(PCM) One of the busiest Starbucks locations also happens to be one where the baristas are sworn to secrecy and no names are ever written on cups. It seems the CIA headquarters has it’s very own Starbucks location in Langley, VA. In fact, it is even mysteriously referred to only as “Store Number 1” on customer receipts.
According to one barista, who obviously wishes to remain anonymous, the no names on the cups policy for this particular location is incredibly frustrating as it happens to be an incredibly busy store and the line would move twice as fast if they were allowed to identify their customers. The barista added that often times the line is so long that it wraps around the hallway outside.
It is said that visibly this Starbucks looks exactly the same as all the others, however there are definitely some added security measures. It is a place where the CIA often will conduct job/recruitment interviews and all nine baristas that work in the location had to undergo significant background checks and a particularly in-depth interview process.
They are to tell their bosses immediately if anyone who enters the establishment begins asking too many questions about their job, as they are only allowed to say they work in a federal building. According to the Washington Post, the location is sometimes referred to as “Stealthy Starbucks” and the baristas are accompanied by CIA “minders” if they must leave their work area for any reason during a shift and they are required to leave their smartphones in the car for security purposes. So much for playing a little Candy Crush in their downtime!
One can certainly see why this would be one of the busiest Starbucks locations in the country, as it appears that caffeine and covert operations and analysis seemingly go hand in hand.
