I was a loyal Starbucks customer until the auditor for the West Houston stores started requiring firings of over 15 employees at the West Oaks store. One by one, I watched them get fired off from November 2001 through August 2002. ""Causes"" ranged from spending too much time talking to a particular customer to refusal to fire other employees. Finally, my coworkers and I had enough. We took thousands of dollars in business per year away from Starbucks. I LOVE my Rancillio espresso machine, and I'm saving tons of money now. :) I tried to get the situation straightened out. I wrote letters, filled out comment cards, etc. But nothing ever changed. As for alternatives, La Madeline has several locations, and their French roast is good. Elix and Diedritch's are best bets for espresso drinks if you'd like to see the same person who served you still there next month.
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