Starbucks — Restaurant in Arlington

Poor Service and Unprofessional Attitude at Starbucks Smokey Point

I work directly across the street from this Starbucks and have been a loyal daily customer for quite some time. Every morning, I order the same drink: a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with 2 pumps of White Chocolate and cream. It’s always been consistent until Friday, June 20th at around 8:15 AM.

That morning, I was taken aback by the rude and dismissive attitude of the two baristas working the drive-thru. When I placed my usual order, they abruptly told me they “don’t make that drink” and insisted it was “not on the menu.” I pulled up the Starbucks app menu to show them that not only is it listed, but it’s also saved in my past orders. I even offered to show them previous receipts. Despite this, they spoke to me in a condescending and unprofessional tone.

When I tried to add something for my son, I said, “one sec,” but they rushed me through the rest of my order. To make it easier, I asked them to just make an espresso with white chocolate, add cream, and brown sugar syrup instead. When I received the drink, it was missing both the white chocolate and the cream. I politely pointed out the mistake, and instead of correcting it properly, one of the baristas took it back with clear sarcasm and attitude, added just a splash of cream, and handed it back still missing the white chocolate.

Not only was the drink wrong, but the attitude I received was completely unacceptable. Starbucks drinks are not cheap, and consistency and customer service are key especially for regulars. I ended up adding my own cream and sweetener at work just to make it drinkable.

Starbucks, please do better. What has always set you apart is the quality of your service. This experience was far below that standard. I truly hope this is addressed so future customers aren’t treated this way.

A loyal but...

This location is always training new people... it's become a revolving door of employee turnover, so the drinks are never consistent... which is very disappointing when you're in a rush and don't find out until AFTER you're long gone that your white chocolate mocha is a regular mocha. The chai tea is always changing flavor, too. I order these almost daily, so know the difference. And they don't admit their mistakes.... like giving me 2% when I ask for non-fat milk.

Order a non fat chai tea iced latte, and then order one with 2% milk and set them side by side. You will notice that the one with non-fat is considerably darker... and the one with 2% tastes creamier.

Yesterday, I ordered 2 white chocolate mochas with peppermint (on red cup day), and they didn't want to give me the cups because I didn't order a peppermint white chocolate mocha! 🤦‍♀️ I've ordered these for about 10 years, year round... and I know there is no button or way to order a peppermint white chocolate mocha... you have to customize a white chocolate mocha to add peppermint. At least, in the app you do. I can't imagine they have a button they able and disable during the holidays. 🙄

This location really needs to do better. At least every other stop, something is wrong. That's just too much.

Starbucks on 172nd... please change my mind. Until then, I go...

I wish I could give 5 stars on service, but it is so inconsistent on employees and their attitude of the day I am not able to. And do not call them out on their attitude because you will become the issue. Then you have people like me that will say something anyway. When you are wrong, admit you are wrong. When you are a window greeter, smile! Don't have an attitude, and don't argue with customers!! Management... well..... I tried to call and ask why the girl at the drive thru had an attitude when she was arguing with me about I couldn't use more than one payment method... After the second time of me being pleasant telling her I could and her co-worker which is usually super nice and I know has been there awhile was saying the same thing I asked for a manager... Now Ms. Manager how did you hear this happening? And if you heard it, then you sat there and listened to your employees give the wrong information? Or you lied to a customer? There is a two unpleasant women at the drive-thru that get what they give and I guess when they get sick of it they might change their attitude. I am sure another company would love to have my...