Apparently, not at a Starbucks this past Tuesday evening.

Nearly 7,100 company-operated Starbucks stores across the U.S. -- all except the licensed shops in supermarkets, airports, malls, hotels and the like -- closed at 5:30 p.m. local time so some 135,000 employees could go through about three hours of training.

Part back-to-basics tutorial, part pep rally, the teach-in aimed to reacquaint baristas with the art of pulling the perfect shot of espresso and steaming milk to add a subtle hint of sweetness to a latte and give the velvety foam on top just the right thickness. (Rivals Cash in on Starbucks' Teach-In)

Starbucks said that when its shops open Wednesday, customers will be greeted with a promise posted in each store: "Your drink should be perfect, every time. If not, let us know and we'll make it right."

Being open would be a good start at being perfect. If they closed early for training--and if I actually cared about designer coffee--and I wanted a cup of coffee, I would never go back. All my friends know that no one better get between me and my coffee. Must have been an "efficiency" expert who planned the shutdown during normal business hours to improve quality and image.