Starbucks

I truly don’t do many reviews, but this situation made me feel extremely uncomfortable and seemed a bit excessive. Part of my job requires me to do site visits across two different counties, and oftentimes, in between one visit and the next, I will look up the nearest Starbucks to go to, get some work done, or take a meeting from. This is what I was doing yesterday, Friday, March 28th, at the Starbucks located in the College Park Shopping Mall. I was running behind, so I quickly found an open area and sat down. My plan was to take my meeting, get some coffee and a snack, and finish out the rest of my work day from there. However, not even 15 minutes after sitting down, I saw a man approaching the table I was sitting at, at first, he grabbed the chair across the table as if he was going to push it in, but I quickly realized it was to grab my attention. At this point, I was in my meeting with my AirPods in and camera on. Since I feel that he wants my attention, I remove one airpod (mind you, I had not even noticed he was an employee, let alone the manager) He didn’t have a name tag that I could see, just a black shirt. He sternly asked me if I had made a purchase, I said oh no, sorry, but I will and open up my phone to order. His response was, “Okay, because you have been here for a while now and have not ordered anything.” Again, I had only been there 15 minutes max, got there after 2 pm, and by the time he came up to me, it was not even 2:20 pm. I went ahead and ordered right then and there. Since I was still going to be in my meeting for another 30ish minutes or so, I figured it was okay to order and leave it up there until my meeting was over. The guy seemed to be doing some sort of orientation with a group of girls at a table to the right of me. After another maybe 15 minutes or so, I see him approach me again, so I take out my headphones. In a stern and sassy manner, he says, “So, have you made a purchase yet?” I responded with “Hi, yes” and picked up my phone to show him, followed by, “Sorry, I am in a work meeting, so I can't go get it right now.” his response was, “Well, I am just doing my job, too.” Mind you, I had not given this man any sas, raised my voice, or attitude, but that is all I got in return.

I was not aware until today when I looked it up that Starbucks had reversed their open door policy in Jan 2025, not even 3 months ago. This truly does not apply to me as I always purchase at least something, even when I am only there for 30 minutes between work visits or meetings. I was also not explained this by the guy whom I believe to be the manager when he approached me either time. There are no signs or anything stating this new policy.

I honestly think that his approach and choice of words were completely uncalled for. As soon as my meeting ended, I grabbed my coffee, asked for the bathroom code, used the bathroom, and left. Again, I planned to order some food and whatnot and stay there for the rest of my work day, but at this point, I felt targeted by the manager. Who did not even say hello or excuse me before interrupting my meeting, not once but twice. This is the only Starbucks I have experienced this level of hostility from, and I will definitely not be returning even if it means I have to drive around 15 -20 mins to the other location (which was my original plan, but again, I was running a little late due to traffic). I hope that the girls he was training do not learn that type of hostility and lack of customer service from him, and I hope he changes his approach when coming up to people.

On a side note, this is one of the few locations I have been to where you need to pay for parking on top of ordering something, and while I know they cannot control that, it just seems unnecessary.

Atmosphere: 1

Service: 1

I visited the store today to do some homework and had a canned drink with me that I had purchased earlier in the day. Since it was room temperature, I asked an employee for a cup of ice. He then asked if I had purchased a drink at the store or if I was with someone who did. I replied no, and found the question a bit odd, mind you I was unaware of any policy requiring customers to purchase a drink to sit in the store. The employee did not inform me of this policy at that time, so I simply took a seat.

About 10 minutes later, while I was working with my AirPods in, the general manager (I believe his name was Eric) knocked on my table to get my attention. He explained that I was not allowed to use the store unless I made a purchase. Although I was frustrated - especially since I had already spent $4 on parking - I acknowledged the policy and placed a mobile order for the cheapest item available, as that was all I could afford.

A few minutes later, both the manager and the employee approached me again and said they had to ask me to leave. I explained that I had purchased a drink and even offered proof. The employee then acknowledged that I was fine to stay. However, shortly after, the manager returned, now holding his tablet, and asked for the name on my order in a noticeably rude and condescending manner. After I provided my name and order details, he told me my drink was on the counter, making it seem as though I was inconveniencing him. At this point, I was feeling extremely uncomfortable and singled out.

To add to the situation, when I finally went to get my drink, the employee approached me again and offered to remake it, saying he had used the wrong milk. I hadn’t noticed any issue with it, so the interaction just felt strange and unnecessary, I also noticed that whenever I glanced in their direction, they were already looking at me, which made me feel even more uncomfortable.

Overall, this experience left me feeling harassed and unwelcome. After each interaction, the way they handled the situation left me feeling increasingly anxious and embarrassed. I understand that Starbucks has policies in place and I respect that, but the way they were enforced in this situation felt excessive, especially since I had complied by making a purchase, and the manager seemed to not believe me. The repeated interactions, dismissive attitude from the manager, and unnecessary scrutiny made the environment extremely uncomfortable, and I don't see myself going to that location again. I hope that in the future, your staff can handle these situations with more professionalism and awareness of how their approach impacts customers.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

Bryan the barista needs training with customers. Walked in just now to pick up my mobile order and was served coffee and Sas. I would have just preferred a coffee hold the sas. Unfortunate they should train there staff alitlle better. They all seemed stressed and tense

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Gpt a caramel macchiato today. The cup was barely past half filled. Unfortunately my oblivious family member picked it up and didn't notice until they were home.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

It's usually so quiet. Helped me pass my classes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

bunch of amazing young kids run the store!

Atmosphere: 3

Service: 5

Thanks for the one straw for our two drinks

Friendly staff and amazing costumer service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This Starbucks is amazing, the customer service is top tier. Connor made me a drink and it was the best I’ve had at any Starbucks anywhere. The staff are efficient, welcoming, and create delicious drinks.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Omg I had the best experience today at this location, I was helped by Rebekah!!! She was so sweet and has amazing customer service I didn’t want to leave the drive-thru, made sure I tipped! She made sure I had everything I needed, she even offered me a pup cup for my dog who was with me! I didn’t even know what that was!!! She made my whole day I will come here just to see her!!!! Thank you so much Rebekah!!!! ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Large and lots of seats. Great staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

I love my wiki wiki (wake up) starbucks every morning; It makes me have energy the whole day!!!My favorite drink is the Latte with coconut milk and cinnamon on top.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

so goooooood will be coming back ?

Lazy workers taking forever to make drinks even with three people.

Service: 1

The service of the mid-day shift is terrible, I have already had things missing 3 times, I have ordered them online and when I have gone there things are missing, and you call them and they don't

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1