Starbucks Circuit Lane — Restaurant in Makati

By any measure, Starbucks is known all over the world as the premier coffee chain. It does not mean it serves the best coffee, it only means they have the best business model for a coffee chain. Right now, they have over 30,000 locations worldwide. In the Philippines, it is the Tantocos of Rustan's and Rustan Coffee Co that holds the franchise and as far as I know most, if not all stores are company owned.

Arriving to our shores in December 1997, that was my last year of working corporate and I remember we were all excited to try the world famous brand after the staid 3-in-1 and occasional Folger's at the pantry. "Maritess" has not yet arrived then but the pantry was rife for such engagements. It was like a badge of honor to be able to try it out at 6750 Ayala, the first branch.

Wherever you go, there is a certain standard to the customer service at Starbucks. Even in Shanghai, China where we would spend quite some time at the Reserve and regular branches, baristas and cashiers are very pleasant and helpful. Where normally, Chinese servers are usually rude and gruff.

Here at the Circuit, the staff are some of the nicest people. After all, it is probably innate to Filipinos to be friendly and ever smiling. Couple this with their culture wherein it is mandated that the barista will adjust the blend of your coffee if it is not to your liking.

Now, with the advent of Third Wave Coffee, Starbucks is experiencing a bit of pressure. But, all their years of building and sustaining service and heft gives them economies of scale not present with Third Wave upstarts. It is sad to see Yardstick close down. So with %Arabica which I hear will relaunch. But there are others to keep Starbucks on its toes. Though not necessarily Third Wave, the acquisition of Jollibee of CBTL poses a challenge especially with its expansion plans. There are great choices like EDSA Beverage, Curator, Habitual, Commune, Antipodean, Angkan and the like. My personal favorite is Toby's Estate. Even the provinces have shops like El Union and Hometown.

With Christmas nearing, I ordered the popular Toffee Nut Latte Frappe (P187) and the Vegan Chocolate Mousse (P192).

As with anything vegan, it's close to full on Chocolate Mousse but not quite. Not as sweet, not as silky smooth but with enough chocolateyness to keep you smiling which is not necessarily...

I had a disappointing experience at Starbucks recently. I received the "Long Receipt" which promised a free Tall Beverage after completing a survey, and I was familiar with the process, as this was my third time receiving a long receipt. However, when I mentioned this to the cashier, the manager insisted on assisting me, which seemed unnecessary. What shocked me, though, was he took my phone to fill out the survey, and HE WAS THE ONE WHO FILL OUT THE SURVEY. It was clear that he was the one providing the responses, not me. I was left wondering, what's the point of the survey if the staff are just filling it out themselves and giving themselves the highest ratings? If I had been the one answering it, I would’ve given the lowest score, as the customer service was far from good. Unfortunately, they’re the only Starbucks at Ayala Malls Circuit, so I had no choice but to buy...

No WIFI since 4years ago. RIDICULOUS. supposedly the request is in the mail. The most obsurd response, 4 years no wifi here. Ordered a warm chocolate pecan cake. asked yhe server if it was warmed up. which i knew it wasnt because it was served immediately. I asked her 3 times. she answered yes. every time. 🙂‍↕️. I touched the cake. it was stone cold. i asked her to please warm it up. Her damn reply was would i like her to warm it up AGAIN. After she just saw me feel it. She never warmed it up in the first place. In total i had asked her 5 times to warm up the cake. 5 freakn times. UNBELIEVABLE. 220 php per item here. and they cant warm up the cake or serve wifi. lies and smug service from these...