Today at 5:30 p.m., Starbucks is closing the doors at its 7,100 stores across America for a brief barista re-education. CEO Howard Schultz says it's part of his refocusing on the coffee customer experience. He wants baristas to share their passion for making espresso, or as he says, "to pull the perfect shot, steam milk to order and customize their favorite beverage."
To celebrate its "highly skilled baristas and the superior quality of its coffee," local coffee chain Caffe Vita is offering complimentary coffee and espresso drinks during Starbucks' closure, between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Now that's good marketing.