I have been a regular customer at the Starbucks on Knox Street for the past three years, as a member of the local community. Unfortunately, my experiences with a particular employee named Maria have been consistently disappointing and troubling. Each time I visit, I notice a pattern of prejudice and unfair treatment toward African-Americans. Maria’s attitude is so awful towards blacks who come in that I decided to poset after observing and experiencing her unpleasant and controling nature.
Most recently, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, I came in as usual. Before placing my order, I wanted to wash my hands and asked for the restroom code. When I received the “restroom code” from another staff member, who kindly gave it because Maria ignored me when I asked her. As I was headed to the Starbucks restroom—she of judge me and thought I was a bum because I was stressed in my workout clothes and I am black…Maria suddenly shouted at me, questioning whether I intended to place an order since I was using the restroom. Her tone was loud, rude and humiliating.
I turned around and said, “ I’ll place the order after I wash my hands and use the restroom”— if that’s all right with you? Proceeding to the restroom but filling awkward about her stance.
when I came out of the restroom and went to the counter to place my order, she act as if she did not want to serve me. After I explained that I do place orders regularly, she and a supervisor began giggling and making fun of me, which made me feel singled out and disrespected.
When I finally placed my order, I expressed my frustration, mentioning that I’ve been coming here for three years and that her behavior has consistently been biased and unprofessional. Despite remaining polite and professional myself, she continued to judge me based on my race. Additionally, she did not wash her hands properly while handling food and orders, raising health and sanitation concerns.
The supervisor also tried to argue with me, stating, “if you don’t like it then you can get out “and “you can contact my manager”. Well I’ll do better than that. I thought to myself, and maintain professionalism. I chose not to engage further, as their attitude seemed to thrive on conflict. I just go ahead and create this post🤗.
It’s disheartening to experience such microaggressions and discrimination, regardless of one’s social or economic status. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident; I’ve encountered similar situations before, but today’s experience was particularly humiliating.
I believe that all staff should be properly trained to treat every customer with respect and fairness. Maria’s attitude and treatment of me have negatively impacted the store’s atmosphere and reputation. I hope Starbucks takes this feedback seriously and addresses these ongoing issues to ensure a more inclusive and respectful environment for all customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Chilot
For years, I’ve been a devoted Starbucks customer but never asked to purchased first to use restroom. I have decided to stop using Starbucks from now on. Thank you for helping me to save my money!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Amy Calvillo
I’ve been a loyal Starbucks customer for years, spending thousands of dollars and visiting stores all over the world. Not once until now have I ever been asked if I’d made a purchase just to use the restroom, especially when in fact did minutes prior. At this location, a white woman wearing red glasses asked in a passive-aggressive tone, which felt unnecessary and unwelcoming. For a brand built on consistency and customer experience that I’ve admired, this interaction stood out in the worst way. I left not fond of the interaction at all.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Sheyla Sanchez
I had a bad treatment by the employee Maria, I was on the line waiting to order but I needed to go to the bathroom and my husband asks her the bathroom code, to which she practically doesn't even look at us and with very bad will tells my husband that we have to order to be able to use the bathroom, I don't know, but the first time this happens to me in a Starbucks, I don't come back here anymore.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Victor Ochei
Shoutout to Brooklynn for the great service and conversation. Made sure large order was made perfectly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kenneth Ortega
My favorite Starbucks in Dallas. Turtle Creek/Knox Henderson Area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Felipe Azuaje
I always come to this Starbucks to pick up my black Americano coffee. Today, when I needed to use the restroom because I was feeling dizzy and wanted to freshen up, I was told that I couldn’t use the restroom unless I bought a coffee or another item first. What’s going on with this store? Has anyone else experienced this?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Ana Rivera
My go to drink, love this place!!
Nadya Nemova Tatsch
Our favorite place after walking in Katy Trail.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Neptune
This store cheats you and fills their cups halfway. I don’t know if they’re just lazy or trying to save money, but at $7 for a latte it’s not ok. I’ve been coming here for a while and have to show them and ask to correct it 3-4x a week. Staff are hostile or rude when I notify them of the error. Done with this place.
I’ve been coming to this Starbucks for years, I frequent a Starbucks about 3times a week. Today, after I purchased my drink and sat outside for a little, I needed to use the restroom. So I go back inside and ask for the code and the first thing the woman behind the counter says to me is I need to make a purchase in order to use the restroom. Obviously she was not paying attention or maybe not in the store at the time of my purchase, doesn’t really matter, she seemed insensitive and didn’t even asked if I had made a purchase, she just assumed I didn’t. Horrible customer service, and a good way to lose loyal customers. Your companies new policy concerning the bathroom is even more atrocious. The price for your coffee is already overpriced, and now unless I make a purchase I can’t use the restroom. How many customers do you think will remain loyal when they find out no matter how much you spend at a Starbucks in a month or year, you can’t use their restroom at your convenience. I for one will not be buying anymore of your expensive coffee until that ridiculous policy changes. I would advise other loyal customers like myself to do the same.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
duke marks
My order was exactly how I wanted very picky on my order was made just how I liketba m shea for being so great of barista Starbucks should award you I mean it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rebecca Lopez
Hi! I’m a Dog Walker/ Pet Sitter. What ever area I go into. I usually hit a Starbucks. This particular store is one of my faves. They make an espresso Frappuccino the right way. I turned my order in through my mobile order. I look a mess this morning and I know it! But the animals usually don’t judge the crazy hair. Also, this morning. I fell in some wet grass and rolled my ankles. So, my gray sweatpants now have mud in them. My right arm is hurting. But, I will get thought it! So, I ask for the code for the restroom.i wanted to look at my pants through the mirror. I was told it’s for customers only. She turns away and snickers a little bit.The lady next to her just continues to stare at me. So, I gave her my name for my order. Her attitude quickly changed and she gave me the code. By that time, I figured everyone was already looking at me. A little dirt on my pants shouldn’t get that kind of response out of anybody. Employees stop and stare. I know I didn’t brush my hair that great. But, I swear. I did! So, I stood and waited. I felt so uncomfortable and the lady tried to look at me. I didn’t ask her name because I was afraid what I would say after that. So, I stood there and felt akward and just stood there and started praying. and wait for my 2 expensive drinks that I paid for would hurry up. My name is Rebecca Lopez and I’m Hispanic. All I wanted was to use the bathroom and get my drinks. Instead I was profiled by the ladies in this store. This has never happened to me before and I pray it never happens to you either. Starbucks needs to do better. Ladies, be careful the places you go into. If you don’t look the fit or the color, they will shun you.
Loyal Customer for over 20 years. I go in at least 5 times a week. Probanlyore than that!!
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
ኤበን ኤዘር
They have very bad service and do not serve evenly and have no pale face
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ken Harris
Special shout out to Brooklynn! This past Monday, 2/17, I took my friend to SBUX for a pick me up drink after a long day at the office. Immediately she greeted us and wrote a special pick me up message on his cup and made us feel so warm, welcome, and appreciated! Her energy was amazing. I will now go out of my way to make sure I go back to this particular SBUX location. Thank you for an amazing experience Brooklynn! 😊
I have been a regular customer at the Starbucks on Knox Street for the past three years, as a member of the local community. Unfortunately, my experiences with a particular employee named Maria have been consistently disappointing and troubling. Each time I visit, I notice a pattern of prejudice and unfair treatment toward African-Americans. Maria’s attitude is so awful towards blacks who come in that I decided to poset after observing and experiencing her unpleasant and controling nature.
Most recently, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, I came in as usual. Before placing my order, I wanted to wash my hands and asked for the restroom code. When I received the “restroom code” from another staff member, who kindly gave it because Maria ignored me when I asked her. As I was headed to the Starbucks restroom—she of judge me and thought I was a bum because I was stressed in my workout clothes and I am black…Maria suddenly shouted at me, questioning whether I intended to place an order since I was using the restroom. Her tone was loud, rude and humiliating.
I turned around and said, “ I’ll place the order after I wash my hands and use the restroom”— if that’s all right with you? Proceeding to the restroom but filling awkward about her stance.
when I came out of the restroom and went to the counter to place my order, she act as if she did not want to serve me. After I explained that I do place orders regularly, she and a supervisor began giggling and making fun of me, which made me feel singled out and disrespected.
When I finally placed my order, I expressed my frustration, mentioning that I’ve been coming here for three years and that her behavior has consistently been biased and unprofessional. Despite remaining polite and professional myself, she continued to judge me based on my race. Additionally, she did not wash her hands properly while handling food and orders, raising health and sanitation concerns.
The supervisor also tried to argue with me, stating, “if you don’t like it then you can get out “and “you can contact my manager”. Well I’ll do better than that. I thought to myself, and maintain professionalism. I chose not to engage further, as their attitude seemed to thrive on conflict. I just go ahead and create this post🤗.
It’s disheartening to experience such microaggressions and discrimination, regardless of one’s social or economic status. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident; I’ve encountered similar situations before, but today’s experience was particularly humiliating.
I believe that all staff should be properly trained to treat every customer with respect and fairness. Maria’s attitude and treatment of me have negatively impacted the store’s atmosphere and reputation. I hope Starbucks takes this feedback seriously and addresses these ongoing issues to ensure a more inclusive and respectful environment for all customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
For years, I’ve been a devoted Starbucks customer but never asked to purchased first to use restroom. I have decided to stop using Starbucks from now on. Thank you for helping me to save my money!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I’ve been a loyal Starbucks customer for years, spending thousands of dollars and visiting stores all over the world. Not once until now have I ever been asked if I’d made a purchase just to use the restroom, especially when in fact did minutes prior. At this location, a white woman wearing red glasses asked in a passive-aggressive tone, which felt unnecessary and unwelcoming. For a brand built on consistency and customer experience that I’ve admired, this interaction stood out in the worst way. I left not fond of the interaction at all.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
I had a bad treatment by the employee Maria, I was on the line waiting to order but I needed to go to the bathroom and my husband asks her the bathroom code, to which she practically doesn't even look at us and with very bad will tells my husband that we have to order to be able to use the bathroom, I don't know, but the first time this happens to me in a Starbucks, I don't come back here anymore.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Shoutout to Brooklynn for the great service and conversation. Made sure large order was made perfectly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My favorite Starbucks in Dallas. Turtle Creek/Knox Henderson Area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I always come to this Starbucks to pick up my black Americano coffee. Today, when I needed to use the restroom because I was feeling dizzy and wanted to freshen up, I was told that I couldn’t use the restroom unless I bought a coffee or another item first. What’s going on with this store? Has anyone else experienced this?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
My go to drink, love this place!!
Our favorite place after walking in Katy Trail.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This store cheats you and fills their cups halfway. I don’t know if they’re just lazy or trying to save money, but at $7 for a latte it’s not ok. I’ve been coming here for a while and have to show them and ask to correct it 3-4x a week. Staff are hostile or rude when I notify them of the error. Done with this place.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
I’ve been coming to this Starbucks for years, I frequent a Starbucks about 3times a week. Today, after I purchased my drink and sat outside for a little, I needed to use the restroom. So I go back inside and ask for the code and the first thing the woman behind the counter says to me is I need to make a purchase in order to use the restroom. Obviously she was not paying attention or maybe not in the store at the time of my purchase, doesn’t really matter, she seemed insensitive and didn’t even asked if I had made a purchase, she just assumed I didn’t. Horrible customer service, and a good way to lose loyal customers. Your companies new policy concerning the bathroom is even more atrocious. The price for your coffee is already overpriced, and now unless I make a purchase I can’t use the restroom. How many customers do you think will remain loyal when they find out no matter how much you spend at a Starbucks in a month or year, you can’t use their restroom at your convenience. I for one will not be buying anymore of your expensive coffee until that ridiculous policy changes. I would advise other loyal customers like myself to do the same.
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
My order was exactly how I wanted very picky on my order was made just how I liketba m shea for being so great of barista Starbucks should award you I mean it
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Hi! I’m a Dog Walker/ Pet Sitter. What ever area I go into. I usually hit a Starbucks. This particular store is one of my faves. They make an espresso Frappuccino the right way. I turned my order in through my mobile order. I look a mess this morning and I know it! But the animals usually don’t judge the crazy hair.
Also, this morning. I fell in some wet grass and rolled my ankles. So, my gray sweatpants now have mud in them. My right arm is hurting. But, I will get thought it! So, I ask for the code for the restroom.i wanted to look at my pants through the mirror. I was told it’s for customers only. She turns away and snickers a little bit.The lady next to her just continues to stare at me. So, I gave her my name for my order. Her attitude quickly changed and she gave me the code. By that time, I figured everyone was already looking at me. A little dirt on my pants shouldn’t get that kind of response out of anybody. Employees stop and stare. I know I didn’t brush my hair that great. But, I swear. I did!
So, I stood and waited. I felt so uncomfortable and the lady tried to look at me. I didn’t ask her name because I was afraid what I would say after that. So, I stood there and felt akward and just stood there and started praying. and wait for my 2 expensive drinks that I paid for would hurry up.
My name is Rebecca Lopez and I’m Hispanic. All I wanted was to use the bathroom and get my drinks. Instead I was profiled by the ladies in this store. This has never happened to me before and I pray it never happens to you either. Starbucks needs to do better. Ladies, be careful the places you go into. If you don’t look the fit or the color, they will shun you.
Loyal Customer for over 20 years. I go in at least 5 times a week. Probanlyore than that!!
Atmosphere: 3
Service: 1
They have very bad service and do not serve evenly and have no pale face
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Special shout out to Brooklynn! This past Monday, 2/17, I took my friend to SBUX for a pick me up drink after a long day at the office. Immediately she greeted us and wrote a special pick me up message on his cup and made us feel so warm, welcome, and appreciated! Her energy was amazing. I will now go out of my way to make sure I go back to this particular SBUX location. Thank you for an amazing experience Brooklynn! 😊
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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