Starbucks — Restaurant in Phoenix

I am deeply disappointed and frustrated by my recent experience at this Starbucks location. I arrived as I often do, intending to place an order inside the café. However, the barista refused me entry, stating that the store wouldn’t open for another 30 minutes. This was problematic, as I rely on my job’s commuter program and needed to catch my bus to work. I politely asked if I could place a mobile order or use the drive-thru on foot—both of which were declined.

A few minutes later, I noticed a white man inside the café, waiting for his order. The same barista had let him in, despite claiming that the store was not yet open. There is no doubt in my mind that I was unfairly stereotyped and denied service due to assumptions about my appearance. I was dressed in business casual attire, yet I was still treated as though I were part of the local homeless population—simply because of my hairstyle and the fact that I was carrying my laptop bag.

To make matters worse, I am three months pregnant and had not eaten breakfast yet. Being denied service not only left me hungry but also added unnecessary stress to my morning. I am an educated Black woman and a paying customer who deserved the same respect and service as anyone else. To be treated this way—especially by another woman of color—is unacceptable and disheartening.

No one should experience discrimination, especially in a company that claims to value inclusivity and diversity. Starbucks needs...

By far the best PLACE I have ever been to. Not best coffee shop, the best restaurant.. No.... THE BEST PLACE! Overall out of anywhere I have ever been, hands down the best PLACE! i have been getting the same coffee from starbucks for the past 20 years. Its not complicated but no one can ever seem to get it just right. Till this location and employess came along. . They know me by drink, they asked for my name, I dont even have to finish saying my order and they already know it's me. They can tell when I'm having a rough day and they cheer me up THIS IS WHAT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS!! You want good employees, you want your guests to keep returning? Let loose for a min and ask their name, remember their order, recognize them and say hi. "VALIDATION" it's what every human being needs, some just dont know it yet. You want to experience it, come to this starbucks. They know what's up and they've got it going on. Its not about speedy service, cleanliness, or heck even if my order isnt 100% right, they validated me and that made me feel like the most important and special person in the world. I know its nothing to alot of people, but once you've experienced it and its genuine you'll leave smiling and get excited everytime they remember you. Come see Anna or Jared or all the others at this location. . They are amazing. And they will make sure your experience is a memorable one. 100 stars all the way.. caramel frap, not blended plz. Extra...

It's clear that the baristas have had to deal with some challenging situations. Working in a high-traffic Starbucks can be incredibly demanding, and it's disheartening when customers make biased assumptions and engage in microaggressions. The decision to close the cafe early to address the bathroom misuse issue (which you would see if you sat and observed them) makes sense from both a safety and legal perspective. It's unfortunate that some customers jump to conclusions without understanding the reasons behind the decision. It's not about targeting any specific group, but rather about maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for everyone. It's frustrating to see that some customers don't respect the cafe's closing hours and try to impose their demands on these baristas trying to do their job and only ask for customers to go through the drive thru. The barista safety, quality of service, and the overall customer experience is paramount, and it's essential to ensure that they can meet those standards without compromising them. The negative reviews from customers who don't understand the situation can be demoralizing, but it's clear that the baristas are doing their best to find reasonable solutions in frustrating situations. From what I’ve seen, it’s all hard working girls and a few guys who seem to love their jobs and have fun with each other. The negative reviews I see here does them...