Starbucks — Restaurant in Portland

UPDATE: The staff member who kicked me out because my earbuds wouldn't connect cited company policy, but I called the location on 28th and Powell that I sometimes visit on my way to drop my daughter off in the mornings, and they told me it was absolutely no problem that my earbuds weren't working and invited me to come in to finish up my class. They were very kind and apologetic for my experience at the other location. They will be getting my business moving forward.

I came by this Starbucks today, hoping to get some work done and engage with one of my classes remotely because I knew I wouldn't have time to commute across town between dropping my daughter off at school and the beginning of class. I bought breakfast and a coffee, and sat down in the lobby to get some work done. I realized shortly after arriving that my earbuds weren't working, so I made sure I sat in the back corner so as not to disturb anyone during my class time. This was mostly a non-issue anyway as COVID limitations are still in place, and the lobby was completely empty almost the entire time I was there. The early morning staff was incredibly friendly and gracious during most of my stay. At some point a shift change happened, I bought another coffee, and then almost immediately after, a staff member kicked me out of the lobby because I couldn't get my earbuds to connect, despite the fact that there was nobody in the lobby at the time. I tried working outside, but there was no available power for my laptop, so I was forced to leave my online class prematurely and missed important instruction. Had the lobby been full or had there been anyone remotely near me, this would have been more understandable, but the only other people in the lobby were staff members, who were working behind the counter on the other end of the store. I wasn't disturbing anyone, and I purchased food and multiple coffees in the couple short hours I was there. This would have been a convenient location for me to work and get my morning coffee in the future because of how close it is to my daughter's school, but I will not be returning after today's events. There are other coffee shops nearby who care more about customer experience and respect the money being spent in...

Never had an issue with this location before but I guess things change. There are occasional homeless people issues at this location but this isn’t about that. Usually I stop in to use the restroom and buy a little something after (always have). Today was different because when I asked for the restroom code apparently nobody knew it but “Robbin” so I asked her.

Saw her look at the code that was printed out and stuck to her order monitor and then she decided that she wasn’t going to just give me the code. Nope I was told I had to wait in line and then she would give me the code. Seriously? 😒 What the hell kind of service is that? I am obviously not a homeless person. I am a regular. Her vibe was very condescending.

Also 5 minutes into using said bathroom she’s pounding on the door demanding that I get out? Wtf? Well today I decided that I wasn’t going to buy something from this location. Maybe I’ll visit Peets instead, where they don’t harass their regulars and lord over their bathroom...

Unfortunately, the employee in the striped shirt this morning was so aggressive and rude first thing in the morning, clearly discriminating because I was waiting outside. I’m disappointed because I’ve had positive experiences here preparing for interviews, charging my phone, and enjoying this years Christmas blend. One bad egg can ruin the dozen. No need to be so short and sharp and curt. Nobody else has a problem giving a cup of hot water to a cold person. It’s 5am, and I’m actually a customer who usually buys something. Staff here is just disrespectful and dead in the eyes (except the one with the southern accent). Coffee is close to undrinkable unless you do a pour over. They need retraining and education about the world’s economy, and what’s going in the city...