WASHINGTON: Starbucks has adopted an open-bathroom policy as a result of the arrest last month of two African American men at one of the franchises in Philadelphia.
Chairman Howard Schultz says he does not want the company to become a public bathroom, but feels employees can make the “right decision a hundred percent of the time,” if that choice is removed at the store level.
One of the men arrested on April 12 was denied use of a bathroom. He and his partner sat down to await a business meeting they had scheduled at the store, but were arrested minutes later by police.
The incident was captured by people using cell phones and it went viral.
The arrest of Rashon Nelson, along with his childhood friend and business partner, Donte Robinson, set off a firestorm for the company, which will shut down more than 8,000 of its US stores on the afternoon of May 29 to instruct 175,000 employees how to better recognize unconscious bias.
Access to store bathrooms, for which Schultz said Starbucks had maintained a “loose policy,” came into even sharper focus after another video, taken in January, emerged. The video shows a black man claiming he was denied access to a bathroom at a Starbucks in California while a white man was allowed entry. Neither man had made a purchase, according to the video shot by Brandon Ward, which is posted on his Facebook page.
Schultz, speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington on Thursday, said previous policy required a purchase, but that the decision was ultimately left with store managers, The Washington, The Seattle Times, and other media outlets reported.
The arrests in Philadelphia were a major embarrassment for Starbucks, which has long projected itself as a socially conscious company.
Nelson and Robinson settled with Starbucks earlier this month for an undisclosed sum and an offer of a free college education. Separately, they reached a deal with Philadelphia for a symbolic $1 each and a promise from city officials to set up a $200,000 program for young entrepreneurs.
Starbucks changes bathroom policy following racial firestorm
Starbucks changes bathroom policy following racial firestorm
- Chairman Howard Schultz says he does not want the company to become a public bathroom, but feels employees can make the “right decision a hundred percent of the time.”
- The arrest of Rashon Nelson, along with his childhood friend and business partner, Donte Robinson, set off a firestorm for the company.
Where We Are Going Today: Granny’s Cuisine
- Highlights included a fresh beetroot and rocca salad, well-seasoned foul, and a comforting hab soup that was balanced in spice
Visiting Historic Al-Balad during Ramadan is a cherished ritual for many families in Jeddah.
During the holy month, the area transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration. Strings of lights illuminate the heritage homes, while food stalls serving international cuisines line the courtyards. Families gather outdoors to share iftar in a setting that blends history with festivity.
Yet, the charm comes with a challenge. Securing a table requires arriving early, especially for those hoping to sample a variety of dishes from different stalls while enjoying the lively ambiance.
To avoid the rush, I reserved a table at Granny’s Cuisine, centrally located in Baya’h Square Yard. The restaurant offers a simple open buffet for SR50 ($13) per person, a reasonable price given the setting.
On arrival, I was relieved to find my table ready, while others were still searching for seating.
Before the call to prayer, traditional Saudi coffee, dates and water were served. The buffet, though modest, offered satisfying homemade flavors.
Highlights included a fresh beetroot and rocca salad, well-seasoned foul, and a comforting hab soup that was balanced in spice. Classic Ramadan favorites such as sambusa and mutabbaq were also available, along with a red-sauce pasta that was acceptable.
The grape leaves stood out, delicately prepared with tamarind, giving them a pleasant tangy note that fans of the dish will appreciate.
Juices were not included in the buffet price; a mango juice cost an additional SR10, a minor inconvenience. Dessert options featured basbousa and kunafa, while a self-serve coffee corner offered instant coffee and machine-brewed options.
The buffet was set indoors, where historic photographs of Al-Balad and Jeddah added a vintage touch to the decor. Indoor seating is also available for those seeking comfort away from the crowds.
Overall, the experience was enjoyable and well-organized. Granny’s Cuisine is a suitable choice for diners who wish to experience the spirit of Ramadan in Al-Balad without immersing themselves fully in the hustle and bustle of the busy courtyards.
