Starbucks — Restaurant in Cary

I come to this Starbucks very frequently because it is close to my job. Although the majority of my experiences here have been decent, I have recently had two terrible experiences that I had to mention. For the first one, I went inside due to the drive thru line being too long. The young lady who took my order was pleasant. I ordered a turkey bacon breakfast sandwich, as well as an iced green tea. The young lady who rung up my order is the one who prepared my sandwich. I watched her walk over to a trash can and replace the trash bag and walk back over to the oven to remove my sandwich (with no gloves and she did NOT wash her hands) I did not cause a scene I simply said to one of the other employees to please tell her to wash her hands because she just handled my food after dealing with trash and did not wash her hands. The only reason I did not stick around and demand that they make me another sandwich is because I did not have time and was trying to avoid being late for work. So what did I do? Throw the sandwich in the trash and just had my tea. Although this experience angered me, I still came back to this Starbucks location because of the convenience of the location. Until today..... I went through the drive thru this time and again, the person who took my order was pleasant. This time I ordered the spinach and feta wrap, along with an iced green tea. I get to work and open the bag to eat my wrap and what do I see? A long dark piece of hair basically wrapped around my wrap. At this point I am disgusted and in disbelief. Once again, I have wasted money and had to throw away my breakfast that I paid for. As many times that I have been to this location and as much money that I have spent, I was frustrated. Although the majority of my visits and experiences have been decent, these last two encounters have been THE WORST and I had to say something about it and I do not know if I will...

I frequently visit Starbucks as a regular. While I've been to almost every store in the area, this particular Starbucks is my favorite. I love the warm, welcoming baristas here, that always go the extra mile to ensure that my drinks are made in the best quality possible, even taking the time to remake something if they accidentally put in an extra pump, without being asked. All the baristas are extremely efficient, no matter what time of day you come in, or how many ridiculously complicated drinks you order. While they are limited by the Starbucks Corporation menu, which is not in their control, the baristas will always welcome new combinations to make the drink of your choice, something many other stores refuse to do. The store has recently undergone a remodel as well, and the new layout has a clean, more sophisticated look, as well as a straight bar to connect allow us all to feel more connected. This store has always gone out of their way to meet the demands of customers, even when something is beyond their control. For instance, after the initial remodel, customers felt there was a decline in seating. However, the store fought to accommodate customer requests by adding more tables and seats, making sure there is enough for everyone. It's honestly a shame to see how undervalued the baristas are here. Many people think that all that matters is their daily coffee fix or a place with free wifi, but never look into the hard work that goes into providing each and every personalized experience. It shouldn't be taken for granted. Everyone at this store truly works hard to create such a wonderful atmosphere for everyone. So please, don't take them...

If you couldn't tell by my posts and profile already, I'm a gigantic coffee fan. Not just a coffeeshop fan, but a Chemex in my house and pour over brewer at work type of fan. I love trying out a new Starbucks or other coffee shop and sharing the news. This particular coffee shop has served me well for the past year. The baristas are friendly and the coffee has always been fresh when I've been there. Due to its location and popularity there could be a wait depending on the time of day...so I understand some of the complaints...its really the only quality, true Starbucks café in this area.

Fortunately for this Starbucks I'm writing their review today and they impressed me with an act I have yet to witness in my coffee journeys. For the first time at any coffee shop I've reviewed so far, I was asked if I had time for a pour over speciality roast after I placed my order. A pour over...in Cary, NC and at a Starbucks mind you. I couldn't say yes fast enough...and it was done right. The barista was able to make a quality pour over while assisting other customers. I hope this wasn't only a one time thing and they continue this offering and other cafés in the area follow suit.

If you enjoy Starbucks and don't mind the occasional crowd this is a good choice for those...