Some coffee lovers are no longer visiting Starbucks due to higher prices, long wait times, and controversial political stances. The company suffered a 6% decrease in US orders last quarter. Dan Palmer, a customer in Chicago, said the cost is now too high, with each cup costing over $6. Many customers, like Brad Pearl in Spokane, have started going to cheaper local cafes instead, saving money each month. Others have been frustrated by long wait times, even with mobile ordering.
Former CEO Howard Schultz acknowledged issues with the mobile ordering system, which can lead to overcrowding and delays. Starbucks has tried to win customers back with discounts and quicker service, but the chain has faced criticism from both the left and right over the years. Despite these challenges, Starbucks remains a strong US company and its stock has risen by 17% since June.
Vocabulary List:
- Controversial /ˌkɒn.trəˈvɜː.ʃəl/ (adjective): Giving rise or likely to give rise to public disagreement.
- Decreased /dɪˈkriːst/ (verb): Made less in amount or size.
- Frustrated /frʌsˈtreɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Feeling or expressing distress and annoyance especially because of inability to change or achieve something.
- Overcrowding /ˌoʊ.vərˈkraʊd.ɪŋ/ (noun): The situation when there are too many people in a space.
- Acknowledged /əkˈnɒl.ɪdʒd/ (verb): Recognized or admitted the existence or truth of something.
- Criticism /ˈkrɪt.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/ (noun): The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
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