Is Starbucks Kosher?

For those who are not familiar, the CRC has declared that drinking starbucks coffee has new issues with regards to kashrus (as seen below). You can listen to Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz from YU discuss the issue in great detail here. Part of the kashrus issue seems to stem from the fact that many were under the impression  that Starbucks was using soap when cleaning various utensils. Once it was discovered that soap was not being used, the trouble ensued. According to other blogs the OU seems to have a difference of opinion. Bottom line: ask your local Rabbi.

Free Iced Coffee Coupon for Starbucks

Free Iced Coffee Day is Wednesday until July 23rd.

Remember if you want to expand your business accepting credit cards helps.

Check out Prestige Merchant Services

Starbucks to Offer Free Coffee....

AP-To mark the launch of its new "everyday" brew, Starbucks will give away free 8 oz. cups of Pike Place Roast -- named after its first store in Seattle's famed public market -- at more than 7,000 U.S. stores beginning at 12 p.m. Tuesday. The coffee giant hopes that the signature blend will give its slumping sales a jolt.

I could use a cup right about now....how about you?

How Does STARBUCKS Deal With a Recession? Free Refills!

Seatlle coffee lovers are probably getting excited on Starbucks latest announcement: Starbucks is testing $1 coffee and free refills in its Seattle outlets as the global gourmet coffee chain grapples with slower consumer spending and rising competition from fast-food rivals. Starbucks shares have taken a hit due to questions over consumer spending. When companies like Starbucks are considering rolling back prices one does begin to worry.

Starbucks: How Kosher Is It?

The 5 towns has a recent Starbucks addition: A Starbucks drive through on Rockaway Turnpike. Many people assume that since it's coffee they can order any kind because after all, isn't all coffee kosher? In an article in the 5 Towns Jewish Times, Rabbi Rabbi Yair Hoffman dispels many of those myths. He argues that flavored coffees must have a hecsher (supervision):Because these flavors are added artificially to the bean after it is roasted. These flavors—hazelnut, vanilla bean, or chocolate—are not pure pieces of the same, but come from flavorings that need supervision.Now it should be noted should you opt for an added flavor to your regular coffee, many of those flavors are OU certified (one should check for the label before asking for one). He also gets into a discussion about the fact that many of the items used to assist in making these beverages are all cleaned together in a dishwasher that may very well have tarfus (non-kosher). It's an interesting read.

Socialize: del.icio.us | Furl | reddit | Technorati | Yahoo My Web

Waking Up May Cost You More Now

For you coffee lovers, there is some bad news on the horizon. Starbucks will be raising their prices. The increase is reported to be 9 cents, which if you can afford the stuff in the first place, should not be that big of a deal. The price increase is due to the rising costs of fuel, energy and dairy prices and will go into effect next week Tuesday. I wonder if we will see any picket signs from angry protesters?