**word to the wise- check your order for accuracy before you leave**
I generally try to avoid this Starbucks due to a few reasons, but it's on my way to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and a HELL of a lot better than drive-thru Starbucks down the street from me on Walnut in Burbank. First off, this Starbucks is pretty small, which is fine, except the register in such close proximity to the entrance that there's really no convenient place to stand when there's a long line. Also a negative about the small size is that when you walk in, depending on the time (usually in the afternoon), the scent of coffee is masked with the over use of cheap cologne being worn by the customers. Now, to each their own- wear whatever cologne you want: cheap, expensive, horrific, or delightful smelling. BUT, if the scent is overwhelming and burning my nose right when I walk in, you should either use less than the quarter of a bottle you spray at once or just switch to a less intrusive scent that will become balanced after walking around and it naturally airs out a bit. It's safe to assume that my true complaint is surrounding the clientele and customers at this Starbucks.
Parking: The parking situation doesn't help, having to share parking space with a Jon's market and nail salon. Good luck finding a spot close to the entrance on a weekend or in the afternoon on weekdays. On several occasions there have been cars parked so inconsiderately- sideways taking up 2 spots and flat out in the middle of 2 spots. I understand you don't want anyone to ding your precious BMW or Mercedes, but that's not an excuse or right to park like a prick. You're no more entitled to a parking spot than I am.
Loitering: Be prepared to have to work your way through a group of people hanging around the entrance of this Starbucks. Especially on weekends. I could swear that they have a huge NO LOITERING sign posted outside... I know they used to at least, but I haven't paid much attention. What I have paid attention to is the fact that none of these men ever have coffee or a Starbucks pastry bag in hand, hence why I *assume* they are loitering around. How about you take your pow-wow, get together, chess game, whatever you're doing- somewhere else more convenient.
Finally- Customer Service: It seems like they put their most competent employees at the register. They'll get you through the line pretty quickly while still providing good customer service and making sure they have your order right (even though they're in a rush, they won't try to rush rush rush you). My issues have been the numerous times I've gotten the absolute wrong item due to the incompetence of those making the drinks and warming the pastries. How a person can give you a reduced fat turkey bacon breakfast sandwich instead of an artisan bacon breakfast sandwich when it's written on the pastry bag, is beyond me. I'm also pretty sure that SFV (sugar free vanilla) most certainly cannot be mistaken for PS (pumpkin spice), so how the hell did I end up with a 2 pump pumpkin spice iced coffee this morning instead of a 2 pump sugar free vanilla iced coffee? Giving the benefit of the doubt, I'm assuming this isn't purely stupidity- but rather lack of caring perhaps? Maybe take the extra time to read the cup and pastry bag- or maybe go through orientation again so you can learn what the abbreviations mean, but even so, they're not too entirely difficult to dissect.
It's definitely not the worst Starbucks I've been to- but I've also been to better. read more