Wow! Where do I start? Hmm.. Let's just start with this. I've been going to Starbucks nearly ever day of my life for the last.. oh,12 years. Customer service is something that is a hallmark component of the Starbucks experience, and that being said, this Starbucks is downgright pitiful.
I would have given this 0 stars if I could have.
Besides the location being entirely inconvenient, the tiny parking lot, the poor layout of the store, and lack of seating, I honestly tried so hard to like this Starbucks. It's the only one on my way to work (besides Park Mall) and if you're like me, a morning without Starbucks makes for a very bad day. I was never entirely "wowed" by this location... and this past Saturday morning I was absolutely disgusted.
I went in on a Saturday morning. The line was pretty long, but luckily I left early on my way to work so I didn't mind the wait. I have been drinking the same beverage for over 6 years. At this point, I know exactly what it should look like inside the plastic iced venti cup. I place my order, and I suppose the barista behind the register forgot her morning coffee, because I had to repeat my order to her 3 times.
After ensuring the order is correct, she rings it up and I pay with my Starbucks Gold Card.
Then I wait.
and wait......
and wait.
After about 10 minutes, I see a male barista holding a venti cup with what looks like espresso in there... Something about espresso, after about 10 seconds of being pulled, if you dont *do* something with it (drink it, pour it over ice, mix it with something), the espresso will "burn".
The barista took his time while reading the cup to try to decode the drink order, then commenced to putting ice inside the cup. Watching him, the entire time, I already knew it wasn't right. He then drowned the espresso in milk and put it on the bar and attempted to call out the order.
I approach the bar, and simply tell him 'I'm sorry, that's not right. Can I please just have a refund?"
The whole time, the store is getting busier and busier. at this time, the line is to the door.
Barista tells me "you hve to get a refund at the register"....
Did he ask what was wrong with my drink? No. Did he offer to fix it? No. Did he acknowledge that I may be a little short on time after waiting 10 minutes for a drink and that waiting 10 more minutes in line to get my money back was simlply not an option? No. Simply put, this barista could not care less.
Ok I know I'm dragging this on and on.. But I know for a fact that one of Starbucks' goals is to have such consistency with every store that every visit should be just as quality as the other. This was the breaking point of this store. I at that point called the Starbucks Customer Service number, lodged a formal complaint, and will be in contact with the district manager regarding this.
So yeah, I waited in line again. I got my refund, and I will never ever be visiting this store again. I will tell everyone I know about my horrible experience here relentlessly.
To the barista that attempted to make my drink, I think your name is Brian. Never have I ever been so disgusted by anyone's lack of customer service. You deserve a gold star for failure. If this is the way you treat the customers that give you a paycheck every two weeks, then, my friend, I don't foresee such a bright outlook in your future.
I will continue to go out of my way to work to the Starbucks on Speedway and Country Club--- by far the best in town. read more