Good Cup of Coffee

By Sally Stone

As social as I tend to be, I have a lot of experience interacting with businesses. Most of my experiences have been positive, but there is one retailer that always exceeds my expectations. It is Starbucks.  

Today, I experienced another example of customer service that went above and way beyond what is normally expected. My experience has less to do with the service or the products, but focuses instead on the organization’s inclusiveness and acceptance.   

Today, I stopped for coffee at the Denville, New Jersey Starbucks on Route 10 and when I walked into the store, one of the baristas took time from her busy duties to acknowledge me and to make a lovely comment about the skirt I was wearing. She made me feel wonderful, like a superstar; in short, she made my day.  

And perhaps a single incident like this could be the result of a single employee in tune with the current gender landscape, but for Starbucks, it has to be more than that. Today was just one example of the numerous experiences I’ve had at many other Starbucks locations. In the past, so many of their employees have taken the time to acknowledge me and celebrate my transness. I know enough about how corporations work to know that this is no accident. 

I thought it important to make sure my experiences with Starbucks are shared with our community. I only wish more corporations made inclusiveness and acceptance a business imperative the way Starbucks does. 

Kudos to you Starbucks and much love to every employee who has gone the extra mile to make me feel special. 

Maxim Galkin femulated Maria Callas on Russian television's Exactly. You can view this femulation on YouTube.