Introduction:
Awesome employees! Best Starbucks I have ever been to!
My boyfriend and I started going here after we moved from Herrin to Carbondale. We found out about the Starbucks rewards program shortly after this Xmas, because my mother had gotten us gift cards for Starbucks. We are hooked! The rewards program is awesome.
Here is how it works. Go purchase a Starbucks gift card on your smart phone Starbucks app or in-store. Go online and join. You will receive 1 star every time you make a purchase with your gift card. Reload your card after it runs out. There are 3 levels of rewards, which are listed below.
1. After you earn 1 star, you will receive a free food or drink on your birthday.
2. After you earn 5 stars, you will receive free in-store refills with coffee or tea. (Green Level)
3. After you earn 30 stars, you will receive a free food or drink after every 12 stars earned. (Gold Level)
Food & Drinks:
I have 3 favorite drinks at Starbucks, which includes the Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher, Hot Chocolate, and Unsweetened Passion Tea.
The Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher is only about 120 calories for a Trenta (31oz, larger than a Venti). It is the best cold drink they have. It is difficult to describe the drink, but the VBHR is sort of like a tea and a juice. There are real berries shaken with ice in it. It is about $4.60 for a Trenta.
I get the Hot Chocolate when I need my chocolate fix. The first time I tried it, I thought it was too bitter. I think this probably because my taste buds weren't used to quality food at the time. Something told me to give it another shot a week later and I was in love! The Hot Chocolate has milk, cocoa powder, whip cream, and chocolate syrup in it...definitely a must try! It is about $3.63 for a Venti.
The Passion Tea is perfect without sweetener. It has fruit in the tea mix. So, it is already sweet. There is a slight cinnamon hint to the taste and smell. The price for a Trenta is about $3.60.
Service:
EVERY single employee at this Starbucks is absolutely outstanding! The manager is very knowledgeable about everything Starbucks and coffee. You can tell he has a passion for good coffee. The employees always know what I want when I come in. They are always friendly and conversational. The manager is always helpful. I wanted to purchase the Green Rococo Tazo cup, they weren't able to order it, but the manager definitely checked to see if they could. I honestly couldn't ask for better customer service. All of the employees at this Starbucks honestly need a raise, especially the manager! My boyfriend and I come here 3-5 times a week and refuse to go anywhere else because of the employees and the rewards program.
Atmosphere:
This store is located within a Kroger. So, it isn't a full on stand alone store. When Kroger is busy there can be a lot of noise at times. There is a small seating area with tables and chairs. Free wifi is available. The store is clean. There are coffees, teas, and cups available for purchase. I have purchased several from this store. They always have the best ones available!
Pros:
There is a seating area with free wifi. The rewards program is honored at this particular store. The employees are fantastic.
Cons:
This Starbucks store is in Kroger. So, it isn't as quiet as other locations. I wish there was a couch. They just have standard wooden tables and chairs. read more