Starbucks — Restaurant in Saanich

I am so honored to be tasked with reviewing such a fine establishment as Starbucks! If you are going to the standalone Starbucks on the lower level of Tillicum mall, with their ungodly lineups that lead out the door and coil through several city blocks like it's a black friday sale, if you wish to avoid said lineup, there is a small Starbucks located inside the SaveOn up on the top level of the mall and they never have a lineup, and they dont accept tips because they are paid a lot more than the standalone locations pay their employees. I feel as though being paid a higher wage makes the employees care more about their job and that is reflected in their attitudes, friendliness and how personable they are, and I like how they get to know their customers and they remember what we order! Since there is no pressure of the lineup behind me the staff is able to have a friendly chat each time I visit, and these are the things that I value and help to shape my decisions of where send...

I organized a school/community event for about 120 people and we were giving away free food and hot chocolate (we were even giving away Starbucks gift cards which were purchased to give away as door prizes). We thought it would be easiest to get hot water from Starbucks as using kettles to serve about 100 hot chocolates would not be practical. When my wife went to the location at Tillicum Mall to ask if Starbucks would donate the water they said it was no longer their policy to give donations such as we were asking for. My wife texted me to notify me that we would have to pay for the hot water. I should have followed up with more questions, but said ok. Turns out we were charged $79.59 for the equivalent of 90 servings of hot water! I am really disappointed, but I guess the lesson learned is that I should no longer support this business that clearly does not...

I would never go to this Starbucks after the experience my friend just had a few days ago which I just heard about today. She and two other people brought their BC/Alberta Guide Dogs in Training to this location and were told to leave because they were making too much noise. REALLY, would you tell a mother and her friends to leave because their babies were crying!!! The BC and Alberta Guide Dog Trainers need social experiences with their dogs. I have had to put up with crying babies and these dogs need to socialize so they can assist someone in their job. I would NEVER, EVER go to this Starbucks. Go to WINNERS as they accept dogs whether or not they are Guide Dogs in Training. SHAME on...