Starbucks — Restaurant in Knoxville

I’ve been coming to (usually) this Starbucks location almost every day for the past three years (aside from a brief residency in France), and until now, I’ve never had a single bad experience. Every employee has always been kind. I always order the same thing—a refresher without ice—and it’s become such a routine that it’s honestly a little embarrassing how often I go.

For the first time, I was served a drink that was basically a cup of water with freeze-dried strawberries on top. It was almost completely clear and had no flavor. As the store was nearly empty and there was no line at the time, I politely asked if there was any way to make it taste more like a refresher, and Sandra, responded by saying she can’t fill it to the top. I explained that the issue wasn’t the amount of liquid—I’ve worked in food service, and I understand the fill lines—it was that the drink simply didn’t taste right.

Rather than listening, Sandra continued to insist that this is how the drink is supposed to taste without ice, and that if I don’t like it, I should just order extra base. I told her I’d take that into consideration, but also mentioned that I’ve been ordering this exact drink the same way for years without this issue. She kept pushing that I was wrong and she was right, to the point where it felt like she was trying to make me feel dumb for even asking. The drink was re-made but honestly I would've rather been out the 5.95 than deal with that condescending and unnecessary interaction.

I’ve never left a review like this before, but the interaction was frustrating enough that I won’t be returning to this location for a while. A little kindness and willingness to listen can go a long way.

Edit: I forgot to mention. I could hear Sandra complaining about me to the other employees. When I told her to have a great rest of her day (there was undoubtedly defeat in my voice lol) she said "mhmm" and kinda...

So I just ordered a large iced white chocolate latte a drink that I get daily from Starbucks locations all over east TN as I am a truck driver so I think I should know what it should taste like. Well, I take a sip while still standing at the counter and it tastes like chocolate milk, very little to know expresso taste st all. This drink should be made with 3 shots, there for a good strong coffee flavor should be there. So I tell the guy working the drive through "man something is not right, this just tasteso like chocolate milk" and his response is, "did you get it from this store" in a very rude tone. So I just laughed and said "of course dude I haven't even walked away from the counter" so he just stands there for a few seconds looking at me as he is lost. So I say, "I don't want a $6 chocolate milk" so he reply again very rudely "we can make you another one" so I say "please and thankyou" at this point he tells the guy that made the first one and the guy makes me another using the same machine as the last and as he hands it to me with a look of complete discuss on his face and says extremely rudely "here's your remake" and literally very forcefully throws my stay down on the counter beside my drink. Not at any point did anyone say "we are so sorry about that" and again it is just a dam chocolate milk. So I just threw it in the trash and left because what else was I supposed to do out side of showing my ass? There's more then one machine in this location and I understand they get stopped up and out of calibration, so next time this happens you stupid people may want to get your heads out of your but and use a different machine, and show so kinda proper customer service. I will not visit this location again and I strongly advise anyone else to seek another...

OK today 11/23/2021 @ 8:55 am I pull in and to my surprise I was #2 car in line . I ordered one large pike place And a cappuccino . And then I proceeded to the pickup window where the I paid for my purchase. There I had to wait a little than normal maybe 4 minutes the lady apologized for my wait that the cappuccino machine wasn't working guite right how ever in less than a minute she handed it to me. I drove two blocks and took a drink of the coffee it was luku warm and way to much cream in it and it felt light. I took the lid off and it's was only 3/4 full. Now I was running late for an appointment and didn't have time to return. So when I got where I was going which was about 3 minutes away and gave the cappuccino to my wife she Immediately said what is this it was just warm water and whipped topping. So then I tried calling Starbucks to talk to them and no one would answer the phone. I tried 5 or 6 times. Then I called corporate customer service and what a joke that was we got someone that couldn't spell or hear what you were saying. Needless to say they didn't have a help Wanted sign and it looked like they had plenty of employees in the store and what they charge for their products you would think that they would be much better. Not good customer service at the store and at corporate level. Sorry starbucks but...