Starbucks — Restaurant in Ocala

Went not long ago today to try the drink pictured. They're always friendly and welcoming. Of course, traffic is usually busy, but that doesn't stop the flow and no ones ever gotten out of character, in my experience or trips there, or been rude. This morning was a little different. We were tapped while waiting in line. Meaning, the baristas were left waiting at the window for me and all following traffic, along with more consumers pulling in. For protocol I dial 911. I essentially thought maybe it was my break pedal that made the little crunchy noise because of the way I was pressing on it. But then Id just realized I never lifted my foot to begin with. I wasn't really worried or upset that it happened at all once I realized what was happening. However, I didn't pull forward remembering the crunch. I'm in an SUV and the driver behind me was in a sedan. No one got upset, honked, blurted out anything offensive, nothing. Everyone, in line behind us, and baristas at the window, just waited patiently. We eventually get to the window, I forgot about my wanting to pay-it forward with all that had just happened. I apologized to the service team at the window for the hold up. And, they were so kind, apologizing to me and asking if I was ok. I letnthen know that I just wanted to try the new drink and get my baby his cake pop but that we were good. They handed me my drink and sweetly only charged me what I would e have only paid for if I'd just gotten a regular hot coffee with sugar and cream. The girl in the car and myself eventually made not out of line with our purchases, met in the parking lot beside the Starbucks, we realized that there really wasn't much to fuss about. I told her that I hoped she had a great day, & to enjoy her coffee, we hugged and parted ways. I enjoyed my coffee. SO GOOD and my kiddo enjoyed his cookies and cream cake pop😇 worth the trip...

July 18th, 2023, When we all first walked in it appeared...cool but did not take long when we noticed the AC was malfunctioning. The Dining Room was entirely too hot for patrons to sit an hour or so. Asked about AC. No one knows. Reported the problem to Lady Manager the next day. She was not nice. Said we set it at 71 degrees and that is it!! I said maybe it needs checked. She said a service man was JUST HERE this week. I said well then...he obviously did not fix the AC as it is still not right. Or he messed something up...AND...that is IF...a service man was EVEN THERE AT ALL!! We won't go back here again...until AC is working as it should be. Two of us went back 5 days later and within 10 minutes we knew the AC was still not working properly. We had 7 people there on July 18th, and enough minds to know something is not right here with the AC. Temps are high in this month of July but never noticed an issue here before. Other stores such as Dunkins have very cold AC and they are having NO ISSUES with their AC Systems so this is where we are going from now on. We will try other Starbucks, out of curiosity, and see if they...

A heads up: this is absolutely the busiest Starbucks in Marion County, so expect a wait especially in the mornings and afternoons. However, with that being said, the employees are great! I absolutely adore Michkara, Ira, Andrew, Emily, Shanel, Riley, Opal, Maddie and Emily! They did get a new manager who is much friendlier than the last one. My drink orders are always on point and everyone is always so nice to me! Parking is insane but there is a full parking lot behind the store! Drive thru can get crazy during their busy times so be prepared for the wait! But mostly…. Remember that this is in fact the busiest Starbucks in the county, so when visiting during busy times, give the baristas a bit of a break and understand they’re working as fast as they can and doing their best to make sure your orders are correct, Show them some compassion and patience! I know we’re all in a hurry to get where we’re going, but it was also our decision to make the stop for coffee and we can’t get mad at employees when...