Free Starbucks? The Irvine Co. Foots The Bill For Weary Evacuees

NEWPORT BEACH, CA —A tab was opened for evacuees from the Emerald Fire in Laguna Beach at the Crystal Cove Shopping Center Starbucks Thursday morning, Patch confirmed.

The Irvine Co. footed the bill for residents who escaped the wildfire above Emerald Bay and the baristas at the Crystal Cove Shopping Center Starbucks who served coffee, tea and baked goods.

"It's something [the Irvine Co.] did for the community," a Starbucks worker told Patch.

A company official, who spoke to Patch on condition of anonymity, confirmed the Starbucks worker's account of the company's good deed.

It all started when Irvine Co. employees learned that many of the evacuated residents began using the Crystal Cove Shopping Center as an impromptu evacuation hub.

The Starbucks was "packed," Starbuck's shift supervisor who identified herself only as Sarah told Patch in a telephone interview. That was when security guards arrived with the news of the good deed. A tab was opened, easing the burden for the worried evacuees.

"We've been serving everybody," Sarah said of the many evacuees who fled with just their cars, unsure of what to do next. "Tons of people were here all morning. They were so appreciative."

The total amount of the Irvine Co.'s tab Thursday morning wasn't disclosed, nor did Starbucks workers share the exact length of time the tab was open.

By Thursday afternoon, customers were back to paying with points or on the Starbucks app.

Still, the gesture was appreciated and went a long way in soothing some fire-weary souls.

Read also:

Laguna Beach Fire: 145-Acres Burn, 5% Containment, PCH Opens, Evacuations Remain

6 Laguna Beach Fire Photos: Evacuations Rekindle Memories