Starbucks — Restaurant in Columbus

I was just at the Starbucks near Meijer on Hilliard Rome Rd and left feeling disappointed due to an unexpected encounter. I ordered a venti white chocolate mocha and paid in cash, a departure from my usual payment method. In my rush, I forgot to scan my Starbucks rewards card. With the intent of not delaying the queue, especially with another customer behind me, I sought to get an employee’s attention to scan my card while my drink was still being prepared. Notably, there were no signs indicating restrictions on knocking on the window for service, so I knocked gently to catch the employee’s attention.

The response I received was both surprising and disheartening. Instead of addressing my request or asking about my needs, the employee sternly told me not to bang on the window, using a tone that felt unnecessarily rude. This reaction was unexpected and quite unwelcoming. When I explained my intention to scan my rewards card, he informed me that he couldn’t scan it since the transaction had already been completed. This information, while understandable, was delivered in a manner that lacked the courtesy and professionalism I’ve come to expect from Starbucks.

This experience has unfortunately influenced my perception of this Starbucks location. I understand that mistakes happen, and protocols must be followed, but the manner in which situations are handled can significantly impact the customer experience. A polite explanation or a simple sign indicating how to best get an employee’s attention could have prevented the misunderstanding. Instead, I was left feeling disrespected and unwelcome, leading me to decide not to return to this location. Customer service is about more than just the transaction; it’s about treating each interaction with care and respect. Sadly, this was not the case...

Welcome to a retail chain that has no idea what buy one get one free means. I went here today because it was Bogo day. I can barely tolerate this place to begin with, but went through because I really was craving their tea and my wife likes it too. I placed a mobile order for 4 drinks 10 minutes before I showed up. I showed up through the drive-through, paid for the 4 drinks, and was handed exactly 4 drinks. On buy one get one free day, if I’m being handed 4 drinks, that means I should’ve just been charged for 2 drinks. I was charged for 4 drinks, in that case I should be getting handed 8 drinks. I told the woman handing me the drinks that there should be 8 since I paid for 4. She gave me an indifferent look and just said “well I’m not sure” and then walked away. I sat there for another two minutes waiting on someone to come back to the window so I could take it up with someone, but no one ever came. I told my wife about it because she goes there way more than I do and figured maybe she knew something that I didn’t, but she was also confused. She called the manager and the manager apologized and said if she comes there tonight she will credit her for 2 drinks. What kind of retail establishment doesn’t know what the hell buy one get one free means? What kind of employee who has been working all day on buy one get one free day doesn’t know what it means by 5:30 PM? I’m absolutely done with...

Never have had an issue with the quality of the drinks served. They do that well at this location. However two areas where there is much needed improvement. 1) speed of service: when placing an order either through the app or at the speaker my wait time has always been between 15-25 minutes. When serving coffee to customers going to work, etc we are in a rush and don’t have that kind of time. 2) friendly employees are super important to keeping your business base coming back. I’ve experienced nothing but the most ridiculous and snarky attempts to be nice at this location from “have a good dayyyyyy!” Being shouted at me in an angry mocking fashion, to the employees speaking to each other poorly of myself literally to my face at the window.

If you’re understaffed, hire and create an environment where people want to work, have a fun time working, and most importantly hire those who value their customers. And for your growth, a great way to get more labor dollars for staffing is to improve customer relations so we spend more, more frequently. If I am treated this way again at this location, myself and all my employees are not going to return to this...