Starbucks — Restaurant in Gilbert

I have lived in Mesa for the majority of my life and been to many different Starbucks around the valley. Every so often, the drive thru line is a bit backed up. But in my experience, that was always rare and the workers were always super nice, apologetic and using their time wisely. Until I started going to this Starbucks - this has got to be the slowest Starbucks ever. My husband and I moved to a different location in Mesa and this Starbucks is the closest to us, only a 5 minute drive. But there has been about 4-5 occasions where we are sitting in the drive thru for 30-40 minutes. I can understand and sympathize with a one time situation - but it has happened an uncomfortable amount of times. This morning, it happened again. I pulled up to the drive thru at 8:45am and pulled away at 9:15am. No one ahead of me had a multi-item orders from what I could see. The parking lot also wasn’t busy at all, so I doubt there was anyone in the actual building waiting for orders. When I finally pulled up to the window to pay for my order, the person was argumentative and wasn’t actually listening to my request. She handed me one food item (I ordered a total of 3 food items and 2 drinks - which is a beefy order and I understand can take some time; I was more than willing to be patient). I then asked her politely if I could have a bag to put all the food items into, so I can carry it a bit easier. She then proceeds to point to the only food item she handed me saying, “I already handed it to you.” ???? I looked at her and then the food, thinking maybe I was speaking too quietly. I said it a bit more louder still trying to be polite. She goes, “Your egg bites are right there.” So I proceed to say “There must be some miscommunication going on. Can I have a food bag with the handles so I can place all the food items I ordered into said bag please?” She then looks at me wide-eyed, finally hearing what I am saying and says “Yeah hold on”. She hands me two drinks, and then comes back with the bag I requested with another food item in it. I thank her and then proceed to wait, as I ordered a total of 3 food items and still only have 2. So I wait patiently as she stepped away without a cue that we were done with my order (because we weren’t). She opens the drive thru window surprised I was still there. “I’m sorry can I help you?” And I tell her I am missing a food order, and tell her what was missing. She goes “i already handed you your food items, remember?” I tell her she has handed me two items total, when I originally ordered 3. She goes “I placed one food item in the bag you wanted.” I kept having to repeat over and over “I ordered two of these items, and one of this item. You have handed two total items. I requested a total of 3 items at the menu.” I tell her exactly what is missing. She then tells me “Well, we didn’t prepare for that and you’re gonna need to pay and wait for it.” I offered to pull up to the front of the store and wait because the drive thru line was getting more backed up and I felt super awful holding up the line. She then says “One second”, closes the window and walks away. At this point, I’m frustrated because I was trying to be understanding and patient but I just felt like I was inconveniencing her the entire time when my order was messed up and she made me feel like I was speaking an alien language when all I asked for was a bag at the start of her handing me my order. So I drove away. I already paid for what she handed me, even though it was incomplete from what I ordered initially. From the almost consistently super slow service to now having a rude drive thru attendant, I have to avoid this place. There are super nice and efficient workers there! I have met them and they are great - but interactions with them are rare because the majority of the time, it is like how it was today. I’m not expecting extreme speed and perfection, but I have been to enough Starbucks where this type of service is very much isolated to this...

So points of improvement first, or rather, gripes- There are way too many people there in the morning/midday. From what I see inside from the drive thru and when I'm in the cafe it truly is like herding cats. Helen, the store manager, bless her heart! She truly is an amazing manager but again, the sheer volume of people working under her command is hard to corral. Anyway, the drive thru line does move rather slow, especially around 8am-10am- which is basically prime time and there is no room for error- only accuracy and quality. Once again, like in my review before this: the price points are way too high. I know that's always been a thing, but this has got to stop. It truly is driving away the clientele. Food here did meet the Starbucks standard and was great to eat during a commute. The cafe was nicely kept despite some customer trash strewn around here and there but then again can't fix stupid and inconsiderate. Can't speak for the bathrooms, but I'm sure they're good to use all the time. Again, this is the closest Starbucks to my house; the next one being inside the Fry's in City Gate. I'll come back when I have the time and monies. I do not see myself visiting in the near...

I have been visiting this location regularly for quite some time and typically order the same drink every other day, always bringing my personal cup. However, I’ve noticed a recurring issue that has made my visits less enjoyable. Even when my drink is ready, it often takes a long time for someone to come over and assist, since I am not allowed to pour it into my own cup. This results in unnecessary waiting and creates a frustrating experience. I’ve also felt that some staff members are less than welcoming. While a few employees are consistently friendly and professional, many others appear disengaged or unapproachable, which adds to the discomfort. What ultimately led me to post this review is that I recently overheard a staff member make a comment regarding my order, which made me feel even more singled out as a customer. I’m not sure who oversees daily operations, but I believe stronger supervision and a greater focus on professionalism and customer service would make a meaningful difference. Although this is the most convenient location for me, I may have to consider going elsewhere if the experience does...