Today's perk: free coffee at Starbucks

Perk up, caffeine lovers: Starbucks Corp. is offering free cups of coffee today until 4 p.m. at many of its stores in the Boston area.

The Seattle company has been making news recently. It's expanding its food menu as McDonald's Corp. has beefed up its java offerings, prompting stories of a turf war brewing between the two giants.

Then, much to the horror of coffee snobs, Consumer Reports magazine just reported McDonald's fared best in its coffee taste test, beating out Starbucks and other brands.

Jennifer Guebert, Starbucks spokesperson for New England, said the decision to distribute complimentary coffee today has nothing to do with such issues. It's simply the second year of what will be an annual Starbucks tradition, she said

"It's just a fun way for us to say 'thank you' to our customers," Guebert said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)