Read the OP (above), CT. The OP clearly states that "a patron" said he shouldn't be carrying in Starbucks. Upon explaining the actual Starbuck's statement, the Barista agreed with the OP (echoed his comment). The actual effect of the Starbuck's CEO's statement "requesting" that no one openly carry in their stores has had little effect, and it certainly has not created an attitude of being unwelcome in their stores. No "no guns" policy exists, just a preference for concealed carry, and the CEO's statement specifically states that open carriers will not be denied service.
Each of us must make the individual decision whether to patronize Starbuck's or not, but we should not mis-characterize their position.
Semantics.
The fact is that the patron said "no guns."
The OP said, "Starbuck's REQUESTED no guns."
The barista agreed with the OP.
I fail to see the Starbuck's "guns are welcome" policy hidden in this thread.
From the CEO:
"For these reasons, today we are respectfully requesting that customers no longer bring firearms into our stores or outdoor seating areas—even in states where “open carry” is permitted—unless they are authorized law enforcement personnel.
I would like to clarify two points. First, this is a request and not an outright ban. Why? Because we want to give responsible gun owners the chance to respect our request—and also because enforcing a ban would potentially require our partners to confront armed customers, and that is not a role I am comfortable asking Starbucks partners to take on. Second, we know we cannot satisfy everyone. For those who oppose “open carry,” we believe the legislative and policy-making process is the proper arena for this debate, not our stores. For those who champion “open carry,” please respect that Starbucks stores are places where everyone should feel relaxed and comfortable. The presence of a weapon in our stores is unsettling and upsetting for many of our customers."
My personal feeling is that respecting a private company's property rights is the higher calling. It's what a responsible gun owner would do.