Starbucks — Restaurant in Ottawa

The Holiday spirit is alive here!

Today the most beautiful thing happened at this location. I overheard one customer telling her friend she was going to use her reward points to buy her friend his coffee; Then he could buy a premium coffee with cash so she can get a Red Holiday Cup for her daughter.

After overhearing their conversation I thanked her for reminding me it was red cup day! (I arrived at the location with my own reusable Starbucks cup from home) I went back to place my order for a Handcrafted Holiday drink to get my red cup to add to my collection.

We both waited at drink pick-up and when she received hers, asked for her red cup. She was told the promotion was only for a Handcrafted Holiday drink. She was visibly disappointed but clearly didn't have time to correct it.

I told her I would buy another holiday drink so she can have a cup. She didn't feel comfortable with that and was clearly in a rush. I handed her my red cup and wished her Merry Xmas. Her face lit up and she said her daughter will be thrilled!

I sat down at a table and took out my laptop to respond to some emails - now with 2 coffees.

A few minutes later one of the staff members brought me a red cup and told me he overheard our conversation and thanked me for my kindness. I pointed out that, after all that was the definition of the holiday spirit: One person doing something selfless and inspiring others to do the same.

Daniel M: You made my day! You should be recognized as an example of a great Starbucks Brand Ambassador.

You live the Starbuck Mission effortlessly: "With every cup, with every conversation, with every community -- we nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection".

Earlier, I was observing you being kind to an elderly customer. Making small talk and making her feel seen and appreciated; I also observed you offering a customer who ordered a regular premium coffee if they would like to get a premium holiday coffee instead and get a Red Cup.

You embody every Value of Starbucks: Craft Courage Results Belonging Joy

You are an incredible asset to this organization. Your empathy, kindness and professionalism is truly inspirational and gives me...

EDIT: I recently went back here as the Bridgehead was closed, and it seems as if they’ve added more seating and a sign that says they appreciate the community? However there’s still not nearly enough space on the small tables to really work, and it’s mostly big arm chairs. Still not nearly the amount of space to really gather.

The new renovations are an incredible shame. This used to be a easy place to sit down, work, and it had such a bustling sense of community. Now there is one wooden bench and two small tables and the entire place feels... cramped? Squished? It's hard to believe how much they used to have there while still feeling welcoming and open when it is what it is now. It's hostile to say the least. I don't even really see why the place needed such a big change when it was so lovely before.

The baristas are wonderful (though it seems like they may have gotten rid of some of their original staff since the renos?), the drinks are ok, but it's hard to find any reason to go here anymore when the Bridgehead with much more room to sit is right around the corner (which is where it seems most people have flocked to since considering how busy it is in comparison). Needless to say I won't be coming...

I am beyond disheartened by the renovation that has removed nearly EVERYTHING I loved about this location. This used to be one of my favorite places in the world. I'm not exaggerating- waking up at 5 in the morning to bring my laptop and books to this Starbucks for long peaceful study and work sessions easily became one of the best parts of my life since I started online schooling last year. Everything about it was perfect, from the food and drinks to the atmosphere to the lovely baristas. Treating myself to a book at Indigo and then an hour or so of reading it while drinking at Starbucks, and also hanging out with friends here was not something I should have taken for granted. There is nowhere to sit anymore, I cannot even fit my laptop on the tiny 'tables' that there are only 3 of along the bench. I know this reno was supposed to shift this location to a "grab and go" model, but what even is the point of that? Just because people commonly "grab and go" doesn't mean the experience of sitting down to eat/drink, read/study/hangout/relax has to be...