In an effort to solve the latest political conflict, Starbucks chief executive officer Howard Schultz is handing out free coffee to customers who show how it can be done according to a memo on the company's website.
"In times like these, a small act of generosity and civility can make a big difference," an ad published in The New York Times, Washington Post, and USA TODAY said on Wednesday. "Let's see what can happen. #payitforward."
Customers who buy another person a Starbucks beverage can receive a free tall brewed coffee from Wednesday until Friday.
"The offer is a way to help fellow citizens support and connect with one another, even as we wait for our elected officials to do the same for our country," Schultz said in the memo to staff Tuesday.
Schultz also wants to do something about American's uncertainty over the federal government shutdown, the pending debt and default crisis, and decline in consumer confidence.
"Will it work on the political level? No. Won't make a dent. Will it work on the commercial end? Absolutely," Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at The NPD Group told USA Today.
Wednesday's announcement is Schultz's second jump into the national political debate. In 2011, he with other chief executives, agreed to stop campaign contributions until politicians ended "partisan bickering," USA Today reported.
Participants included CEO's from over 100 companies including AOL, and Zipcar.
"Please join me in helping our customers come together to support and connect with one another, even as we wait for our elected officials to do the same for our country," Schultz said in the memo. "And thank you all for the heroic things you do every day as a Starbucks partner. Together, we can continue to make a difference-one cup, one customer, one act of civility and kindness at a time."
