Starbucks Provides Baristas With These Talking Points About Schultz's Potential Presidential Run

Beth Baumann | January 30, 2019 9:25 PM

Starbucks Coffee Company is preparing to receive a backlash from customers who are upset about former CEO Howard Schultz potentially running for president. The company has provided Baristas with a list of talking points to help eliminate tense and rather controversial conversations with customers.

This is what the company's “Barista Need-To-Know” memo said this week (as obtained by Huffington Post):

“... partners [i.e., employees] may be asked questions by customers or hear media speculation about Howard’s potential political intentions. We encourage you all to take a moment to review the talking points below with your partners.
If a customer asks if we are selling Howard’s book at Starbucks:
No, the books are available at bookstores and online.
If a customer attempts to investigate, or share aggressive political opinions, attempt to diffuse the situation by sharing:
We respect everyone’s opinion. Our goal is simply to create a warm and welcoming space where we can all gather, as a community, over great coffee.
If asked about Howard’s political intentions:
Howard’s future plans are up to him.

Here is the full memo:

This is a copy of the memo @Starbucks provided Baristas. The primary topic is a potential @HowardSchultz run and how to deal with angry customers. pic.twitter.com/FUcJ5vvMPt
— Beth Baumann (@eb454) January 31, 2019