Well, congrats -this- Starbucks locations; because, you honestly have the single worst associate I have EVER come across in my 20+ years of visiting Starbucks.
I want to say 2 things first.
1) I have visited Starbucks in every single state in the U.S. I have been to (a lot). I have also visited Starbucks in over 23 other countries (again, a lot) and have been a loyal customer of Starbucks for over 20 years. So, I consider myself well Starbucks-versed.
2) I usually have a firm rule that I do not post the names of negative employees on my yelp reviews (check them out), but I mean I had to make an exception for this one.
Here's how it went...
I visited this location on Thursday, April 1, 2010 (sadly this isn't a joke). The place was busy and the tables were almost all filled.
In line there were two females. They ordered 2 simple hot drinks. What I didn't see was before I entered, the barista must have just received several orders. He was doing his best (as it appeared), running around, just typical busy barista stuff. (note: he was a shorter, young, I think maybe Asian male).
On we go, females step to the side, and now it's my turn.
I walk up and smile at...ELLIE. Wait, I know this; because, I went in this morning to get my coffee and speak to the manager if it wasn't busy. It was busy. I asked the person who rang me up what her name was and "they" told me. I am not saying female or male to "protect" them.
There I am smiling; Ellie is starring at me clearly "thrilled" to be at work. Based on her body language and death eyes, I can tell she isn't in the mood to be friendly. And, you know what, that's cool. I'd rather have a real person like that, than someone who is fake. I know that sounds weird, but that's how I roll.
"Hi, I'd like a tall, unsweetened, ice-tea, with no ice." I stated.
"Sweetened" or "Unsweetened" Ellie sharply said back.
"Unsweetened" I said still smiling, but thinking, "Really chick, I just said a short & simple order and you couldn't get it all and there YOU'RE not busy?"
"Kind?" Ellie said with ZERO sense of ANYTHING on her face or in her voice.
"Do I have a choice?" I asked. The reason I asked is; because, up to this point, I have NEVER ordered an ice tea from a Starbucks. I know that sounds strange for how long I've been a Starbucks customer, but I am a coffee dude. If I have in the past, I don't remember it.
"Yeah." She replies as if I am the dumbass for not knowing.
At this point, I am over this "chick" and am thinking all sorts of things in my head.
"Well, would you mind showing me where they are or telling me?" I still politely asked (which I find strange; because, usually I would have been snarky back, but I kept hearing my Mom's voice in my head telling me to..."kill her with kindness.")
"Black, Green, Passion Berry" Ellie so thrillingly replies.
"Green" I answer. I give her $3 and perky gives me eighty-five cents back. Now, usually it would have gone in the tip jar. But, I was at the end of my run and was wearing shorts with no pockets, so what did I end up doing with that money? Literally throwing in the trash before I left. (Sorry, Barista dude. Now, that I think about it, I should of handed it to you, but since it was change, I thought it was insulting)
As I stand there; because, in just about all the other Starbucks I've been to usually the person who rings gets the drip coffees and ice-teas. How do I know? I am observant and just notice stupid stuff. What did Ellie do? Look out the window! So, I looked over at the other guy who is still busting his ass making everyone else's drinks who were there before I entered and he motioned for me to like come over towards his side. So, I did.
Now, another guy enters and walks right up to Ellie and she begins to chat it up with him smiling like they are BFF's. The whole time I am starring at her; because, the Barista is still working his ass off and she is clearly slacking. We make eye contact about 3 times. I make eye contact with the Barista about twice and he is looking at me, like, "sorry".
By now, AT LEAST 4 minutes has gone by and he is still busting his ass and she is still flirting.
He finally goes, "So & so (I couldn't understand him), can you please at least get his ice tea?"
"What was it?" She asks him.
OMFG! Ellie, you JUST wrote it down! He points to the cup and she fills it up, and hands it to me.
"Here" she answers.
I took it, thanked the guy, and walked out. Needless to say the store & Starbucks will be receiving a letter today (something I NEVER due). I will also be calling their corporate office to make SHE is dealt with.
I've been to this Starbucks a handful of times and it's always been 5 stars, but to have someone as tacky & horrible as her is simply a cancer.
The job market sucks and tons of people want jobs. CAN HER and hire someone who takes pride in what they due.
AND, if you know Ellie, please make sure she reads this. read more