Starbucks — Restaurant in Hot Springs

I was startled when I entered this Starbucks earlier this Summer, and it’s taken a while to put together my thoughts about what I saw. It’s recently been heavily remodeled, with hardly any floor space left in the cafe area, and no furniture. People stand about awkwardly waiting for coffee and leave promptly. There is no life there anymore, but I remember when it was different. I worked there right after it opened, under Chuck Rulhman (he is the only person I worked with who I will incriminate here). It was my first “real” job, and I did a lot of growing up there. I still remember the regulars: A local flooring contractor came by at least three times per day for a grande black coffee with two Sugars In The Raw (only one packet if he ordered a tall). Once I folded the top corner of the cardboard sleeve at the seam to look like a collar, and he said it looked “very French” and we had a laugh. There was also the busy working mom who always got a tall, nonfat, one-pump mocha, one-pump sugar-free vanilla, half-caff iced mocha for herself and chocolate milks for her kids. When she was having a “cheat day”, she’d ask for whipped cream. I bet those kids have graduated college by now. There was the burly, intense, but earnestly polite older man who we joked must be in witness protection because he looked and carried himself like an enforcer for the Gambinos. He always ordered a doppio espresso and sat with his wife almost every afternoon in “the comfy chairs” in the corner. There was the shy geeky guy who left a love note for one of our staff the night before he moved away from town. I wrote a song about that and called it “Cappucino Lady”, and recorded it in my friend’s basement because he had a drum kit. And of course, Hot Springs being a resort town in South/Central Arkansas, we endured waves of knuckle-dragging Texans descending on our location as they rolled into town in their Escalades like so many Visigoths complaining about the humidity, curvy roads, higher sales taxes, and how far they had to drive from Interstate 30 to get to us. I had enough once and asked the man at the drive-thru, “If you love Texas so much, why don’t you just stay there?” That was not the last time I asked a Texan that question. There are so many smiling faces still fresh in my mind from those days. An aspiring film-maker in town debuted a short horror film in that cafe in 2005. I know people who are now married who had some of their early dates there, nervously getting to know one another while sipping their favorite sugary stimulants. So many tourists, eager for some air conditioning and a place to sit down before heading downtown or out on one of the lakes. Katrina refugees all but camped out there for weeks before getting the “all clear” to return to their ruined homes. So many people getting lost in their books and conversations, prayer groups seeking some higher message in ancient literature, college kids doing homework, old friends reuniting, Pocket Theatre actors practicing their lines, KLAZ crew members goofing off…

And somewhere, some soulless corporate ghoul staring at numbers on a spreadsheet in a faraway office decided it best to wipe the very possibility of anything warm or genuinely human from ever happening at that location again, thinking it best to transform it into something with about as much character as an airport coffee stand. Sure, it’s silly to get sentimental about “fast food” coffee, but that place had...

A Majestic Tea Experience at Starbucks on Central Avenue, Hot Springs 😎🙌😁...

Nestled along the vibrant Central Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Starbucks offers a delightful escape from the bustling streets with their serene ambiance and a diverse menu of beverages. Among their impressive selection of teas, the Mint Majesty Tea stands out as a refreshing and invigorating choice that leaves a lasting impression.

Upon entering the Starbucks on Central Avenue, I was immediately greeted by the friendly staff, their warm smiles setting the tone for a pleasant visit. The cozy and inviting atmosphere provided a peaceful retreat, perfect for unwinding or catching up with friends. The clean and well-maintained seating area offered ample space for both intimate conversations and moments of solitude.

Now, let's dive into the star of the show—the Mint Majesty Tea. As an avid tea enthusiast, I was intrigued by its description, and I can confidently say that it did not disappoint. The tea's subtle aroma of fresh mint leaves filled the air, immediately awakening my senses. The infusion of spearmint and peppermint resulted in a harmonious blend, striking the perfect balance between soothing and invigorating flavors.

Served piping hot, the Mint Majesty Tea provided a comforting and revitalizing experience with each sip. The tea's vibrant green hue was visually pleasing, accentuating its natural ingredients. I found the flavor to be invigorating yet gentle, with a soothing undertone that made it an ideal choice for both calm mornings and hectic afternoons.

What truly sets Starbucks apart is their attention to detail when it comes to the preparation of their beverages. The Mint Majesty Tea was brewed to perfection, ensuring a consistent flavor profile that remained enjoyable until the last drop. The teabag was carefully steeped for the optimal amount of time, allowing the flavors to fully infuse without becoming overpowering.

While the Mint Majesty Tea itself is undoubtedly a star, the Starbucks staff's commitment to customer satisfaction added to the overall experience. The baristas were knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring that my drink was prepared to my liking and answering any questions I had with enthusiasm.

In conclusion, Starbucks on Central Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas, provides an exceptional tea experience with their Mint Majesty Tea. From the serene ambiance to the impeccable service, the establishment upholds the high standards expected of the renowned coffeehouse chain. Whether you're a tea aficionado or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, a visit to Starbucks on Central Avenue promises a truly majestic tea journey that will leave you refreshed...

This is the perfect example of corporate profits over the comfort and experience of the customer.

This store used to be great for the customer. Indoor and outdoor seating, a full display with merchandise to purchase, Wi-Fi, chairs tables... Everything you would expect in a Starbucks. However, corporate decided to renovate and revamp store, and it is now the worst. Starbucks. Ever.

Now it is a place to go in and pick up your mobile order and not much else. There's not a single chair in the place, and they don't even have a public restroom. I didn't even know it was legal to not have a public restroom in a restaurant. I guess, since they did the renovation, they considered themselves a coffee stop like you would see on a trailer.

I am very disappointed in Starbucks as a whole, and coming from a 30 plus year gold card holder, I think somebody at corporate should set up and take notice.

Starbucks used to be a place where you would go and gather with friends, you could sit down and do your work on your computer or you could study if you were a college student. That is how they grew their brand and that is how they grew their popularity. This new business model where they are putting profits over people, is a travesty and in my opinion, is getting away from the business model that made them such a great success. I don't know how much money it would cost to refit this store to a place where people would actually like to go again, but I hope that they think twice before they do this to any other neighborhood...