Starbucks

Is unhappiness contagious?
I would like to share an incident I experienced at Starbucks 6568 Hastings Street, Kensington Ave, Burnaby, BC V5B 1S2 store, which I have been a happy customer of for years, on October 2, 2024 at around 9 a.m. I decided to write this because of the friendliness and polite attitude of the store employees. Recently, I have seen an employee named Jackie behave in a very disturbing way towards both colleagues and customers. As a psychologist, I can make some guesses from Jackie's perpetually aggressive uncomfortable gaze and perpetually sweaty face. Anyway... In the morning, while he was interfering with a colleague in an unpolite manner, I said with a smile that this was Jackie's rule, not Starbucks'. He angrily kicked me out of the store. I asked him why he was so rude because I hadn't seen other stores charge extra for the milk added to the coffee. When it started to get uglier, I said, why are you so nervous and making people unhappy? From the way people were looking at me and because I wanted the topic to end, I showed him my phone and asked him if he would fire me once again to dissuade him. It started to look even worse because I was calling the police, let alone being quiet or polite. You wouldn't want to see the gaze of employees and customers. I wrote this with the thought that maybe Starbucks officials could save customers and store employees from Jackie. Because I don't like people who aren't kind and make other people unhappy just to be happy themselves.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 5

Service: 1

Very friendly and super helpful

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Staff are friendly.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 5

I recently visited Starbucks and had an excellent experience thanks to the outstanding service provided by Sarah and Igor. They were both incredibly welcoming and attentive, ensuring that my order was perfect and that I felt valued as a customer. Their positive attitudes and professionalism really stood out and made my visit all the more enjoyable. Kudos to Sarah and Igor for going above and beyond to provide exceptional service—I'll definitely be returning!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pike Place Roast

rude & unwelcoming staff, very dirty store

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Good spot

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This morning I went there for get coffee I pay by cash they ask change they don’t have small size money.
and also I order two Cinnamon cake it take almost15 min to bring my order.
bad experience not satisfied.

A wonderful community and staff but the physical changes have recently detracted from the atmosphere in a big way. Reduced seating and the blocking of one large window has reduced the natural lighting. It feels like you're in a basement closet now. I no longer make this a destination and choose other local coffee shops.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 4

Hannah is the most professional, kind and helpful worker. She is competent, and provides great service. They need more people like HER. I had a great experience with her.

Food: 5

Service: 5

This location used to be my favorite with free parking, a chance to catch up with people from the community, and some of the best coffee in the Lower Mainland. But not anymore. Ever since the rumored management change (which I overheard from someone), everything has gone downhill. The coffee is now watered down, and they always overcharge me when I order in person compared to mobile orders. The place is practically empty now, probably because they're kicking people out for sitting too long. The staff are cranky, and they're always out of so many items. Seriously, check your sales history to ensure you have enough inventory. It's unacceptable to have the same items out of stock for weeks. You know your promotion calendar in advance, unlike us customers who get notified on the day of.

Ps: the store can use some cleaning and add more tables and chairs.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The baristas behind the counter always seem like they’re having a good time & every interaction I’ve had with them has been pleasant. They make the atmosphere of the cafe enjoyable, as it seems they care for what they are doing. It can get quite busy there during rush hours, but they are able to maintain stamina despite sometimes rude customers. It’s free to be nice to service workers!

Vegetarian options: Some vegetarian options available, and similarly they can remove things like meat from their pre made sandwhiches. Less options for anyone vegan though, as most food items contain some form of dairy or meat.

Dietary restrictions: Have dairy alternatives & can remove various ingredients from their premade sandwiches.

Parking: Located at Kensington Square so parking a free-for all, first-come-first-serve, since there are various shops around the plaza.

Kid-friendliness: Lots of options for kids (caffeine free beverages & food for picky eaters). They also have one high chair.

Wheelchair accessibility: Main entrance (where big titled sign is wheelchair accessible & has a button to open the door on both sides). Back entrance is not wheelchair accessible.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I am very disappointed with the recent management changes at this Starbucks location. For two consecutive days, there was no coffee available, which is unacceptable for a coffee shop. If corporate advertises a promotion, such as $5 coffee and pastry, it should be readily available for customers. Under the new manager, the service has significantly declined. They micromanage what customers can order and seem more focused on maximizing profit (even charging for no ice, etc) than providing a good experience. I will not be returning to this location, and it’s no surprise it’s not as busy as it used to be.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

It needs a bit more cleaning.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 4

The last best coffee stop in Burnaby before you hit the Barnett highway. A usual stop for me in rush hour traffic.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The place needs a good cleaning. Tables dirty. Floors dirty. Behind the counter looked like an absolute war zone; spilled coffee grounds, stains on the floor, and dirty counters.

I’m surprised as i haven’t seen a Starbucks like this before.