Dear Mr. Schultz

Dear Mr. Schultz, I know you are really important in the coffee world. In fact, it was because of you and your influence that I became a lover of all things coffee. Unlike many, I am not a Starbucks hater. I own one of the classic Barista Espresso Makers. I think your Casi Cielo is a great tasting coffee. And I was all in favor of your getting rid of those smelly, sausage breakfast sandwiches that killed the smell of coffee in your stores. But I do not think you learned your lesson. One of the stated reasons for dumping the breakfast line was that you were rediscovering yor core business. Well just in case you forgot, again, your core business is coffee! It is not breakfast, ice cream, tuna sandwiches, books, or fruit smoothies. For those things we turn to Denny's, Ben & Jerry's, Chicken of the Sea, Amazon, and Jamba Juice. So it somewhat surprising to me that you are introducing Sorbetto, a citrusy fruit smoothie type drink in your stores. You stated that your research shows that this is what customers want. Really? Is that why you are doing it? Why not have steak sandwiches? Fries? Ice cold beer? Don't you think your customers would respond to these too if they were given the option? What about me? I'd like lower prices. Let me know when I can expect those, since you are only giving us what we want. Mr. Schultz, your business is coffee. You do it well. Better than most. Stick to that. In & Out Burger is a great example of a company guarding their legacy and their original vision, while remaining profitable. Take a lesson from them. You'll be glad you did. Sincerely, Dave Miller A Concerned Starbuck's Customer