Starbucks — Restaurant in Farmington

I live in Farmington Hills and used to frequent this downtown Farmington location until six months ago. Sasha, a longtime Starbuck’s employee, and now manager is a lovely, friendly person. However, my complaints rest largely on two things: *Employees and new trainees are very stubborn whenever I have requested specifics regarding my Pink drink orders. For example, I always request light ice and extra base (strawberry açaí) be added to my trenta drink order. This morning, while ordering three of these drinks, the barista actually argued with me about the definition of “light ice”, explaining that the lines on the plastic cups are designated visuals that allocate where the barista is to fill the cup with ice or drink. She also refused to add additional base, despite the fact that this single drink costs $5.79 (I believe). Ridiculous!!! No other Starbuck’s baristas argue with a respectful request for a specific drink order!!! Two of the three drinks were returned and remade by a second barista after complaining to the manager. *Secondly, wait times for drinks are long. Perhaps hiring more baristas during busy times might help. After today, I will not be returning here. Baristas need to be properly trained to honor customer requests; this concept is what has partly made the coffee house the popular/successful brand that it is. Drink prices continue to go up—-service to customers must reflect...

I used to go to this cafe since 2001, when we just settled in the area. Now I'm making 20+ miles to get to this Starbucks only because I love downtown Farmington where I spent my most beautiful years. Today it was one of those rare days then at 12pm the place had very few customers in this Starbucks location. So I was standing in the line behind a mom and her daughter and a lady. After quite a wait I decided to time the barista, because I had a feeling I'm waiting too long. So. It was four baristas behind the counter: three girls and a guy. The guy was on the register, the person who looked being in charge were chatting with baristas and then hid in that small room in the left. Two other girls were looking new to work or may be just slow. I ordered espresso solo and a grande latte. Mom with daughter who were in front of me got their drinks in 15(!) minutes after placing the order. I've got mine in 20 minutes after placing the order. Let me spell it out for you: FOUR baristas = TWENTY minutes to get espresso and a latte. I didn't count time I was waiting in line. I'll open a little secret to you: I used to work as a Starbucks manager and my customers never waited more then 3 min, NEVER. I didn't like today's experience. Hopefully, its just poor management, not the staff laziness, but I can't...

I don’t think anybody anticipated a pandemic this year... especially not the folks who have had to continue their job due to being “essential” employees. How coffee is essential is beyond me. You can simply make it at home. I’m happy to see them open for the sake of our frontline workers and first responders though! But I’m saddened to know that the baristas of this store are treated to poorly. I see the negative reviews about “sudden closures” (there’s a pandemic) or “lack of staff” (there’s a pandemic) or long wait times, mistakes made, “bad attitudes” but... they’re human (and there’s still a pandemic going on!) Not only have the baristas been pleasant as can be considering the pandemic, but they are THERE. And they work HARD. These are uncertain times. Remember these humans also have families, loved ones that may have been affected more intensely due to the pandemic. I’m so shocked at the lack of empathy over some coffee. You all who left such poor reviews should be ashamed of yourselves. This store, this team... they’re doing the best they can given current circumstances. And how anyone could mistreat someone because they are struggling during a pandemic is beyond me.

Thank you, Downtown Farmington Starbucks, for giving it your all and doing it with...