Why, Starbucks, Whhhhyyyyyy???

For as much as everyone pretends to be indie coffee house-loving, Starbucks-hating, people of god -- we're not. Especially when we're lazy. If we're in the financial district and want our half-caff, venti macchiato with a double shot of sugar-free vanilla and only want to walk two steps from our door to get it, so be it. We're going to Starbucks. But NOT, however, on February 26th between the hours of 5:30 to 8:30 PM. All Starbucks across the US will be closed during these hours (local time) to "[Demonstrate] Unprecedented Level of Commitment to Partner (Employee) Coffee Education and Training." At least, that's according to the Starbucks press release.

So what exactly does that mean? They're closing up shop because the higher-ups have decided that your favorite barista has been serving you pure swill for coffee these past years. Starbucks wants to see if coffee addicts will give them more money visit more often after they've "re-trained" all employees to make better drinks. This "renewed focus on espresso standards" will "ensure the exceptional quality of every beverage." (Ahem) Sure.

However, if you completely absolutely cannot live without your Mermaid-logo cups of coffee, YumSugar points out that all the smaller kiosk, bookstore and airport Starbucks will be open. Seattle, look at what addicts we've become. Le sigh.

Photo courtesy of Rude Lovers.