Starbucks Calls Off Decaf--After 12 PM?

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I stopped at a Target Starbucks at 8am today and was informed they do not have decaf at all. At all! Amazing. There are plenty other coffee shops, and good ones, that I'll be happy to patronize instead.
This is just a weird "cost" move. Many people cut back on regular in the afternoon and switch to decaf. MANY, due to medical conditions, can only have decaf. Seems to me they'll be losing a large chunk of business. Mine, for one.

Decaf only for me of MD 9:58AM February 20, 2009

For a long time i've been told to brew decaf on demand by some shift managers. I never did, i hate seeing a customer get mad because he/she has to wait for coffee (even though it is only 4 minutes). This new rule makes me sad, but is probably necessary with the current ecenomic crisis. Starbucks coffee is a luxury and ppl are going to stop comming as often.
P.S. you won't get coffee that's been sitting all day, we rebrew every 30 min. That's how the coffee got wasted.

William Butler of AL 2:23PM February 18, 2009

I have been a Starbucks manager for almost 4 years, I left January 2 of this year to pursue other opportunities. I can confidently state that while, yes, many drip coffee drinkers switch to decaf after 12pm, the overall demand for drip coffee sharply drops off the later it becomes. If all standards are followed as they always were at my Starbucks, coffee will be brewed and dumped out every 30 minutes. My business actually lost money on drip coffee every day.
I understand why decaf drinkers are upset by this new policy, but if you look at the company's overall profitability this year, you too will understand why they are initiating this new policy.
If you have to have that dark roasty coffee flavor in a decaf variety after 12pm, I suggest trying a decaf Americano.

Chris B. of FL 8:40AM January 31, 2009

I'd definitely go for the fresh decaf at Starbucks. Not going to give my money to Caribou no matter what.

of IL 6:31PM January 29, 2009

Starbucks fails to offer fresh, quality coffee, yet they charge out the whazoo for their beverages. I'm strongly loyal to Caribou for their freshness, quality, taste, customer service, atmosphere, and I could go on.

of IL 5:06PM January 29, 2009

You're really wasting your money.

sdfasd of NJ 4:16PM January 28, 2009

seems pointless to me, like non alcoholic beer

of 2:08PM January 28, 2009

If you're so antsy that you can't wait 4 minutes for a cup of coffee, I would definitely stick to decaf.

jr of NJ 2:06PM January 28, 2009

wow you can not wait for 4 minutes for a freshly brewed mug of coffee?? moron.

stupid white ppl 2:05PM January 28, 2009

Just a thought, but perhaps the reason they see the decrease in the afternoon is because a large number of people who drink decaf only drink it in the morning as a part of their "morning wake-up" routine (perhaps they switched from caffeinated to decaf for health reasons), and simply don't drink coffee in the afternoon.
Additionally, I'd have to agree with drmax - I would see this actually as a benefit for those afternoon decaf drinkers as they no longer will be receiving stale coffee. And honestly - is four minutes really that long of a wait?

Nate of MN 2:01PM January 28, 2009