Starbucks — Restaurant in Independence

Ariel was so friendly and personable. 5 stars.

In a world where it seems like employees at chains could care less, Ariel greeted me with a smile and asked how my holiday was. Later, as I worked from a table, I saw some kids come in, acting a little obnoxious and asking for water (without buying anything). She was so patient, and treated them with kindness, not lecturing them about having to buy something to get a cup of water, but treated them like 10 or 12 year olds who were just out having fun and not really understanding how business works.

Good on Ariel and good on this Starbucks for hiring her. The world needs more people like this, and corporate chains need to do whatever it takes to single out these type of people and make sure they have jobs (and make sure they are promoted).

Great experience, and...

So, I ordered the Summer Berry Lemonade Refresher, Melon Burst Iced Energy, and the Summer Skies Drink Refresher; all were watered down. I'm not sure if this location is having issues with their syrups or juicer machines. I'm not sure what they use, but all of these drinks tasted as if they were diet, aka watered down. They tasted like I ordered the "no sugar" version of these drinks. I would not recommend them. I went to Dunkin' right after. Sorry, Starbucks, your 23rd & Lee's Summit Rd. location dropped the ball...

The wait times are ridiculous, I’ve waited up to 45 minutes just to give my order. They only accept mobile orders when they feel like it. I’ve seen multiple times employees make their OWN drinks and just leave customers waiting. It’s ridiculous I don’t know who runs this place. There’s not excuse for any of this, especially for an employee to make their own personal drinks while...