Starbucks — Restaurant in Atlanta

Whenever you go somewhere and they make you feel like you do not belong, LEAVE, and go where you are valued!!! I’ve been coming to this Starbucks every day, but today I was really disappointed by how the store manager, Diana, treated me. I walked in with my dog on my shoulder, and we both accidentally fell right inside the store. It was embarrassing, and I simply asked if I could use the bathroom to clean up before purchasing anything.

Instead of being met with empathy or even basic kindness, I was told I had to buy something first. I understand policies—but how they’re enforced matters. I’ve been a loyal customer, yet I wasn’t treated like someone they knew or valued. It felt like I was being treated as a transaction, not a person.

What stood out most was that the other customers in line actually let me go ahead of them because they could see the situation wasn’t being handled kindly. That said everything to me.

I still bought a $4 bottle of water and even tipped $5 to show that kindness doesn’t have to depend on a policy. But the experience left me feeling dismissed and disrespected.

Policies are important, but they shouldn’t replace empathy or human decency. This store lost me as a customer—not because of the rules, but because of how they were enforced. I hope management reflects on how they treat loyal customers in vulnerable moments.

I reenacted the video with one of the customers that agreed that gaslighting mean behavior behind policy is NOT okay, it is...

Dear Starbucks Management, I am writing to express my disappointment regarding an experience I recently had at this location around 5:40pm. I have been a loyal Starbucks customer for over 20 years and often visit various stores for a change of environment during my study time. On this particular visit, I arrived with my bookbag, computer, and seating cushion. Before I could even get settled or go up the stairs, I was abruptly told by an employee that I had to purchase something in order to sit in the café area. The manner in which this was communicated was extremely unprofessional and disrespectful. The young lady raised her voice across the café, which was both embarrassing and unnecessary. I fully understand and respect store policies; however, the issue was not the policy itself but the way it was enforced. Customers should be treated courteously and given the opportunity to get settled before being addressed in such a manner. When I attempted to explain how her approach came across, she responded by citing policy instead of showing understanding or professionalism. Unfortunately, due to this interaction, I chose to leave and take my business elsewhere. This experience does not reflect the level of customer service I have come to expect from Starbucks over the years. I hope management will take steps to ensure that all employees receive proper training on customer service and communication. Side note The young Africa American guy was professional...

On the way out my friend accidentally dropped her drink, a venti I might add, which she just spent money on. I mean it happens we’re human. I kid you not the baristas watched her drop it, I heard them talk about her from behind the counter, and then proceeded to watch her and I clean it up, all this while continuing on their merry way. I mean I understand that this is a business and you can’t just drop everything for one spilled drink, but please excuse me for thinking that one of the FIVE baristas would come over and ask if we needed help. I even asked for a mop to clean it up and the barista I asked cluelessly looks to another worker and asked if they had a mop. what. The second guy goes to get a mop which never appears and we had to clean it up with napkins. Not only this but they did not even offer to remake the drink, but obviously that would be WAY too much of a hassle for them. I’m really not sure what these people were thinking going into the food service industry and thinking they were above this kind of work. This is what you were hired to do and if you weren’t prepared to do it than you shouldn’t have chosen to work there. It’s just poor employee work and frankly poor show of character. What kind of person watches someone in this situation and actively chooses not to help? Apparently...