Starbucks — Restaurant in Manheim Township

This experience started down the road at the Belmont Starbucks where I placed my mobile order at the 1950 Fruitville Pike location by accident. I asked the Belmont Starbucks if they could make the order anyway (just a small brewed coffee!) and they said no- strange, because when I was a partner for 2.5 years we were always able to accommodate that. So I drive down to the 1950 location and saw the drive through line was long and hardly moving. Went to pick up my order in the cafe instead, because it had been 20 minutes and I figured the coffee was on the counter waiting for me. The door was locked even tho there were people inside. A barista came and told me sorry they’re closing down the cafe (looked like they were having some sort of staff party??) and she told me I had to go through drive thru. I told her my coffee was right on the counter but she said I couldn’t come in and she couldn’t just hand it to me. I then proceeded to wait in the drive thru line for 32 minutes. Coffee was cold. As a partner, I’m so...

I ordered a pink drink which is one of my favorite drinks to order from any Starbucks. It’s so irritating that this drink can be a hit or miss depending on who is making it and what store you go to. I stopped one early summer morning and order my pink drink and asked the person to make sure they prepared correctly. As I drove to work and tasted the drink it simply taste like flavored water packed with ice. I then go back at lunch time and request for them to re-do the same drink and explained to them it just taste like flavored water. Now mind you I have purchased this same drink at other stores where they prepare it just right with all its ingredients and it is tasteful and enjoyable. The second attempt at the drink was the same but a little better. Got so frustrated I just settled because at this point I knew I need to stick to the store that actually makes it the...

My comments apply to most, if not all, Starbucks. Like Apple, Starbucks sells a culture more than it sells products. It creates an atmosphere where a certain category gathers and enjoys more than coffee and food; the ambience has a signature. And, for this privilege, comes attached high prices. To me the cost of coffee does not quite match the quality. Close your eyes and take a sip. I am fairly sure I have tasted better for less.

To be fair, there are certain items that grab me. The seasonal pumpkin spice latte with a dash of red chili pepper (not always available) is a welcome companion on a cold wintry evening, the mocha frappe for a hot summer afternoon, and the lemon cake slice at any time (lose the icing though; to me, it would still be as good).

Staff...