A Beacon of Connection on Hyattsville’s East-West Highway
When Howard Schultz steps into the Starbucks on East-West Highway 410 in Hyattsville, he sees more than a coffee shop—he sees the embodiment of a vision he nurtured decades ago in Seattle, a dream to create a "third place" where humanity finds solace and connection. In this lively corner of Prince George’s County, where the pulse of community beats strong with families, students, and professionals, this Starbucks stands as a testament to the ideals Schultz poured into his books, Pour Your Heart Into It and Onward. It’s a place not just for coffee, but for stories, shared moments, and the quiet magic of belonging.
As Schultz enters, the familiar aroma of Pike Place Roast wraps around him, a sensory reminder of Starbucks’ commitment to ethically sourced beans, each bag carrying the legacy of farmers from distant corners of the world. The baristas, whom he calls partners in the truest sense, greet him with a warmth that recalls the company’s earliest days. One, a young man with an infectious grin, crafts Schultz’s doppio espresso with meticulous care, its rich crema a nod to the precision he’s always championed. Another partner, deftly managing the morning bustle, pauses to chat with a regular, weaving the personal touch that Schultz believes transforms a transaction into a relationship. In Hyattsville, a town brimming with diversity and aspiration, these interactions are the threads that stitch a community together.
The store itself strikes a balance between practicality and comfort, a design Schultz would applaud for its intentionality. Sunlight spills through wide windows, illuminating wooden tables where students from nearby universities study and locals linger over conversations. The layout accommodates both the hurried commuter grabbing a nitro cold brew and the writer savoring a quiet moment with a cappuccino. Schultz sips his espresso, its bold clarity paired with a flaky almond croissant from the bakery case, and notes the menu’s evolution—classic drinks like the Caramel Macchiato sit alongside innovative oat milk creations and seasonal offerings like the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, each reflecting Starbucks’ ability to honor tradition while embracing change.
Yet, ever the visionary who penned Onward with a call for relentless improvement, Schultz observes a slight hitch in the morning rush—a line that lingers just a moment too long. He muses that an extra barista or enhanced training could elevate the experience to match the store’s promise. It’s a small critique, born of his belief that Starbucks thrives by listening and refining. The store’s commitment to sustainability—recyclable cups, energy-efficient practices, and ethically sourced coffee—mirrors the global mission Schultz has long championed, though he’d likely urge even bolder steps toward a greener future.
As Schultz leaves the East-West Highway 410 Starbucks, he carries the same optimism that fueled his journey from a Brooklyn kid to a global leader. This Hyattsville location isn’t merely a coffee shop; it’s a vibrant hub where the community’s spirit brews alongside every cup. For those who visit, it offers more than a perfectly crafted latte—it offers a moment of connection, a reminder of what’s possible when heart and humanity are poured into every detail. In Schultz’s eyes, this Starbucks is a small but mighty chapter in a story still being written, one...
Read moreThis store is definitely hit or miss. I've had great experiences here with a young, all-male crew and quick, friendly, service with a smile and a "come again!" from the cashier/barista. But lately, I've had repeat terrible experiences with an all-female crew with surprisingly bad attitudes. The store was very dirty -unusual for this store that adheres well to COVID guidelines- the trash cans overflowing, and the barista was unnecessarily impolite and visibly bothered by in-store AND App orders. The manager was no better and another patron stopped me on the way out to ask, "Is this store always this nasty and service unfriendly?" That confirmed it wasn't just my perspective.
Another feature that is now permanent: random cartoon drawings on the partition glass. The look lends a very dirty street carnival vibe to an otherwise hip cafe, and adds to the uncleanliness factor here. Such a shame to never know what to expect, that it's not even worth the risk. Maybe this one is a franchise location without the usual guidelines that make Starbucks the great place to be for coffee and...
Read moreI went here to get a drink I paid for it through the app, the young lady on the cash register didn't know how to redeem my coupon so she scanned my phone & I was charged, so she said well make you drink any way so I said ok, so I waited for my drink but I noticed ppl keep coming & going, so I asked twice for my drink they said they were making it, so asked again about ten minutes later & they said we are making it so I ask for the manager & he said we are backed up so I said that doesn't make sense I been here before everyone about 20 minutes he said your getting a free drink, I said freeeeee, I paid for that don't make me look like a Charity case I paid for that, the barista was nasty and slammed my drink on the counter never again, that was y'all the girl on the register didn't print a ticket & tried say just make her a drink so since they thought it was free I just had to sit & wait, I am truly disgusting...
Read more