This is it. One of the last happy days before our flagship store of 15 years was closed! What a going out party! Our best, most favorite, family Starbucks was one of the unfortunate ones that had to be closed. Nevermind that it was the first in Yakima, had the best workers (especially the beautiful one above, my baby), and had a great community. Tears were abundant as baristas hung out and worked together for the last shift. But what a party!

Let’s just say, I love Nicole’s plan for happy hour…basically from 4:30 until closing (free drinks!). Throughout the day, customers had delivered flowers, so the tables were all decorated with fresh flowers in miscellaneous (ie coffee pots, vases, urns) containers. One customer brought pizza for lunch, another brought a carrot cake decorated with his phone number. Cookies, donuts, and pastries were brought out of the case and passed around. Calories were not an issue. Neither was caffeine. Photos were displayed, along with a poster board showing each barista and where he or she was being transferred. The only horrible thing was that this was the last night the store was open.

Amidst the tears, there was plenty of laughter. I had to really laugh at the dismantling of the store…which commenced promptly at 7:00. Furniture and things that had to go were walked out of the store and deposited in waiting vehicles. And then that was it. The store closed. Now it is just a shell – contractors have already removed the counters, shelves, signs…Blah. It’s the saddest corner of the whole parking lot. Empty, quiet, and dark. I know Top Foods took a hit with the store leaving. They had a great partnership. Just give me 10 minutes with Howard. This is one unhappy chick.

Now, in order to see our favorite baristas, we have to travel to 4 other stores, hoping to catch them while they are working. (I almost got in trouble today, as it’s taken me quite a while to catch up to Stephanie – sorry Steph!). Bittersweet. But wonderful memories. For more pictures, look for me on facebook.

Peeps, make me a grande, nf, xhot, 3 pump chai…to go.