there is a better turnover of stock.
Report Post »tnman49
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:24pmI buy my coffee from Costco made by Magnum and get the Blue Mountain Jamaican Blend. Been getting this coffee there for years now. We buy whole bean and grind at #7 in the store grinder and only buy one bag at a time. The key thing is to store this coffee bag in a gallon food storage with no air inside to keep freshness. The coffee pot gets fully washed every time and rinsed out with double filtered water to remove chlorine taste from the pot. I mix (4) 1/2 1oz scoops of coffee for every 12 cups. No chlorine and keeping the coffee bag sealed air tight inside another bag air tight makes all the difference in the world.
Report Post »hersey10
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:03pmI proudly , grind my own beans every morning . TRUST ME , if you buy ground coffee , buy a grinder and beans . Thank me later .
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:14pmYep, that was what I did until I lost my job a couple years ago and only working part-time now. Whole beans are the way to go if you can afford them.
I had to go to ground. I use Maxwell House. One little trick I’ve found when using ground coffee is to put a small sprinkle of salt in the grounds and it takes out the bitterness that you usually get. I also make sure I use the right amount; too little or too much ruins the taste.
Report Post »Mark0331
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:58pmGot hooked for years on the Tasters Choice packet in MRE’s…mix it with the cocoa beverage powder and slug it cold…great stuff, rocket fuel.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 11:14pmFrom the days of the old C Rats I used to always save any coffee packets that I didn’t drink. While trying to stay awake night after night used to just eat a whole pack at a time.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:46pmYes sir! I use a Frieling press and good beans ground course. I am not a snob when it comes to beans, I usually buy from Pier 1 but Publix and even Walmart sell decent whole beans. I like dark, rich, and smokey roasts and I drink it black.
I was never really a coffee drinker, and I always felt McDonalds or even Denny’s had good coffee. I would drink Maxwell House or like brands from a drip maker. The French press is the difference between day and night! I was sold the first time I used one. Screw Starbucks, I make the best coffee you ever had!
Not the best marketing but I applaud his honesty!
Report Post »searching for the Truth
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:44pm” Hebrews.”
Report Post »JACKTHETOAD
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 10:22pmOh God, that’s funny.
Report Post »Wdawg
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:40pmSmart, as long as everyone is drinking coffee eventually will stop by Starbucks.
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on April 16, 2012 at 9:40pmNever had Starbucks mainly because in their early days, there were just none around here. Now, with what they stand for or against, I will never go to one. When I can make it to the Redstone Arsenal commissary I pick up packs of German coffee. The best stuff that I have ever had and I used to drive to France from Belgium quite often. The coffee in both of those countries is good though, but I prefer the German.
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