Dear Starbucks,
We've been seeing each other for what, 14 years? You were one of the the first places where I went on a date with my then boyfriend (and now husband, aaaawwww). I love your intoxicating scent as I enter your doors or get near you in a mall. There is nothing like it short of the waffle cone smell from a visit to Cold Stone Creamery (I once debated devouring my nieces when they showed up smelling like ice cream and cones ...). I even own a Starbucks Gold card that I love flashing in front of my husband who could care less.
I've tried many times to replicate your delicious beverages at home and each time I have failed. Miserably. Let me take that back, I can make a mean Pumpkin Spice Latte but it's not like that floats my boat 24/7. My real love is for a Grande Peppermit Soy Mocha, hot or cold depending on my mood. And I don't even mind saying "grande" or "venti" instead of medium or large.
That's why I was taken aback this morning when I received your email.
For the most part I was pleasantly surprised ... my free birthday drink right on my card? Hoo yeah baby! Free refills are nice too for those moments when I'm with my Mom, but I'm a mocha / frap girl. Postcards benefits straight on the card too minus the physical postcard? Nice! Granted, I may have received only one or two during the course of the year but it's still nice to be paperless, right?
But then I continued reading ...
Starbucks is saying "Goodbye" to one the following benefits: Syrup & Soymilk on the house. Wait. Say what? Isn't that the whole point of brand loyalty? Granted they give you a few freebies (see above) once or twice a year but really, you're going to take away the one reason I own a Starbucks card and don't think twice about paying for overpriced expensive coffee?
So my darling, after 12 years of bliss we might have to end our relationship. Or start seeing other people. Granted, I still have a balance on my shiny gold card so we'll completely see each other again. But it'll have to be less often, 'cause you are just too dang delicious to give up cold turkey. But I'll see you again in the future (and silently curse your new ways ...) until my balance is $0.00. RIP Syrup & Soymilk on the house ...