Starbucks Customer Hurled Racial Slurs At Second City Employees

The popular 24-hours Starbucks at the corner of North and Wells apparently was "racing together" over the weekend, as the shop was the target of controversy involving famed Chicago comedy troupe The Second City. Apparently, the coffee shop eventually banned a customer who used racial slurs aimed at two black Second City employees on Sunday, according to Chicagoist.

The woman's slurs were apparently loud enough to be heard by other patrons. But Second City officials said they didn't think Starbucks staff reacted swift enough, who believe that sent a message to the victims —and to anyone who witnessed the incident— that the racist behavior was acceptable. While not calling for a boycott, Second City creative director Tyler Alexander told Chicagoist that they'd offer Groundswell coffee as an alternative to Starbucks for Second City students and patrons.

Apparently, a Starbucks manager had quietly called for security after hearing the slurs and wasn't ignoring the incident. Alexander wished that manager clearly communicated the action so it didn't leave the vulnerable Second City employees wondering what had happened.

Starbucks corporate didn't respond for a request for comment. However, Second City posted a message from a Starbucks district manager who apologized for the incident and explained that the customer was banned. She also indicated they'll step up their training.