Starbucks — Restaurant in Agawam

At 22 Main Street in Agawam, Massachusetts, stands what might be the most unintentionally gothic Starbucks in America. Sporting a modest 3.5-star rating, this location manages to blend standard corporate coffee shop efficiency with what appears to be an aesthetic borrowed from a medieval monastery's coffee hour. The exterior features an array of black-hooded umbrella stands that, particularly under overcast skies, create an unexpectedly ominous welcome committee for caffeine seekers.

The architectural contrast is striking - while the exterior embraces a darker industrial aesthetic with brick and metal paneling, the interior reveals a surprisingly upscale and modern space. Ambient cove lighting bathes the space in a warm glow, illuminating an impressive central merchandise display that's larger than typical Starbucks locations. The counter layout suggests this is a high-volume location, designed for efficient customer flow while maintaining all proper safety protocols.

Speaking of safety, the location ticks all the regulatory boxes: proper handicap parking with stern $300 fine warnings, secure safety railings, clear emergency exits, non-slip commercial flooring, and properly mounted digital menu boards. The drive-thru is clearly marked for those who prefer to avoid the gaze of the hooded sentinels altogether. However, some concerns merit attention: the outdoor furniture placement requires regular monitoring to maintain accessible pathways, the extensive center merchandise display needs careful management to prevent tripping hazards, and those distinctive umbrella stands should be routinely checked for stability in strong winds.

Closing at 9 PM daily, this location presents a unique study in contrasts. While the exterior might suggest you've stumbled upon a secret society of coffee enthusiasts, the interior offers a welcoming, if unusually atmospheric, Starbucks experience. The 3.5-star rating feels appropriate - it's a perfectly competent coffee shop that just happens to look like it might occasionally host meetings of the Order of the Dark Roast. The unexpectedly gothic exterior elements, combined with the warm, modern interior and strict adherence to safety protocols, create a Starbucks location that's memorable for all the right (and slightly spooky) reasons.

Whether the distinctive design choices were intentional or not, this Agawam location has created something unique in the usually predictable world of corporate coffee shops - a place where you can get your standard Frappuccino with a side of mild existential intrigue. Just remember to bring your umbrella on rainy days; you'll have to brave the hooded figures to retrieve it, but at least...

In the drive thru for 45 minutes. Two cars ahead of me pulled out of line while waiting to pick up the orders they already made. Finally get to one car from the windows, they give her the wrong drink. I pull up to the window and they made my first drink iced instead of hot. Then I wait 15 minutes for the second drink. There appeared to be 4 employess, one doing trash, one at the drive up window, one making hot drinks and God only knows what the 4th one was doing. The drive up window employee finally goes and make my second drink. All this time I'm waiting at the window, I'm watching the girl making hot drinks rushing around to make these drinks. The drinks are lining up on the counter for all the cars behind me.....I'm still waiting for my iced drink. All those drinks sitting on the counter were getting cold and/or watered down.

Suggestions....make the drinks for the customer at the drive up window. Close the lobby if you need to, in order to handle the drive up. Staff your location appropriately.

I know I was not the only unhappy customer. It may be a long while before I try this...

Customer service at this location is shot. I walk in, several customers at the tables, no one waiting near the order counter, a couple of orders on the pick-up board, and an empty drive through. 3 employees (that I could see) slowly milling about, chit chatting amongst themselves, adjusting their aprons, fidgeting, and doing other random, absolutely unnecessary tasks. At least none more important than taking care of a customer waiting to place an order. One of them even made brief eye contact with me but then turned away and continued their conversation. I stood there, waiting to be greeted for several long minutes before deciding I didn’t need a drink THAT badly. Not if it meant I’d have to tolerate being treated like I’m invisible and not worth their time. I walked out. Based on the reviews, my experience isn’t a one off. Management, do your job. Equip your employees with basic customer service skills or at the very least raise your hiring standards if you don’t want to make the effort it requires to train your staff. And please take customer...