DISCLAIMER: The following article is an April Fools’ Day article. Though it may relate to real people or events, it is not factual.
Photo Credit: Jayna Gugliucci
In recent times, Starbucks has created new, hand-crafted drinks simply based on changes in weather and travel through the calendar year. While autumn has brought us the crisp Pumpkin Spice Latte based on the approach of cooler temperatures and bright, orange leaves falling from the trees above, winter has brought the red holiday cups as well as the Peppermint Mocha and Gingerbread Lattes that customers love to love.
Despite the success these drinks have seen in the past, the Starbucks of Montclair, New Jersey has introduced a revolutionary drink — one based on something other than the season. Inspired by nearby Montclair State University, one local franchise has recently released the Red Rocky Frappuccino.
The Red Rocky consists of vanilla syrup, two to four shots of espresso and one cup of vanilla ice cream, topped with the company’s homemade whipped cream and — of course — red sprinkles.
“With our proximity to the university, we thought the Red Rocky would encourage students to venture off campus for a cup of coffee,” said Cindy Charming, spokesperson of the Montclair Starbucks. “We know there’s several locations on-campus for students to get their fix — like Dunkin’ Donuts — but none of them currently offer a student-inspired drink like we do.”
In trend with the normal pricing of the chain, those who wish to try the legendary frappuchino will have to pay a hefty $4.95. However, in a clever marketing ploy, students who present their valid Montclair State identification card on any weekday can pay as low as $0.99 for the Red Rocky.
“Two shots of espresso mixed with ice cream and whipped cream for a dollar? You can’t go wrong,” said Anna Elese, a junior culinary arts student at Montclair State. “During finals week, I know where I’ll be going.”
Due to its low price, the Red Rocky has definitely been successful in pulling students into the town of Montclair for their caffeine fix. In just the first week of the drink’s release, the local Starbucks saw a 93 percent increase in its daily sales. With business booming, the shop’s line, usually stretching to the door, has begun wrapping around the corner and down Valley Road.
“I waited about half an hour to try the Red Rocky the day it came out,” said Kristoll Stevenson, a sophomore Arctic engineering major. “But, dude, it was totally worth it.”
While the drink has been beneficial to for the coffee shop, it has also created a new surge in student life outside of the university itself. On weekdays, in addition to locals who venture into town to run errands or simply take their children out after school, college students can be seen walking the streets — and to the delight of the local Starbucks, most have their Red Rocky in hand.
“I used to like Starbucks, but now I love it,” said Rapunzel Fitzherbert, a senior cosmetology major. “Not only has it provided me with a little piece of my university off-campus, but it’s really helped to change the amount of school spirit on campus — and, for that, I’m really thankful.”
