[dreamingat30fps]

Originally Posted by Darth One

Pricey but interesting !

Significantly cheaper, but same concept. I've had mine for like 2 years and I love it. Mostly just drink espresso or coffee but I do like cappuccinos sometimes so this does all I need. If you want to save more they have a cheaper version that doesn't so the automatic milk frothing and instead just has the spout so you froth your own milk. Bought one of those for the NC house on sale for $300.

[Chick Webb]

Originally Posted by shiftdnb

Meanwhile he's talking about making money off stocks because the company is buying back stock with their profits and investing in machines instead of employees. He's celebrating this story not because of the advancements of science and automation but that it will fuck over employees. Sad thing is if you read the article nothing about employees losing their jobs in it. Just growth for the company talking about opening more stores.

Your interpretation of my intent is incorrect.

[KenB925]

Originally Posted by chris719

I work on a team designing robotics among other things. These projects didn't just start because of unionization. Fast food corps have been looking to replace humans for decades. This was going to happen when the devices were reliable enough and capable of performing enough tasks. Blaming unionization for this is short sighted. Corporations like SBUX will shave a penny at any opportunity. The difference in comp between union and non-union "baristas" will pale in comparison to a barista and no barista.

I am in no way suggesting that this wasn't coming and being developed for years. We saw the trials with flippy the robot years ago.

Unionization just created urgency and acceptance that would have taken many more years to happen without it.

[ryan stewart]

Originally Posted by NYG

The owner of the business and the free market determines that.

That's how it works in the United States of America. I was born in a communist country and I'm very happy with how things work here - why would I move?

You know labor is also a free market too, right?

I was born in a non-communist country and Im pretty happy with how things work here - why would I move?

Im starting to think maybe the education in that communist country failed you, you might have a point (at least about your home country being shit).

[chris719]

Originally Posted by KenB925

Unionization just created urgency and acceptance that would have taken many more years to happen without it.

I have to disagree. COVID is what did it. Chipotle is still serving around 3x mobile orders vs walk-ins, for example. My closest Starbucks is fairly empty most of the day except the mobile order station and drive thru are packed. They see that the customer no longer values an in person experience.

US union membership is also at it's lowest since 1955:

https://www.uschamber.com/employment...us-low-in-2021

[dreamingat30fps]

There is a burger place here in NC they recently built. It's called Hwy 55 (not sure if it's a big chain or not) however at this new location they basically have a big roomba that brings your food. For now it's pretty useless as they always have an employee walking beside it and taking the trays from the robot and putting it on your table, but you know their days are numbered and honestly every time we have been there they have fucked up our order so I wish they had digital ordering also.

What about self checkout? That has been a thing for a long time now and at most stores I've been to it's the bulk of the lanes now. Some people hate it, some people like me love it because it means no line. What I like even better is how it works at Sams Club. Scan the stuff on your phone as you grab it, pay in app and walk the fuck out. This is why I stopped going to Costco with their mile long lines to checkout.

[KenB925]

Originally Posted by chris719

I have to disagree. COVID is what did it. Chipotle is still serving around 3x mobile orders vs walk-ins, for example. My closest Starbucks is fairly empty most of the day except the mobile order station and drive thru are packed. They see that the customer no longer values an in person experience.

US union membership is also at it's lowest since 1955:

https://www.uschamber.com/employment...us-low-in-2021

A change of market demands is an interesting point, and most certainly a factor. If people are no longer interested in the experience and only want to take out the product you don't need a store, just a kiosk will do and you can save money there too.

Historically automation is implemented to save on labor costs (other factors as well), but eliminating the cost of a dining room and restrooms is appealing too.

[shiftdnb]

Originally Posted by Chick Webb

Your interpretation of my intent is incorrect.

Originally Posted by Chick Webb

Right on, Howie! I dumped my SBUX earlier this year when the whole union thing started, but I may have to pick some back up.

What was your intent again?

[Chick Webb]

Originally Posted by shiftdnb

What was your intent again?

Do you have trouble with reading comprehension, or is your memory bad?

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...90&postcount=5

[shiftdnb]

Originally Posted by Chick Webb

Do you have trouble with reading comprehension, or is your memory bad?

https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...90&postcount=5

I mean your shitting on these people in this post too. Got to throw in your little these-people-are-lazy-they-don't-deserve-better-pay comment.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Actually, they won't. The first thing the manager will do is cut hours to make payroll. They'll get around 50% fewer hours and won't be able to afford their own products/food.

Not lately. They can't even find employees to run lean shifts. My local Wendy's and Starbucks have signs outside and cut their operating hours because they can't even fill open positions.

[Tyga11]

Originally Posted by chris719

Not lately. They can't even find employees to run lean shifts. My local Wendy's and Starbucks have signs outside and cut their operating hours because they can't even fill open positions.

Yeah - Starbucks around here close at 6pm due to staffing shortages.

[540iSUP]

Damn, lots of hate for Sbux here.

I used to work for Sbux in College so I know how these improvements will help. Also, these machines aren't going to get rid of Baristas anytime soon. For example, when you go to a bar, there is a bartender there. Some aspects of the job can be automated, but at the end of the day, there is a bartender.

As for the improvements that Sbux is making, they will make things more streamlined, but you still need a barista. Frappacinos are very time consuming compared to normal coffee or tea drinks, so the automation of that process would be very impactful. Especially with work flow, you don't have to stop to make a drink in a blender while working on making espresso drinks.

Cold brewing coffee is another labor and time intensive process that will be easier and more consistent being automated. That means baristas can actually help customers and focus on productivity in other areas.

Freshly brewed coffee gets thrown out after an hour. There is a lot of waste produced in order to keep things fresh. If a machine can grind and brew a single cup at a time, you will have fresher coffee and less waste. You will also gain back valuable time used by employees to grind 20 lb coffee bags for a few hours a day.

Batch cooking hot food makes more sense, takes less time, and uses less resources than individually heating up food for customers.

All that comes down to less time doing "side work" and more time interacting with customers.

As far as espresso machines go, my wife and I use a Nespresso Machine. Because of my Barista background, I don't need anything fancy to whip up a drink. All I need is something to make the espresso shots and a steam wand.

I have to agree that Covid really changed things. The drive through line is redic, but online ordering has improved. I used to have to wait 20 mins after the scheduled time for my drink, now it is ready when I get there.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by 540iSUP

Damn, lots of hate for Sbux here...

Probably because they burn the beans. I've never liked their coffee way too bitter, I like it black, like coffee should be drunk.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Probably because they burn the beans. I've never liked their coffee way too bitter, I like it black, like coffee should be drunk.

Burning it makes it easy to hide any inconsistency in the roast and supply chain.

[540iSUP]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Probably because they burn the beans. I've never liked their coffee way too bitter, I like it black, like coffee should be drunk.

Hell yeah, me too!

[Bruuuce]

Starbucks, is nothing more than a Bar

Cheers