Starbucks Espresso Training Delivers on the Promise of the Best Customer Experience

Historic Event Celebrates Company's Commitment to its Coffee, its
Partners and its Customers
SEATTLE--(Business Wire)--
In one of its most significant efforts to transform the company
and reignite its connection with customers, today Starbucks
(Nasdaq:SBUX) is conducting an unprecedented in-store education and
training event for more than 135,000 partners (employees) in U.S.
company-operated stores. As part of this major customer-focused
initiative, Starbucks is also introducing a promise to exceed
customers' expectations by delivering the perfect drink every time.

"The very heart of the Starbucks Experience is the connection our
baristas have with our customers through a shared passion of
exceptional coffee," said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo.
"Tonight is about celebrating who we are and reenergizing our focus on
and commitment to those things that have made us the world's leading
roaster and retailer of specialty coffee. We are incredibly proud of
what we have built, but as tonight clearly demonstrates, we are
reaffirming our coffee leadership, and neither we nor our customers
will settle for the status quo."

When customers arrive at their Starbucks store tomorrow morning,
they will be greeted with the following promise:

Your drink should be perfect, every time.

If not, let us know and we'll make it right.

At the end of the night, all of Starbucks U.S. partners will
pledge their commitment to upholding the uncompromising standards and
quality that have made Starbucks the world's coffee leader. The
promise will be prominently posted in every U.S. company-operated
store, and baristas will demonstrate a personal commitment to their
customers by signing the promise upon completion of tonight's
training.

"We have always been at our best when we have been courageous and
pushed for innovation and excellence," said Schultz. "The last several
weeks have shown how serious we are about elevating the Starbucks
Experience for our customers, and this is just the beginning."

While tonight's training is focused on U.S. company-operated
stores, Starbucks partners in 43 countries outside the U.S. will
undergo the training over the course of the coming month. Licensed
locations in the U.S. have also committed to taking part in the
training over the course of March.

Espresso training b-roll footage available on Wednesday, February
27 at 3-3:15 a.m. and 5-5:15 a.m. EST. Satellite coordinates for both
times: C-Band; AMC 3, Transponder 8, DL 3860V.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to
ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in
the world. Today, with nearly 16,000 stores and more than 170,000
partners (employees) in 44 countries, Starbucks is the premiere
roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our
unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we
bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer
through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our
stores or online at www.starbucks.com.

Starbucks Coffee Company
Valerie O'Neil, 206-318-7100
press@starbucks.com
here

Copyright Business Wire 2008