Starbucks’ New “Buy or Get Out” Policy Sparks Debate
January 15, 2025 – Starbucks has recently introduced a controversial policy, informally dubbed the “Buy or Get Out” rule. This policy mandates that customers must make a purchase to remain in the store or access its facilities, including seating, restrooms, and Wi-Fi. The move has sparked widespread discussion, with supporters arguing it is necessary for operational efficiency and detractors criticizing it as exclusionary and counter to Starbucks’ traditionally inclusive brand image.
Policy Background and Rationale
The policy reportedly stems from concerns about store overcrowding, particularly in urban areas where Starbucks locations have become de facto public spaces. Employees have faced challenges managing non-paying visitors who occupy seating, use restrooms, or stay for extended periods without purchasing anything. The new rule aims to address these issues, ensuring that paying customers have access to the facilities they expect.
Starbucks justifies the policy as a way to maintain the comfort and convenience of its patrons. By encouraging purchases, the company hopes to strike a balance between being a welcoming space and managing operational costs tied to non-paying visitors.
Implementation and Enforcement
Under this policy, store staff will be trained to enforce the rule diplomatically. Signs in stores will remind visitors of the new guidelines, and employees are instructed to approach non-paying visitors with discretion. Exceptions may be made in certain cases, such as emergencies or for individuals requiring assistance, though specific criteria have not been made public.
Public Response
Reaction to the “Buy or Get Out” policy has been mixed. Supporters believe it is a pragmatic solution to issues like overcrowding and misuse of store facilities. They argue that Starbucks, as a business, has the right to prioritize paying customers. Some point out that similar policies are common in other businesses, such as restaurants and libraries, making Starbucks’ decision unexceptional.
Critics, however, view the policy as alienating and potentially discriminatory. They worry that it could disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including homeless individuals, students, and low-income individuals who previously relied on Starbucks as a community space. Critics also argue that the policy conflicts with Starbucks’ previous public commitments to inclusivity and its image as a “third place” between work and home.
Potential Implications
The “Buy or Get Out” policy marks a significant shift in Starbucks’ operations. Its success or failure will hinge on its implementation and public reception. If handled sensitively, it may resolve operational issues; if not, it risks damaging Starbucks’ brand reputation.
Central Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs Will Hold a Fundraiser Concert February 8th
January 14, 2025 – Central Baptist Church of Sulphur Springs invites the public to a fundraiser concert featuring “Faiths Journey” on February 8, 2025, to raise money for the Youth Camp. Tickets are $10, kids age 12 and younger get in free. Tickets will be available at the door, or from one of the youth. For more information, please call 903-885-3660. The concert will begin at 6:00pm.
Great Value Chicken Broth Sold at Walmart Recalled in 9 States Including Texas
January 14, 2025 – Around 2,000 cases of chicken broth sold at Walmart have been recalled due to a packaging issue that could lead to product spoilage, a Walmart spokesperson confirmed to the media.
The Food and Drug Administration reports that the family-sized, 48-ounce cartons of Great Value Chicken Broth, are sold in aseptic paper cartons that could “compromise the sterility of the product, resulting in spoilage.”
The recalled products were sold in nine states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, Walmart said.
Tree House Foods Inc. of Oak Brook, British Columbia, is the company that recalled the broth, according to information online. The company issued the recall last month.
Walmart said any customers who have bought the product should not consume it and should throw it away. They can also request a full refund.
Check your chicken broth for the following information to see if it is including in this recall:
- Best used by: March 25, 2026
- Batch/lot code: 98F09234
- Retail Unit UPC: 007874206684
- Case UPC: 078742066844
Updates will be reported on this issue as we receive them. Stay tuned.
North Texas Food Bank to Mark 25th Anniversary of Empty Bowls Fundraiser on February 27
Event Proceeds Will Support North Texans Facing Hunger.
Dallas, TX, January 14, 2025 – The North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Empty Bowls fundraiser on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6 – 9 p.m. at the Perot Family Campus in Plano. Presented by Kroger, the event will feature bowl-friendly dishes from top local chefs, drinks, and the opportunity to select a handcrafted bowl made by local artisans. The event serves as a poignant reminder that not everyone’s bowl is full, and together, we can work to fill the bowls of those in need.
“We invite you to join us as we commemorate 25 years of Empty Bowls, an event that has raised critical funds to advance our mission of closing the hunger gap in North Texas, thanks to our presenting sponsor, Kroger,” said Trisha Cunningham, President and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank. “Through this event, we’ve provided over 8 million meals to children, families, and older adults facing hunger. Kroger’s ongoing support—through food donations, funding, and partnership—has been a key driver of our success and a true example of community collaboration.”
Culinary Talent at the Event
Serving as the celebrity chef for this milestone event is Brian Luscher, Director of Culinary Operations for 33 Restaurant Group, a vibrant family of restaurants that include Suburban Yacht Club, Cadillac Pizza Pub, The Yard in McKinney, Taverna Rossa Craft Pizza and Beer in Plano and Southlake, Union Bear Brewing Co. in Plano, Denton and soon to be McKinney, Heritage Pizza and Taproom in The Colony, and Seager & Sons in Plano. Luscher is also renowned for his work at The Grape, a beloved Dallas bistro that closed in 2019 after nearly five decades. His commitment to innovative, high-quality cuisine makes him a standout at this year’s Empty Bowls event.
Supporting the Fight Against Hunger
All proceeds from Empty Bowls will support the North Texas Food Bank’s programs, helping address the region’s growing hunger crisis. Texas leads the nation in the number of people facing hunger, with nearly 664,000 individuals in the 12 counties served by NTFB unsure where their next meal will come from—40% of whom are children. The hunger crisis in North Texas is equivalent to the populations of cities like Boston or Las Vegas.
“Kroger is honored to once again serve as the presenting sponsor of Empty Bowls,” said John Votava, Director of Corporate Affairs for Kroger’s Dallas Division. “As part of our Zero Hunger Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan, Kroger provides millions of meals and essential resources each year to the North Texas Food Bank, ensuring our neighbors have access to fresh, nutritious food.”
Ticket Information
Tickets to the Empty Bowls event for 21-and-older people can be purchased for $100. Each ticket sold helps NTFB provide 300 meals for neighbors facing hunger. To purchase tickets, go to https://ntfb.org/emptybowls/.
“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our sponsors, including Kroger, Ewing Buick GMC, MUFG Bank, 4Change Energy, Scout & Cellar, NBC 5/Telemundo 39, AlphaGraphics and Mark H. Kleinman,” Cunningham added. “Their contributions, along with the partnership of Chef Brian Luscher, local chefs, Trinity Ceramics, the Dallas Area Woodturners, and local artisans, are crucial in raising awareness and funding to help us close the hunger gap in North Texas.”
Sponsorships Still Available
Empty Bowls sponsorships are still available. For more information, please email [email protected].
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Sulphur Springs EDC Executive Director Chris Brown sat Down with John Mark on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Hopkins County Sulphur Springs EDC Executive Director Chris Brown. The two chatted about the Liberty Trailer Project, Hopkins County Days, the upcoming Legislation Session, and much more. Be sure to check out this episode and learn what’s going on and what is in store for Economic Development today, and in the near future, for Hopkins County!
Gardening This Time of Year on This Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson stopped by and visited with John Mark on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. The two chat about when the average last freeze of the season usually is, planting seeds and where to purchase them, planting trees, and much more. Be sure to check it out and see what those with green thumbs are doing this time of year.
Jury Trial in JP Court January 15th Cancelled
January 13, 2025 – Maria Ortega with Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, Hopkins County, Texas, contacted KSST to report that the Jury trial in the JP Court, for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, has been cancelled. If we receive any more updates we will post them. Stay tuned.
Attorney General Paxton Sues Allstate and Arity for Unlawfully Collecting, Using, and Selling Over 45 Million Americans’ Driving Data
January 13, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Allstate and its subsidiary, Arity (“Allstate”), for unlawfully collecting, using, and selling data about the location and movement of Texans’ cell phones through secretly embedded software in mobile apps, such as Life360. Allstate and other insurers then used the covertly obtained data to justify raising Texans’ insurance rates.
Allstate, through its subsidiary data analytics company Arity, would pay app developers to incorporate its software to track consumers’ driving data. Allstate collected trillions of miles worth of location data from over 45 million consumers nationwide and used the data to create the “world’s largest driving behavior database.” When a consumer requested a quote or renewed their coverage, Allstate and other insurers would use that consumer’s data to justify increasing their car insurance premium.
These actions violated the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (“TDPSA”), which created heightened protections for Texans’ sensitive data, including but not limited to precise geolocation information. The law requires clear notice and informed consent regarding how a company will use Texans’ sensitive data. Allstate never provided notice or obtained Texans’ consent to collect or sell their sensitive data. This is the first enforcement action ever filed by a State Attorney General to enforce a comprehensive data privacy law.
“Our investigation revealed that Allstate and Arity paid mobile apps millions of dollars to install Allstate’s tracking software,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better and we will hold all these companies accountable.”
This lawsuit follows Attorney General Paxton’s lawsuit against General Motors and his ongoing investigations into several car manufacturers for secretly collecting and selling drivers’ highly detailed driving data.
Governor Abbott Deploys Firefighting Resources To Assist California Wildfire Response Efforts
January 11, 2025 – Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Texas A&M Forest Service to deploy firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel, fire engines, and equipment to assist with wildfire response efforts in California following a request from CAL FIRE through the California Office of Emergency Services.
“Our hearts grieve with the entire Los Angeles community as they continue to respond to these destructive wildfires,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans know all too well the devastation wildfires can cause to our communities, and our country is stronger when we come together in times of crisis. I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to deploy firefighters, fire engines, and firefighting equipment to help our fellow Americans battle these wildfires. I thank all the brave firefighters and first responders who are answering the call to help Californians in need as these fires continue to burn. Cecilia and I pray for the victims who lost their lives and their families, the heroic men and women of CAL FIRE, the Los Angeles Fire Department, and the entire state of California during this difficult time.”
TDEM, the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System, and Texas Emergency Medical Task Force will deploy more than 135 firefighters, emergency management and medical personnel, as well as more than 45 fire engines, ambulances, command vehicles, and equipment to California as crews battle ongoing wildfires in the southern part of the state.
This deployment is coordinated under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). EMAC is a state-to-state mutual aid system that enables states to provide assistance and share resources with another state in response to a disaster or emergency. EMAC members can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy, and be reimbursed for mission-related costs. For more information, visit emacweb.org.
The Lady Cats Competed Against Pittsburg January 11th
January 12, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats challenged the Pittsburg Pirates in Basketball action Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Wildcats Gym in Sulphur Springs, Texas. It was an afternoon game. Below is KSST’s coverage of this game. KSST’s Sports Director John Mark Dempsey called Play by Play and Tony Flipping provided Color Commentary. Every quarter of this game was filled with heart pounding action. Be sure to check out the exciting game below! The next game we will broadcast will be Lady Cats Basketball on Tuesday, January 14th, 2025. Game should start around 6:15pm. We will bring you the exciting action on KSST, 1230AM, Sulphur Springs, Texas, and we will stream the game, live, on our YouTube channel.
