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The Coffee Connection

Terrorists Shut Down Corporate Coffee

by Dan Savage

But while presidents and governors were talking tough, Seattle's Starbucks Coffee was running scared--and seeking publicity. In a mawkish press release issued practically before the World Trade Center's twin towers hit the ground, the Seattle-based coffee company was calling attention to its decision to shut down Starbucks coffee shops.

"Starbucks Coffee Company is deeply shocked and saddened," the bizarre press release read. "Effective immediately, we are temporarily closing all North American stores so that our [employees] can return home to be with their families and friends."

Tully's Coffee and Seattle's Best Coffee, Starbucks' biggest competitors, also closed some locations--but neither company issued press releases promoting their corporate compassion.

Meanwhile, Zoka Coffee in Wallingford was open all day Tuesday, as were Capitol Hill's Caffe Vita, Vivace Roasteria, and Espresso Roma in the University District.

"Vivace feels that without coffee, we wouldn't be Americans," said Vivace's Scott Macdonald.

A barista at Capitol Hill's Victrola Coffee felt that in times of crisis, "Americans should have access to their favorite beverages." What about the family and friends of Victrola employees? "That's not an issue for us," the anonymous barista said. "We're all orphans."

savage@thestranger.com