Starbucks — Restaurant in Saanich

I had a disappointing experience at this specific Starbucks location today.

I placed a takeout order that included two drinks and was already carrying a large bag of food. The barista saw that I was juggling everything and, naturally, I asked if I could have a drink tray to help manage the items. To my surprise, I was told that there were no trays available.

I was left trying to balance two drinks on top of a large bag, which was extremely difficult. I almost spilled the drinks and ultimately had to step aside and make a phone call for my husband to come assist me. It was uncomfortable and frustrating especially because I had made a reasonable request that would’ve helped me carry my order safely.

What really added to the disappointment was that just two minutes after I left the store and stood out there waiting for my husband, who was supposed to take care of my pup in the car, a kind customer approached me - she said the barista had taken out a whole stack of trays - right after I walked out.

Oh wow . That made the situation feel unnecessarily rude and dismissive. It’s upsetting to know that the trays were actually available but were being intentionally withheld when I clearly needed one.

I understand things can get busy, but basic courtesy and support for customers goes a long way. I hope the team at this location reflects on how they treat people and offers more considerate service...

I visit Starbucks regularly at the Torquay village location, great staff, always courteous and willing to go out of their way. Didn't stop by today because app showed nitro cold brew was unavailable. When I do order on the app, the drink is made, I just pick it up.

At this location, my drink cup was sitting nitro brew tap unfilled, my sandwich was ready. I stood at pickup for about 10 min patiently because they looked very busy and I didnt want to interrupt their work flow. Another worker stopped by, looked at my cup with my name, and made a very rude, "is this guy ever going to get here" remark and then moved on to her next task.

I turned to her co-worker who was making drinks next to the pickup location and told her I'm here, and she knows I'd been standing there for a while. She told me they need us to tell them when we arrive so they can make it - what? So ridiculously arbitrary, how am I to know that this location operates differently from others? I told her as I said above, I wanted to give them time to prepare drinks in the priority they have and didn't know I was supposed to tell the baristas this. I made a point of repeating to the other rude barista directly I'd been there the whole time.

Both went silent, and simply decided to ignore me. I took my drink and headed out. No...

Had a very strange experience here today. Ordered 2 dragon fruit lemonades and since there was a huge line up I knew they might take a while. I saw one of them on the counter, checked that it was under my name, and so I took it. Waited for the second one to be made (for my kid who wasn't there), 5 min later it was ready but my name wasn't called. I went to the counter to check and it was mine, so I grabbed it. I sat down with my youngest to have my drink but decided to later order another one. Again, the person who was making the drink and placing them on the counter didn't call my name. I saw a dragon fruit drink there and asked if it was for me. She then said our loud: have you been grabbing the drinks from here slowly? This was said in an accusatory tone making me confused about what was the problem? I ordered 3 drinks and was taking them as they were being left on the counter without anyone calling my name to come get them. It made me feel super uncomfortable as this staff singled me out trying to imply that I was just taking drinks that were not for me? We left and I doubt I'll be coming back to this location. Very rude behaviour...