If you've ever use the restroom at a downtown Starbucks location... you'll relate to what I'm talking about...
At Starbucks, the objects often used to keep restroom keys from getting stolen are objectionable... A collection of unsanitary, food-related large metal objects. A distasteful choice for a place that's all about taste.
Yeah... I understand the challenge... Absent-minded customers tend to forget and leave the keys in the restroom... Evil-minded customers tend to steal the keys... Gotta make 'em big... hard to miss.
I'm currently at Top Pot Doughnuts... a fresh donut / coffee shop that's quickly becoming an institution in Seattle. Someone just emerged from the restroom... What was attached to the restroom key?
[fig. 1] "Doughnut Cutter"
Many of you may be familiar with the scene in The Jerk that parodies this phenomenon. Steve Martin's character, Navin R. Johnson, was given the key to the gas station restroom attached to...
[fig. 2] "Wheel Rim"
The objects below are items commonly attached to Starbucks restroom keys.
[fig. 3] "Steaming Pitcher"
What am I supposed to do with this? Fill it up?
[fig. 4] "Large Metal Spoon"
I guess if things get clogged... This could help?
[fig. 5] "Ice Scoop"
Iced Crappuccino, anyone?
[fig. 6] "Wire Pastry Basket"
Geez... this is one step away from the metal wheel rim...
Luckily Starbucks doesn't merchandise their food in these anymore.
It's a shame Starbucks doesn't consider itself a restaurant... it should... Perceived sanitation is a key part of running a restaurant. A place as 'classy' as Starbucks is (and wants to be) should be more mindful of details as gross as this. You get what this has to do with marketing... The image of a restaurant is primarily driven by perceived cleanliness and handling of food.
After all, a company's brand is partly driven by its image.
Bathroom keys? At a Starbucks in Manhattan? Where?
Honestly, I've never been to a Starbucks where the restrooms are locked. It's why I always look for one when Nature calls.
I have to assume these are dicier neighborhoods (although I have no idea what those are these days) - Loisaida? Alphabet City? Are those neighborhoods even called that anymore?
Posted by: Eric Sohn | July 12, 2005 at 11:20 PM
I would assume that somebody at some point has brought back the Steaming Pitcher full of 'liquid' as a joke.
Posted by: Josh Hallett | July 13, 2005 at 06:33 AM
This always annoys me - the bathroom key. They are standard at every cafe here in TO. I also find the fact that they only have one seater washrooms completely idiotic. When you are pouring alcohol or caffeine down people's throats, at least have the forethought to keep bathrooms clean, open to the public (who cares if the occasional drifter or mom with kid needs to use the john), and available (more than one toilet per washroom).
Posted by: Aleah | July 14, 2005 at 02:47 PM
Completely off topic but I must point out Top Pot Doughnuts are simply divine and I strongly urge my boss to have team meetings there whenever possible. (Not that I have ever succeeded, of course.) :-)
Posted by: Danielle LaFleur | July 21, 2005 at 11:56 AM
Top Pot should be ashamed of themselves... as should Starbucks. Any store that offers hydrogenated products deserves to go under. ;) If you want truly good donuts in Seattle, go for Mighty-O Donuts in Tangletown.
Posted by: Chris Pirillo | July 21, 2005 at 02:27 PM