Starbucks — Restaurant in Palm Beach Gardens

I’m writing because I am outraged at the complete lack of basic food safety standards—and frankly, what felt like disrespect—at your Northlake Blvd. store in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

On July 11, 2025, between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, I came in to buy a cake pop for my young son. After I paid, the employee dropped the cake pop onto a visibly sticky, dirty counter. Instead of immediately replacing it, he picked it up off the unsanitary surface, bagged it, and tried to hand it to me like nothing was wrong.

It wasn’t until I called it out that he finally threw it away and got another one properly. That is disgusting, careless, and completely unacceptable—especially for something meant for a child.

Let’s be honest: I know for a fact he wouldn’t have handed something off the filthy counter to his own mother or family member. And yes—it needs to be said—I’m Black and he was white. Whether he realized it or not, the disrespect felt that much worse given that dynamic.

For reference, I was wearing a pink tank top T-shirt and black tights with a black fanny pack, in case you want to verify this on camera during the timeframe I mentioned.

Frankly, I expect an immediate explanation for why your staff think it’s acceptable to serve food that’s been on a dirty counter. I also want to know what real steps you will take to fix this—because if your employees can’t handle even the bare minimum of hygiene and respect for customers, you shouldn’t be serving...

I mobile ordered 20 minutes ago. 1 iced latte. My husband was waiting for my order when they told him it would be another 15 minutes. He needed to get to work so I called them asking for a refund. They told me they couldn’t process it over the phone and he needed to go wait in line at the register to get it refunded. When I explained to them that I ordered 20 minutes ago, I was met with attitude by the woman on the phone (whose name I couldn’t understand), and she scoffed and said it would be up in a minute. I used to work for the 3rd highest grossing Starbucks in the world (double sided 24-7 starbucks at FSU library). I’ve never seen or heard such attitude come from a barista (she was also rude to my husband), let alone be expected to wait almost 45 minutes for 1 grande iced late. Our customers never had to wait longer than 10 minutes for their order. I understand the morning rush, but this is unacceptable. I’m sorry to say I will have to avoid this Starbucks in the future if this is how they treat...

At this particular store there is no drive thru. They are handling a lot of business though. You will wait a very long time for your drink. The store is no bigger than a closet. You will be asked to stand outside to wait for your order. I almost went in and canceled my order because it was taking so long, I felt sorry for the staff. The staff was working very hard, it felt as if there was no air conditioning inside, they looked exhausted but they were still very kind to the customers. I think it is very wrong to treat staff like this. Clearly a lot of business comes through here. My drink was off but I was not going to bother the staff again. Management clearly allows this store to be overwhelmed. Be honest. Tell people in line how long it will be for a drink etc and let the customer decide if they are willing to wait. Or just make the store a mobile orders only place. So that people can sit inside their air condition car while waiting....