Starbucks barista sensed something was off about a man approaching a teen. Her hidden note on a cup made the girl feel safe
Protecting ourselves in threatening situations can be easier for adults, but it’s often more challenging for young people. Yet, some of us possess the quick thinking and courage to step in and help when it matters the most. Here's the story of Starbucks employees on Staples St. and S. Padre Island Dr. in Corpus Christi, Texas, who offered to intervene when a young high schooler was approached by a stranger, as per KHOU-11.
Brandy Robertson, the mother of the high schooler, from Corpus Christi, took to her Facebook to pen a note thanking the employees at Starbucks when she was alone at the cafe. Why was she thanking them for? Well, hailing the employees as heroes, she expressed her gratitude for checking in on her daughter when the young girl was approached by a stranger. Brandy revealed that her daughter was sitting at the table studying when a man approached her to talk about what she was reading. The mother exclaimed, saying, "He, I think, just kind of became really loud and animated about it."
But this interaction felt off to the baristas at the cafe, who grew concerned for the young girl's safety and began questioning the man’s motives. As a way of looking out for her, the baristas decided to hand her "an extra hot chocolate, which someone had forgotten to pick up." However, as soon as the girl read what was written on the cup, she felt reassured, knowing there were people ready to protect her in the absence of an adult. The cup read, "Are you okay? Do you want us to intervene? If you do, take the lid off the cup." When the girl looked up, she noticed that all the employees’ eyes were on her, ready to step in if she needed. When the man realized this, he repeatedly asked the employees, "What?" Thankfully, according to KIII 3 News, the situation de-escalated, and the young teenager was left alone.
The issue of female safety in public spaces has been echoed in a study authored by Kelly Cue Davis, Mary P. Koss, Elise C. Lopez, and Karyn Roberts published by PubMed Central in 2024. The study explored ways in which the staff could be trained to help stop sexual harassment and violence in nightlife settings. The project worked with 56 bars near Arizona universities and trained over 500 employees through two in-person sessions. Staff learned how to recognize warning signs, step in safely, and improve bar safety policies. The study highlighted how a properly trained staff can play a key role in protecting female customers, as noted in the young girl's case.
Brandy's daughter later came home and narrated the entire situation that happened at the Starbucks to her mother, who made a post sharing a photo of the cup. Soon after she posted it, the story grabbed the attention of many online users, and it has now been shared more than 4,000 times, with over 56,000 likes. The mother expressed her gratitude to every employee who watched over her daughter and allowed online users to learn from her daughter's experience.