Starbucks — Restaurant in Eugene

Well, Im not a conisour of Starbucks Coffee or foodstuffs, it's a bit pricey and at 58 years old, not as concerned over the source and yuppie coolness of my coffee and free range whole wheat rolls with grass juice. I am homeless. This bears heavily on my view and my relationship with the 5 or so Starbucks businesses I an likely to pass near to, and be a patron of. I'm A single male Living on the streets of Lane County in the 3 shoulder to shoulder bergs of Eugene, Glenwood, and Springfield Oregon. I am however a fan of electricity and an outlet the holes to plug in and charge my cell gadgets. a clean bathroom and a chair in a warm or cool room and relax reading the local paper or crusing the internet by my cell laptop or tablet, in a chair while sipping pricey, overnamed, hot or cold flavored non-alcohol coffee based concoctions. And being told (after buying a hot house brew one winter morning) that I cannot remain cuz my life belongings tied to a cart in their parking lot is not allowed. If I don't keep it relatively near, in view, it is gonna be stolen quickly. I asked for a refund of my barely sipped coffee. Reasoning that I cannot enjoy the warmth both internal and external, nor do I have a cup holder that is not attached to an arm I need to manipulate my cart on down...

I have typically found this Starbucks to be more focused on the drive-through than walk in customers. 👎🏻 Both should be accommodated equally. I finally decided to quit going there altogether this week, on a day that it was freezing outside, so versus using the drive-through (which was empty), I went in to enjoy coffee and a quick breakfast before an appointment. I was the only customer with at least seven (7!) employees behind the counter, but beyond a greeting which I cheerfully returned, I could not get anyone to notice me. After 3-4 minutes of watching the employees do everything BUT take my order (while I stood patiently at the register with my wallet out), I turned to leave because I had an appointment to get to and no time for slow service. A man had arrived about 30 seconds before that, standing behind me, and as SOON as I left the counter, he was greeted by name and asked if he wanted his “usual” drink. Was I discriminated against? No idea, or why if so- I was clean, fully dressed, polite and ready to pay. What I do know is I won’t waste my time...

Dearest Starbucks I remember when we first met. You were new and exciting. Your smell was intoxicating. You made me wonderful pastries. Then as time moved on you became not so new. You were disheveled. The seats and tables in your abode were tattered and torn with wear. Your food was frozen not fresh as I had once thought. You seemed to only care about money.

Then I met someone else, a local. They had your smell but they roasted their beans on site so the intensity was exquisite. And their pastries were fresh, truly fresh and made locally. They kept themselves up with a more inviting diverse atmosphere. On the walls hung local art, local crafts (why do you not support the locals?) There was not the pretentiousness there that you are known for. They seemed to truly care.

Oh sure I will stop by occasionally for old time sake. But it will only remind me of how much you have slipped.

I hope you understand. My feelings have changed for you. But I wish you all the luck...