this "cafe" has been here for a long time; i noticed its existence alongside B&N since i first stepped foot in the store at this location. i've always noticed a Starbucks logo, and i have even gotten a drink or two before.
during the last few years of occasional visits to B&N, i never paid much attention to what's up with this "cafe", due to the lack of need for caffeine at that moment. i notice that it's still there, but i usually walk right by. at this point, my vague memory can't say for sure whether it has always been "B&N Café", or has it been an official Starbucks at some point in time.
but bc of that green mermaid logo is still prominently displayed - who reads fine print these days, right? - so this is still very much a Starbucks to me, just like those situated inside every other Target. even their counter setup, decor, lighting, etc. seem to reinforce that impression. at least it seems as if they are glad that people perceive them as a Starbucks, and they wouldn't think they'd need to tell them otherwise.
until it's time for payment, and someone whips out the phone with the SB app on... i have a feeling that the lady behind the counter gets beyond tired at this point of informing people that "we're not Starbucks". case in point, i wasn't the only one being told that, and the line was just about 5 people short.
now the question remains: if you are no Starbucks, why do you try so hard to emulate? the logo, the decor, the menu all don't seem to distinguish itself from the real SB. so, in a way, it really isn't that discernible to an untrained eye...aside from the fact that they serve food items like Cheesecake Factory desserts and flatbreads, but i was about to rave about their trailblazing operation instead of ever wondering this may not be a real Starbucks.
maybe put a(nother) huge "B&N Café" signage or logo **right above the menu**?? it might bring more attention to the fact that you ain't SB. changing the color theme and general direction of decor might also help. unless you prefer to have that line blurred and your staff spend half a day correcting dumbfounded patrons.
all said, i'm not entirely faulting them for the problem i have encountered that day. i admit i was quite absent-minded and stressed with holiday shopping. but imagine my shock after i purchased a dozen or so gift cards before realizing that this ain't Starbucks. i experienced a quiet nervous breakdown and a mini heart attack. i wished the lady at the counter would have considered the necessity to double check whether i knew what i was getting myself into -- again, i wasn't faulting her for not having done it, but it really would have been a thoughtful thing to do, given how many times she needed to correct people on a regular basis.
i was glad that a twist of events brought this error to light before i exited the store and happily went home with a bunch of not-so-useful gift cards. but now i'm in panic mode as gift cards are usually non-refundable. i kept my calm as i inquired with the same lady at the counter, who proceeded to send me to the store checkout line to talk to a store manager. fortunately, the manager was very graceful about it and agreed to void my transaction with no questions asked. she even apologized back to me for having to wait in line again when i apologized for my mistake.
now, logistics: store manager had to walk to the café counter to void my transaction and brought back my receipt...so why couldn't this lady at the café call for a manager to begin with??? did she not want to get in trouble, or did she just want to give me a hard time by making me wait in another line again??
even without this incident, service is just slooow at this place. twice i was at the counter, i witnessed and experienced how slowly beverages were produced. the barista presented every drink with "thank you for your patience", so go figure. not that i felt i waited too long for my beverage, but why do they appear so understaffed? the day i went was a weekend very close to Xmas; you'd think more people would trickle into the store or the mall for something? the parking lot was quite full...and we're talking Walpole Mall!! LOL
since my transaction has been voided thanks to the manager's help and understanding, i don't have ill feelings coming out of this visit. i even got a Venti Mocha for less than $4 bc of the $2 off coupon from my book purchase receipt! just that the inefficiency of this place, and all the confusion with Starbucks...i won't be rushing to return any time soon. also doesn't help that purchases made at this "not-Starbucks" will not earn me any stars.
and oh, whatever those holiday chocolate they're selling (ex. Harry&David, Godiva), you can get the exact same merchandise at least 30% less right next door at Kohl's. read more
