Starbucks — Restaurant in Hudson

Why can't the younger store staff see the world through compassionate eyes. Twenty years ago, while teaching as a professor at Kent State University, I bicycled each morning to this location from Stow-Kent. I would ride in the dark along the old railroad tracks, order a dark roast coffee, wake up, and watch the day begin.

On Sunday, June 18, I visited the Starbucks on Main St. in Hudson, ON. It was Father's Day, I had turned 72 a month ago, and I was traveling through this area on my way to Canada, camping at Woodside Lake Park in Streetsboro for a few nights. I arrived at the location, ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and tall dark roast and proceeded to enjoy the ambiance of my old coffee haunt.

The location is much busier than I remember, and the staff seemed very engaged with the customers, efficiently delivering the product ordered. After about 35 min., I had finished my sandwich and coffee. I went to the cash register to ask about a refill. I asked Kayla if there was a senior's discount for a free refill. Steven, who was behind her declared that unless I had the Starbucks app, I would have to pay for the refill. I found his attitude to be very condescending.

I suggested that it was Father's Day, and maybe they could see there way clear to providing a free tall cup of dark roast to a senior. He repeated that if I wanted a free refill, then I needed the app.

What Steven did not know was that I lived in Seattle, frequented Starbucks long before it was popular, and before he was even born, and joined the SB rewards program many decades ago, long before Steven graduated from elementary school. But, I did not bring my phone with me today.

What is with it that these younger folks who are probably in their first job after graduation cannot see past corporate policies and procedures? I certainly respect that Steven and Kayla are following their training, but on certain days, like Father's Day, gifting a simple tall dark roast to an older gentleman would have shown Starbucks and them to be passionate and empathetic.

Will I ever return...

When I was a young girl, my father took me in to Hudson, to see the starbucks baristas. He said, “daughter, when you grow up will you be the savior of our generation and be kind to the baristas?” he said “will you tip them?” The bad roasts and all the tired workers. The Frappuccinos that they have mad? Because one day, you’ll be them. And wish that you were more kind. To join the bean family.

Hudson Starbucks is by far the best Starbucks I have even been to. They always make my drinks exactly how I like it. Steven is the nicest manager ever. Always going out of his way to refill my drinks when I have my app for free refills. Of course I never mind paying the $.50, but I always am sure to leave a great tip because of how hard they work. They truly care about the community and get to know customers names and orders. I will continue to support the local Starbucks. 10/10 recommend coming here.

Shout out to the few baristas that helped me today and connected with me about life: Dom, Maddison, Victoria and Sara. (And of course Steven)

Thank you for blessing me with the best coffee and...

If I could post a 0 to make a review I would have. We showed up at the store at 2:30 p.m. and tried to order a coffee via the app. The app then would not work and it appeared that the store would not accept our order. The store clearly stated out front that it was open till 3:00 p.m. and so does the website. We went in to ask why the app was not working and the girl said "Oh well the owner shut the order system off at 2:30". My wife asked if she could order a coffee and the girl said no we can't order a coffee now. That some pretty bad customer service you got going on there. I highly doubt that the owner shut the system off the 2:30. Unless maybe the owner doesn't really care about servicing customers until the closing time posted. Looks like we won't patronize this...