Starbucks — Restaurant in Orangeburg

I am more disappointed with this Starbucks location EVERY SINGLE time I order. I would have stopped going after the first 10 times of waiting 15+ mins on a mobile order, that is normally made wrong, but it’s the closest location within a 25 mile radius of my home. This morning, on my way to work, I placed my mobile order at 7:23. Estimated pickup was 7:31- great! When I arrived at 7:35, i checked the cups at the mobile pickup counter. Mine was not there; but the tickets on the drinks that were ready - said the orders were placed at 7:28, 7:30 and 7:32! All drinks ordered after mine were complete, but mine was not. Only 1 other customer was in the cafe. The barista finally asked what my name was after completing more orders that were placed after mine. I told her and she pulled my sticker off of the espresso machine (not the printer) and started making my drink. The barista added cinnamon powder when I customized my drink to NOT have any. When I mentioned I didn’t want cinnamon- the barista said “I can read”. After this- 10 minutes after my estimated pick up time and 18 minutes after i placed and PAID for my order- I requested to just get my money back because I could not wait any longer. The manager/ person in charge was pleasant and gave me a refund but made excuses for the long wait time. I understand everything does not always operate in a timely manner, but waiting in the store for 10 minutes on ONE DRINK that was ordered and PAID FOR 18 mins ago, while watching people in the drive thru order, pay, and leave before my drink is even started is UNACCEPTABLE!! In my opinion, this location would not have this many customers if it wasn’t the only full Starbucks in Orangeburg. Literally have never had this many bad experiences at any...

This place has come a long, long, long way since August 21, 2021.

First, the staff has much improved. Each time I come in, all of them have treated me with the utmost professionalism. Unlike before, no attitudes exist amongst any of the barristers or managers on the floor; they are pleasant, efficient problem solvers. I have noticed this during the 6pm-8pm slot the most because this is the time I usually come with my family.

Second, the store is much better maintained. Before, I found the tables/seats sometimes sticky, the trash cans in need of emptying, and the displays unchanged and "plain." Now? Tables and chairs are fine. I find something different and worth considering a purchase on the shelves each time I come, especially drinkware. Nothing is perfect--the bathrooms still need some attention, but toilet paper and soap are more often there much more than before--I went in there more than once and there were neither. Good improvement here.

Lastly, the product quality improvements are like night and day. Before, the caramel frappes tasted consistently like "sweet whole milk," the hot lattes were tasteless, and the pastries were hit or miss if you caught them in stalk. Now? Almost every time the frappes are solid with very few times ingredients not being available. The lattes have been good 90% of the time. The pastries are mostly in stock and fresh. I haven't gotten any breakfast sandwiches from them yet, so I can't speak for those. Drinks are the reasons I go, so if they improve, my returning to the store improves. They get an A for this for sure. Overall, the Orangeburg Starbucks at St. Matthews Road located off of Exit 145 (Orangeburg) from I-26 continues to get better and better, so I look forward to...

& when I say I won’t go to Starbucks on 601 in Orangeburg,SC again, TRUST! The lady taking orders at Register 4 (didn’t look like me) lied to the car in front of me who wanted to pay it forward (they didn’t look like me). Mind you, when you order, there is a camera on the ordering screen. When we drove around to retrieve our orders, I left my window down. I heard her tell them I already paid for it and did it on my mobile app (something I do not have). The two young ladies who (look like me) told her, you know you’re wrong, & started backing away from her mouthing (OMG this is wild) Her words: I don’t feel like all that, just Holding up my line She can pay for her own, yeah I lied so what. The young ladies proceeded to tell her you are so wrong why would you do that. Oh and guess what … THERE WAS NO LINE TO HOLD UP… so yeah Good Morning 😒. Starbucks Store 62163 !

Now, Jeremy the manager, ( who does look like me) is top tier with customer service and issued a refund and apology.

Unfortunately that does not take away the RACIAL DISCRIMINATION scar that’s forever imprinted by my experience here! Shame on her. I’m being nice by not posting her name but if you choose to go to this particular Starbucks, and you look like me , AFRICAN AMERICAN, you are liable to experience the same thing. This is not her first time, & as long as she’s working there it won’t be the last. I apologize in advance to anyone who may face an act as such. My heart breaks for you as mine was broken in me. Let’s all be kind. PLEASE

Oh, and my medicine ball tasted like pickle juice. I just wanted to feel a little...