Rumorsville: Starbucks to take over former Uncle Moe's space

via Cakeheart's Flickr

We here at FiPS have been pretty invested in what business might go into the space on 7th Avenue formerly known as Uncle Moe's. We even wrote an article demanding begging suggesting that if a salad bar took over the space, it would make a million dollars. When the "For Rent" signs disappeared from the windows a few weeks ago, we were a bit nervous. Did Just Salads listen to our excessive tweeting and snag the space? Or would we be subjected to another burrito place, bagel joint or yogurt shop? What was it going to be?

Well, we got our answer. And lo and behold, it's not what we wanted.

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Cool Or Not Cool: Starbucks May Hire Bathroom Attendants, Require Receipts to Use Loo?

While in Istanbul for my honeymoon earlier this year, I noticed that there were a lot of Starbucks. On one occasion I desperately needed a bathroom, so I did what I do in New York: went into one of them. Imagine my surprise when I found out one needs a security code printed on a receipt to gain access. It was the one moment in which I was truly, painfully homesick.

Well, it looks like we may be taking a cue from our international friends. A new rumor claims that NYC area Starbucks will soon take similar action, either in the way of receipt codes or bathroom bouncers*.

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Is Ozzie's Turning into a Starbucks?

Photo via Brownstoner

Here's Park Slope reported a rumor last week that the now-defunct Ozzie's on 7th and Lincoln may be the future home of a Starbucks: 

"A tipster overheard a conversation between staff at the one further down Seventh (near First Street), and said that they were discussing the new location. A call to the realtor, Betancourt & Associates, didn't reveal any information yet, and an employee at the Starbucks further up Seventh said he wasn't allowed to comment."

I know you guys want to weigh in on why this is cool or not cool. Please: don't hold back. 

COOL OR NOT COOL: STARBUCKS CALLING THE COPS ON YOUR SQUATTER ASS?

Image via thesalmonfarm.orgGawker recently reported an incident at a Manhattan Starbucks in which a dude got kicked out of the joint for just sitting there and not buying anything. Here's the clincher though...they called the cops. I mean, that seems a little excessive, no? The tipster reported that the man was "well-dressed" i.e. not a homeless, crazy guy trying to eat his own elbow. Here's a snippet of the conversation that took place once the cops came:

Guy: "They told me to buy a cup of coffee or leave. That's pressure. I'm in Starbucks all the time. This isn't a Mom & Pop store."
Police: "It's a business and you have to buy something."
Guy: "Is this any way to run a business? I'm leaving, but I want your badge numbers."

So what's the deal Starbucks?

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