Starbucks in Twentynine Palms

“For context, I am from Seattle where there are many options especially for coffee/beverages and snacks (Starbucks every ten miles max but also many other/more local options for cafes with coffee and other drinks like bubble tea, matcha..). I go to Starbucks because I am sometimes on the road (including for work) and they have a GF snack I can eat (potato cheddar egg bites) and most cafes have *no* GF options for food except maybe yogurt. I also do like their ristretto shot lattes/mochas.. the coffee beans they use for espresso is a darker roast which I like. I don't understand all these cafes (JT Coffee Co. here, for example, but it's many popular cafes in Seattle as well) using medium roasts for espresso. Yes it's higher caffeine but so gross and opposite of Italian style, origins of espresso.. and I don't understand why people like it but they must (JT coffee Co is going strong years later, for example..).
I have been coming to this beautiful area for vacation at least once a year since 2020. I love love the vibe, scenery, how quiet it is.. and it's a short flight.
The Starbucks cafes in this area are all extremely slammed and short staffed from early/mid January. I understand that it doesn't make economic sense for Starbucks to open more stores due to long slow season in desert areas.. and the priority of Starbucks management/corporate is the bottom line above all else (customers or staff) so I don't expect that this is a problem that will be solved anytime soon. So I try to make my own coffee drinks for most of the the days I am here visiting because I feel bad for the staff who should be paid more considering how slammed they are all day.. it makes me feel guilty and like I'm part of the problem.“

“Top notch, 10/10 experience. I write this hearing the in-store Whitney vibes of 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody'—and honestly, I feel like dancing.

My internal clock is still on East Coast time, so I am wide awake at 3:45 AM. While the motel office is skeptical about the hours, Google Maps and your 4:00 AM opening save the day. I load my card with $25 because I am not just looking for caffeine; I am looking for human connection and a hit of morning dopamine.

The 'Welcome In!' feels genuine. When my Sausage Egg Muffin comes out a bit too crunchy on one side, I feel an apologetic hesitation about asking for a fix, but Alan handles it with total grace. His smile turns my hesitation into a 'winning at life' moment. To top it off, as a 50-year-old man rocking a MrBeast hoodie, diving into the mystery of the gift card promotion feels like a real adventure. My belly is warm, my Venti is delicious, and I am deeply grateful for the hospitality.“