This year, Starbucks is getting in on the moment with a promotion that is as simple as it is brilliant. The coffee giant announced a “ Starbucks Monday ” promotion, offering a free, tall hot or iced ...

Others including Dutch Bros are providing a free cup with the purchase of merch, and at least one coffee chain - Peet’s - is taking a novel approach by accepting rewards points from rival brands.

“We take gravity for granted,” Pettit said. “Generally, we are unaware of the weight of our hands, or how easily we pour coffee into a cup. We don’t stop to think, ‘Will the coffee rise up and pour ...