Starbucks shuts down after a massive computer glitch, forcing some stores to close and others to give out free coffee. Hetty Chang reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2015.
Customers were left in a bind after Starbucks shops across Southern California closed Friday due to a nationwide systems crash.
Some stores gave out free coffee to java fans or took cash, however many were forced to go elsewhere for their caffeine fix.
A company spokesman said the problem that stopped them from processing credit cards had been caused by a glitch during a routine system refresh. The problem affected 8000 shops in the U.S. and Canada, but that did not offer comfort to those who could not get their favorite beverage.
"I was thinking, 'well it's awfully early for Starbucks to be closed. It's a good night for dessert, what's going on?'" Disappointed Geoffrey Jowett, who was visiting a Long Beach store said.
"How can this be? Starbucks is never closed when i need it," frustrated coffee Drinker Jerry Geier said.
Some regulars were still looking on the bright side, despite the inconvenience.
"(I'll get) Jack in the Box coffee. It's cheaper," Greg Margosian said.
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Starbucks stores will be reopening as normal Saturday, as the problem has been resolved.
