Starbucks on A Warship: 'Starboxer' Opens With Navy-Trained Baristas

(Reuters/Joel Boh)
A cup of Starbucks coffee sits on a table in a cafe in central Hong Kong January 16, 2011.

By Daniel Distant , Christian Post Reporter

February 14, 2013|9:18 am

Starbucks on a warship just became a reality for the lucky crewmen of the USS Boxer. The Navy ship, which functions just off the coast of California, became one of the first seafaring vessels to have a fully functioning coffee shop- it's called "Starboxer," in reference to the ship's name.

Starbucks' empire of coffee chains expanded to the warship Feb. 9. The creation of the café, complete with all the expected signature coffee blends, teas, and smoothies, was not a simple one. USS Boxer worked with various organizations to open Starboxer aboard the ship.

"I worked with Starbucks representatives and several contractors to put this all together," Lt. Cmdr. Leon Quarles, the assistant supply officer of the ship, said in a press release. "We took the basics of Starbucks marketing and applied those principles to the ship."

The café doesn't just serve coffee, however. Starbucks worked alongside the USS Boxer to train crewmen as certified baristas.

"I'm excited I was picked to work here," explained Thomas Rios Logistics Specialist Seaman and now a Starboxer barista. "I think people will be more energized in the morning and look forward to going to the store before work."

The crew is able to purchase Starbucks signature beverages with their Navy Cash cards, with all profits going to USS Boxer's Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund. It could certainly boost the crew's morale, said Quarles, who called it "one more thing they won't miss."

Although this is Starbucks' early foray onto Navy ships, they have been found in stranger places. Just last year, Robinson Funeral Home in South Carolina became one of the earliest funeral homes to have the well-known coffee shop inside.

"They have a great product and great name recognition," Chris Robinson told the Easley Peach. "We decided to offer something special as an alternative for a family if they want it. Starbucks really believes in having their coffee served in a very consistent manner, they have high standards."