I have been a Chipotle customer for over 20 years and I have to say the customer experience has gotten worse, especially over the last few years. Overcooked rice, burned chicken and employees who consider English a second (or third) language. The pandemic has presented us with a harsh reality: the customer no longer is a priority.
I agree that Chipotle’s quality has diminished over the past few years, so much so that my wife and I rarely think of it as a food option these days. It used to be what we considered about the only “healthy” fast-food type option.
Starbucks was a favorite of mine for years. It provided consistency when traveling as well a could be found in most airports. Since retiring we have our favorite coffees we grind and brew at home in our OXO grinder and brewer.
I've only been a regular Chipotle customer for a few years since it's right around the corner from where I volunteer. I go there to grab 2 salads to go for dinner & we've always been happy. Once last yr we ordered the catering for 12, pick-up, which you select whatever variety you want - very generous portions & it's packed in great containers w/ serving tongs & spoons, etc. We got it home & it was missing the tortillias. Yikes, huh! Well, too far for us to go back, so went to local store. Called Chipotle & we now have a FULL catering for 12 credit!!! To use anywhere in the US. I'd say that's extremely generous!
Oh, & yes, all, or the majority of employees speak Spanish. Several on the serving line do speak enough English for dealing w/ the public.
On this topic previously I've said I've never been a Starbucks fan 'cause I drink my coffee black & don't like the taste of theirs. In the summer their iced coffee is ok if others in a group want to go...
re: kid shooter in GA, did I post here already? I worked at a psych hospital in one state, working w/ young adults, then in another state w/ adolescents at a residential facility. The majority of the adolescents were admitted by the state for danger to themselves (suicidal) or to others. I'm a licensed (MSSW) family therapist (now retired). This was before the liberal mental health professionals threw the baby out w/ the bath water, saying the freedom of the psych patients needed to be protected so all/most of the hospitals/facilities are now closed & it's just about impossible to insist anyone receive therapy against their free will. Is the freedom of the psychologically needy more important than those in the community? Tell that to the relatives & friends of those killed by this child. Relatives, AND this CHILD, were asking for help, but I'm guessing there was no help available - or worse, ignored? So yes, the parents should be held liable, but mental health services should also be held accountable. Where were they?
Have you taken a look at your legislative line item budgeting is for mental health facilities in your state? I don’t know where you live but in my state the republican legislature is all about cutting costs in areas such as mental health while loosening laws around obtaining guns. This kid’s father bought him the gun for his birthday last year. Since the child is currently 14 years old I can only guess he was 13 when he got his lethal “gift”. The father should also be charged with child abuse. Who does this to their child in a sane world?
If the laws had been followed, there would have been red flag laws for this family, & this child. I honestly don't believe laws are being relaxed - it's the enforcement of laws that aren't being followed. I'll try to find a link for "both sides", but I'm about to head out the door so no time right now. In a lot of states hunting is a very popular "sport", "activity", an actual way to provide food, so responsible adults do give their kids guns to use for such. Those guns aren't classified as lethal. This dad absolutely should be charged, no question. BUT it goes back to my strong belief that mental health services failed the community. If funding was cut, it's because the liberal, imo factual liberal bleeding hearts, think the money can better be spent in other ways than having secure ways to "take away the freedom in locked facilities". In larger facilities in the long run it costs less than having 1 on 1 counseling (those counselors have to pay rent, etc), or perhaps 1 counselor visiting several schools...
SPW - you are right. Here is a good overview on deinstitutionalization which had significant roots with the Nixon administration’s “war on drugs” that led to many mentally ill people ending up in prison.
As well as on the streets. My late husband and I used to volunteer in our town’s first homeless shelter. While many had alcohol problems there were others who clearly needed their meds which they couldn’t get because they were homeless. Patients who had been institutionalized long term were slowly cut loose either to their families who then had to manage both meds and docs if they could afford both, or out into communities that certainly weren’t equipped to take care of them. Horrible outcomes for so many.
From Wikipedia: Deinstitutionalisation (or deinstitutionalization) is the process of replacing long-stay psychiatric hospitals with less isolated community mental health services for those diagnosed with a mental disorder or developmental disability. In the late 20th century, it led to the closure of many psychiatric hospitals, as patients were increasingly cared for at home, in halfway houses, group homes, and clinics, in regular hospitals, or not at all.
The movement to reduce institutionalisation was met with wide acceptance in Western countries, though its effects have been the subject of many debates. Critics of the policy include defenders of the previous policies as well as those who believe the reforms did not go far enough to provide freedom to patients
During Kennedy’s administration, he sponsored the successful passage of the Community Mental Health Act, one of the most important laws that led to deinstitutionalization. The movement continued to gain momentum during the Civil Rights Movement. The 1965 amendments to Social Security shifted about 50% of the mental health care costs from states to the federal government,[79] motivating state governments to promote deinstitutionalization. The 1970s saw the founding of several advocacy groups, including Liberation of Mental Patients, Project Release, Insane Liberation Front, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).[79]
Wikipedia info includes both sides pro/against shutting down the hospitals.
Like you say, a lot of people became homeless w/ no family/friends to help. Those needing meds often don't admit or want to admit needing meds so left on their own quit taking them so the psychosis/symptoms return. The article from Murphy recently about the parents searching for their son is an example.
When police need to intervene now they no longer have the ability to admit for psychiatric evaluation; they can only put someone in jail even if they don't belong in jail when exhibiting some form of mental condition. During the Defund the Police, a call was made for sending Social Workers out to intervene - you know how many Social Workers want to go into unknown situations where in previous times police would be called?
I’m a longtime Starbucks customer too - drip coffee with lots of half and half, not all those desserts masquerading as coffee - I think the quality of the food has gone down but here in Austin the baristas are still friendly and fast and at least for now, no union activity.
Never eaten at Chipotle, have never seen one to eat at it. Avoid Starbucks like the plague, won't stand in a long line up to get what I have found to be crappy coffee, and they are expensive. There used to be a cachet around Starbucks, but now there are coffee shops on just about every corner all based on the same model of frou-frou coffees that make the customers wait to order and then wait while the drinks are made one at a time. Not surprised the revenues have dropped.
I have liked Starbucks for a long time. There are three I go to and the customer service is always good with friendly baristas. And that is my problem with them the last couple years. The workers are the business, it is not magically better coffee. And Starbucks chooses to expend resources and goodwill fighting unionization to avoid paying baristas more, but pay ONE person $113 million to run everything? I find that offensive and it will cost them my business. It is an illustration of what is wrong in our economy. How will he make that money? Squeeze suppliers? Squeeze their workers? It makes no sense.
Well, I do patronize both Starbucks and Chipotle. I only get the blueberry scones at the coffee joint and get the Burrito Bowl (chicken) because you can customize it. I don't like Starbucks joe because it tastes burnt. On a chat somewhere, I wasn't the only one who thought that; at least I didn't feel odd for my opinion on the taste. The scones are just right IMVHO. I get mine at a supermarket S/B installation. The baristas are always friendly and efficient. And where I am temporarily staying I haven't gone to Chipotle, I have to see if there's one near by. I've gone to local Mexican restaurants, though, which are great. There is even a chain that is quite good. I can have a tasty Margarita at all those establishments also, which doesn't hurt.
Why would a parent buy their 13 year old kid an assault-style rifle? Are the deer organizing into weaponized gangs? If it takes more than one - perhaps even a second - shot, you don’t know what you are doing.
Assault-style rifles are toxic masculinity, macho toys if they are used anywhere other than the military.
Re: Starbucks. It used to be good coffee back in the early 1990s. I recall how happy I was when it arrived in NYC when I was a grad student there. New York had awful coffee then; I'd lived in San Francisco and had been spoiled by the good coffee there. The whole Starbucks experience has gone down the drain since the 1990s. They changed their set up to the coffee drinks could be made faster, which sacrificed quality for expediency. I don't go there if I want good coffee. I go there if I haven't got any other choice.
But I must say that their overseas outlets are much better. I went to ones in Japan, Seoul and Singapore last year. Not only were the stores nicer (decor wise) but the selection of drinks as well, with seasonal drinks and coffee cups/tea ware that were superior to what I've seen at the stores stateside. Certain stores in Tokyo had special drinks which my daughter insisted we go to so she could try them. Then we had to get special cups and such that were for the mid autumn festival that they had in Singapore.
I recall going to a McDonald's in Vienna and being impressed with the selection at the McCafe over 10 years ago. McCafes here are nothing special.
I guess the bottom line is that I find no real reason to visit Starbucks here when there are other places I can go for better coffee.
All I know is that Chipotle's culinary trained Steve Ells is a kind and generous man, well liked even by the picky Warren Buffet, who was pushed out by Brian Niccol, focusing on lining his own pockets with the big bucks.
I have been a Chipotle customer for over 20 years and I have to say the customer experience has gotten worse, especially over the last few years. Overcooked rice, burned chicken and employees who consider English a second (or third) language. The pandemic has presented us with a harsh reality: the customer no longer is a priority.
I agree that Chipotle’s quality has diminished over the past few years, so much so that my wife and I rarely think of it as a food option these days. It used to be what we considered about the only “healthy” fast-food type option.
Starbucks was a favorite of mine for years. It provided consistency when traveling as well a could be found in most airports. Since retiring we have our favorite coffees we grind and brew at home in our OXO grinder and brewer.
I've only been a regular Chipotle customer for a few years since it's right around the corner from where I volunteer. I go there to grab 2 salads to go for dinner & we've always been happy. Once last yr we ordered the catering for 12, pick-up, which you select whatever variety you want - very generous portions & it's packed in great containers w/ serving tongs & spoons, etc. We got it home & it was missing the tortillias. Yikes, huh! Well, too far for us to go back, so went to local store. Called Chipotle & we now have a FULL catering for 12 credit!!! To use anywhere in the US. I'd say that's extremely generous!
Oh, & yes, all, or the majority of employees speak Spanish. Several on the serving line do speak enough English for dealing w/ the public.
On this topic previously I've said I've never been a Starbucks fan 'cause I drink my coffee black & don't like the taste of theirs. In the summer their iced coffee is ok if others in a group want to go...
re: kid shooter in GA, did I post here already? I worked at a psych hospital in one state, working w/ young adults, then in another state w/ adolescents at a residential facility. The majority of the adolescents were admitted by the state for danger to themselves (suicidal) or to others. I'm a licensed (MSSW) family therapist (now retired). This was before the liberal mental health professionals threw the baby out w/ the bath water, saying the freedom of the psych patients needed to be protected so all/most of the hospitals/facilities are now closed & it's just about impossible to insist anyone receive therapy against their free will. Is the freedom of the psychologically needy more important than those in the community? Tell that to the relatives & friends of those killed by this child. Relatives, AND this CHILD, were asking for help, but I'm guessing there was no help available - or worse, ignored? So yes, the parents should be held liable, but mental health services should also be held accountable. Where were they?
Have you taken a look at your legislative line item budgeting is for mental health facilities in your state? I don’t know where you live but in my state the republican legislature is all about cutting costs in areas such as mental health while loosening laws around obtaining guns. This kid’s father bought him the gun for his birthday last year. Since the child is currently 14 years old I can only guess he was 13 when he got his lethal “gift”. The father should also be charged with child abuse. Who does this to their child in a sane world?
If the laws had been followed, there would have been red flag laws for this family, & this child. I honestly don't believe laws are being relaxed - it's the enforcement of laws that aren't being followed. I'll try to find a link for "both sides", but I'm about to head out the door so no time right now. In a lot of states hunting is a very popular "sport", "activity", an actual way to provide food, so responsible adults do give their kids guns to use for such. Those guns aren't classified as lethal. This dad absolutely should be charged, no question. BUT it goes back to my strong belief that mental health services failed the community. If funding was cut, it's because the liberal, imo factual liberal bleeding hearts, think the money can better be spent in other ways than having secure ways to "take away the freedom in locked facilities". In larger facilities in the long run it costs less than having 1 on 1 counseling (those counselors have to pay rent, etc), or perhaps 1 counselor visiting several schools...
SPW - you are right. Here is a good overview on deinstitutionalization which had significant roots with the Nixon administration’s “war on drugs” that led to many mentally ill people ending up in prison.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2021/05/truth-about-deinstitutionalization/618986/
As well as on the streets. My late husband and I used to volunteer in our town’s first homeless shelter. While many had alcohol problems there were others who clearly needed their meds which they couldn’t get because they were homeless. Patients who had been institutionalized long term were slowly cut loose either to their families who then had to manage both meds and docs if they could afford both, or out into communities that certainly weren’t equipped to take care of them. Horrible outcomes for so many.
Indeed. Then they self-medicate and become addicts. Next, they end up prison trying to support their habit. It is a cycle that prisons perpetuate.
Searching for a root cause is always illuminating.
From Wikipedia: Deinstitutionalisation (or deinstitutionalization) is the process of replacing long-stay psychiatric hospitals with less isolated community mental health services for those diagnosed with a mental disorder or developmental disability. In the late 20th century, it led to the closure of many psychiatric hospitals, as patients were increasingly cared for at home, in halfway houses, group homes, and clinics, in regular hospitals, or not at all.
The movement to reduce institutionalisation was met with wide acceptance in Western countries, though its effects have been the subject of many debates. Critics of the policy include defenders of the previous policies as well as those who believe the reforms did not go far enough to provide freedom to patients
During Kennedy’s administration, he sponsored the successful passage of the Community Mental Health Act, one of the most important laws that led to deinstitutionalization. The movement continued to gain momentum during the Civil Rights Movement. The 1965 amendments to Social Security shifted about 50% of the mental health care costs from states to the federal government,[79] motivating state governments to promote deinstitutionalization. The 1970s saw the founding of several advocacy groups, including Liberation of Mental Patients, Project Release, Insane Liberation Front, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).[79]
Wikipedia info includes both sides pro/against shutting down the hospitals.
Like you say, a lot of people became homeless w/ no family/friends to help. Those needing meds often don't admit or want to admit needing meds so left on their own quit taking them so the psychosis/symptoms return. The article from Murphy recently about the parents searching for their son is an example.
When police need to intervene now they no longer have the ability to admit for psychiatric evaluation; they can only put someone in jail even if they don't belong in jail when exhibiting some form of mental condition. During the Defund the Police, a call was made for sending Social Workers out to intervene - you know how many Social Workers want to go into unknown situations where in previous times police would be called?
https://thepathforwardonguns.com/
link for both sides about gun control; click on all the blue areas to open for more info
anyone on either side interested in compromise?
I’m a longtime Starbucks customer too - drip coffee with lots of half and half, not all those desserts masquerading as coffee - I think the quality of the food has gone down but here in Austin the baristas are still friendly and fast and at least for now, no union activity.
Never eaten at Chipotle, have never seen one to eat at it. Avoid Starbucks like the plague, won't stand in a long line up to get what I have found to be crappy coffee, and they are expensive. There used to be a cachet around Starbucks, but now there are coffee shops on just about every corner all based on the same model of frou-frou coffees that make the customers wait to order and then wait while the drinks are made one at a time. Not surprised the revenues have dropped.
I have liked Starbucks for a long time. There are three I go to and the customer service is always good with friendly baristas. And that is my problem with them the last couple years. The workers are the business, it is not magically better coffee. And Starbucks chooses to expend resources and goodwill fighting unionization to avoid paying baristas more, but pay ONE person $113 million to run everything? I find that offensive and it will cost them my business. It is an illustration of what is wrong in our economy. How will he make that money? Squeeze suppliers? Squeeze their workers? It makes no sense.
Well, I do patronize both Starbucks and Chipotle. I only get the blueberry scones at the coffee joint and get the Burrito Bowl (chicken) because you can customize it. I don't like Starbucks joe because it tastes burnt. On a chat somewhere, I wasn't the only one who thought that; at least I didn't feel odd for my opinion on the taste. The scones are just right IMVHO. I get mine at a supermarket S/B installation. The baristas are always friendly and efficient. And where I am temporarily staying I haven't gone to Chipotle, I have to see if there's one near by. I've gone to local Mexican restaurants, though, which are great. There is even a chain that is quite good. I can have a tasty Margarita at all those establishments also, which doesn't hurt.
Why would a parent buy their 13 year old kid an assault-style rifle? Are the deer organizing into weaponized gangs? If it takes more than one - perhaps even a second - shot, you don’t know what you are doing.
Assault-style rifles are toxic masculinity, macho toys if they are used anywhere other than the military.
Re: Starbucks. It used to be good coffee back in the early 1990s. I recall how happy I was when it arrived in NYC when I was a grad student there. New York had awful coffee then; I'd lived in San Francisco and had been spoiled by the good coffee there. The whole Starbucks experience has gone down the drain since the 1990s. They changed their set up to the coffee drinks could be made faster, which sacrificed quality for expediency. I don't go there if I want good coffee. I go there if I haven't got any other choice.
But I must say that their overseas outlets are much better. I went to ones in Japan, Seoul and Singapore last year. Not only were the stores nicer (decor wise) but the selection of drinks as well, with seasonal drinks and coffee cups/tea ware that were superior to what I've seen at the stores stateside. Certain stores in Tokyo had special drinks which my daughter insisted we go to so she could try them. Then we had to get special cups and such that were for the mid autumn festival that they had in Singapore.
I recall going to a McDonald's in Vienna and being impressed with the selection at the McCafe over 10 years ago. McCafes here are nothing special.
I guess the bottom line is that I find no real reason to visit Starbucks here when there are other places I can go for better coffee.
All I know is that Chipotle's culinary trained Steve Ells is a kind and generous man, well liked even by the picky Warren Buffet, who was pushed out by Brian Niccol, focusing on lining his own pockets with the big bucks.