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NY Post
New York Post
3 Apr 2024


NextImg:If you live in this state, you could be paying $200 more a year for your Starbucks habit

That’s a latte dough!

Your pricey daily Starbucks habit will now cost you a few extra beans — if you live in California.

The Seattle-based coffee giant increased already-inflated menu prices in its Golden State stores this week, after the state’s $20 minimum wage mandate for fast-food workers went into effect Monday, Business Insider reported.

The new law, AB-1228, impacts fast-food establishments with more than 60 locations nationwide, including Starbucks, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.

It seems as though the price increase has upset both customers and baristas. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo

Comparing previous receipts to current prices, items at Starbucks, where each store is corporately owned, have been jacked up by $0.50 to as much as $1.00, BI found.

A spokesperson for the coffee chain confirmed to the outlet that the rising prices in California stores are a response to the higher minimum wage — but declined to reveal the average item increase.

The menu price increase was implemented as a way to offset the higher labor costs, but loyal customers who visit Starbucks regularly might not be able to dish out the extra change, regardless of whether or not they agree their baristas should get paid more.

For example, if your typical order increases by $0.80 and you get Starbucks every workday, multiply that by 260 drinks, and you’re paying an additional $208 a year for your daily treat — and that’s only if you get one menu item five times a week.

If you get more than one item on the menu, like a drink plus a snack, and/or purchase coffee more than five times per week, you’ll be spending even more each year.

Customers leave a Starbucks Coffee store on November 4, 2010 in San Francisco, California
The new law, AB-1228, went into effect Monday for fast-food establishments with more than 60 locations nationwide, including Starbucks. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The price increase appears to be upsetting both customers and baristas.

“As if we don’t get harassed enough,” a barista posted in the r/starbucksbaristas subreddit. “Good luck tomorrow, fellow baristas.”

“It’s so ridiculous, and I am slowly turning to my Nespresso machine to make my drink now. Shame on you Starbucks,” one California Reddit user posted.

“Yeah, I legit feel bad telling people the price and I miss some of my regulars who have stopped coming by as often,” another barista complained.