Starbucks — Restaurant in Bellflower

I have been a customer at this Starbucks location since it first opened, frequenting it for over a decade. However, a recent experiences has made me question whether Starbucks truly upholds the values of community and inclusivity that it once championed.

On my last visit, I stopped by, as I often do to get some work done, spend 1-2 hours in the seating area in the evenings. While I may not purchase something EVERY single visit, I do so regularly and have supported this location for years. Despite this, I was abruptly asked to leave simply because I had not made a purchase that day even though the store was nearly empty, and my presence was not taking space from other paying customers.

I understand that Starbucks recently updated its "Coffeehouse Code of Conduct" (as of January 27, 2025), requiring patrons to make a purchase to use seating areas and restrooms. While I get the business rationale, it is disappointing to see how far Starbucks has drifted from its original "community-first" philosophy.

For years, Starbucks marketed itself as a welcoming "third place" a space beyond home and work where people could gather, relax, and feel part of a community. It was never about "Come in, but pay up first." If the focus is now solely on profit, they might as well remove any branding that claims to be “welcoming to the local community.”

This experience has left me disheartened, and because of this, I will no longer be stopping by at this location or possibly any other Starbucks. My mother and I would frequently come here to sit and chat given we live just minutes walk away, sometimes without ordering, especially when the lounge was completely empty or barely any folks sitting. But if customers are now being told to leave just for existing in the space without making a purchase, there is no sense of feeling welcomed anymore. Starbucks has fully shifted into a corporate-first model, prioritizing transactions over relationships.

If you’re looking for a true community café where you can sit and enjoy your time without being pressured to spend, I’d recommend taking your business elsewhere.

Nun ja, war schön, dich gekannt zu haben, aber manche Dinge enden besser...

If you can avoid this place, there are other Starbucks close to the area. My experience was thru the drive-thru. I went in today at approximately noon the lady taking my order was excellent, and it seemed like she did understand what I order. My big issue was that this location was very very very slow there was a car in front of me and the customers must have known someone in there because they just started having a friendly conversation thru the drive-thru that made this even slower. Finally after a few minutes when they ultimately drive off, and it was my turn, I paid for my two drinks ( dragon fruit grande on a venti cup filled with ice and a white chocolate mocha on a venti cup filled with ice, I order them like this because they are lovely and the extra ice makes them taste just right) they took approximately 4-5 min to give my first drink after I paid and then another 4-5 min to provide me with my second drink. Now let's talk about the drinks. The mango dragon fruit had a chunk of dry powder at the bottom of the cup this tells me that they didn't even mix it well and they must have done it in a rush which makes no sense since they were taking so long to give me my drinks. Second, the white chocolate mocha had all the Syrup sitting at the bottom of the cup another drunk that they didn't mix well either prepared correctly this drink is so bitter that I would have to wait until I get home and I can add some sugar to it. I am very disappointed because I love Starbucks and I order these drinks the same was EVERY single time, and they are always perfect but not today. This was my first time at this location, but trust me, I will never come back. I will go to a different...

Oh gosh what can I say! I went here twice and the same woman helped me both times , once in drive thru and once in store. She seemed like she was a very unhappy employee. No customer skills what so ever . No smile no thank you no can I help yOu . Nothing. When I was in drive thru there were only a few cars and when it was my time to order I waited like 3 MINUTES for someone to take my order when I got no response I drove up and said no one answered me on the order station and she yelled saying I've been taking everyone's order and wanted me to go back around drive through. Are you crazy! She took my order of three caramel frappes with extreme frustration as she told the girl to make it. After those two experiences I will definitely not be returning. And I must agree with everyone else it does seem watered...