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Feb 26, 2008 11:35 am US/Eastern
Starbucks Shuts Down While Baristas Get A Boost
Stores Close For 3 Hours Nationwide
SEATTLE, Wash. (AP) ―
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Customers stand outside a San Francisco Starbucks store. (File)
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Starbucks is shutting down its American stores Tuesday, but just for three hours.
CEO Howard Schultz has announced the closure, starting at 5:30 p.m. local time, to energize 135,000 employees.
Starbucks' 7,100 stores across America will participate in the brief barista re-education.
Schultz said 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."
Schultz said it's part of his refocusing on the coffee customer experience.
Since the chairman returned as CEO in January he has been making changes to revive Starbucks' growth.
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