Starbucks — Restaurant in Puyallup

This is a whole article ... not a review. I am saddened.

I visited a Starbucks today day after dropping off my kids at the State Fair. As I approached the entrance, my attention was drawn to an elderly homeless woman. Compassion always wells up within me when I see someone in need. Let me describe her: an elderly white lady who appeared to be around 80 years old. She was hobbling around with a cart that seemed to serve as both her possessions and a makeshift walker. The absence of her two front teeth was noticeable, and it was clear she had seen her share of hardships.

Upon entering the store, I noticed a Puyallup Police Officer approaching the area. Out of courtesy, I held the door open for the young officer before proceeding inside. To my astonishment, a person who seemed to be the Store Manager came out and gestured towards the elderly woman. It became evident that the police had been called on the old woman! The situation unfolded as the officer confronted the old woman (who was on the public sidewalk), mentioning something along the lines of, "Haven't they told you not to be around here?" This interaction took place while she was already outside on the public sidewalk. Another burly officer arrived, and they spent about 5 or more minutes shooing her away. I am glad she was not arrested. I was stunned.

What unfolded next deeply saddened me. The young women working in the store seemed to revel in the situation, expressing their satisfaction that the police had shooed her away. I overheard their remarks, including phrases like, "I'm glad she's gone." While I understand concerns about loitering or squatting, I firmly believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Witnessing this scene left me troubled and disturbed.

I had initially intended to purchase something for myself, but after witnessing the treatment of the elderly woman, my heart couldn't bear it. I decided to buy her a sandwich. Upon leaving the store, I handed her the sandwich and expressed that the store staff and the authorities hadn't been very kind to her. She is old, and poor. Why humiliate her? This entire experience left me feeling a deep sense of sorrow for her and disheartened by the attitude of the Starbucks manager and the store employees. Starbucks, isn't a haven of luxury. It just sells food, drinks, and miscellaneous items. Why would this aged woman be a threat.

During my brief conversation with the homeless woman, I could see the vulnerability in her eyes and feel the weight of her age. I wondered about her life story, how she had ended up in such a challenging situation. Despite the uncertainty, we shared a heartfelt conversation, and I offered her a hug, which seemed to bring her some comfort.

Starbucks should embody values of compassion and understanding. It perplexes me why the employees at this particular store appeared to lack empathy and compassion. I won't go there again.

These events resonate with teachings:

Proverbs 14:31 reminds us that treating the poor with contempt shows disregard for their Creator, while being kind to those in need is a way to honor God.

Proverbs 17:5 emphasizes that mocking the poor reflects contempt for their Creator.

Psalm 82:3 calls us to stand up for the vulnerable, including the weak, fatherless, and oppressed.

Luke 11:41 encourages generosity towards the less fortunate, indicating that such actions lead to a sense of inner purity.

In light of these teachings, it's important for us to remember that compassion and empathy are integral to how we treat those who are...

This is by far my favorite Starbucks in the Puyallup area. It's beautiful inside, very spacious. Always kept clean. I don't think I've ever gone there and not seen an employee wiping down tables or sweeping the floor.

There are a lot of places to sit, including probably the last comfortable chairs in all of Starbucks! Seriously, these leather chairs and the decision to keep them helps differentiate, and elevate, this store from all the others.The light fixture above the "family size" table is really cool. As is the roller coaster art by the front door. It does not feel cookie cutter or corporate. It's distinctive.

Every time I have visited the employees have been friendly and engaging. Every time. Last time I was there someone drew a smiley face on the lid of my cup. This used to be a commonplace practice but now it is a rarity. It's amazing how much a small gesture like that can make a big difference.

I typically don't use the drive through but it definitely gets a lot of traffic. I do use the parking lot and it is much too small for this busy store. Both the overall parking lot and the individual parking spaces need to be enlarged.

In short, I actually enjoy going to this store. I go out of my way, and pass several other Starbucks, to visit here. It feels like a Starbucks of old. And I like that! I think you...

So, I gave this particular Starbucks a week long review period as I was in the area for a week long work event and ate lunch here everyday. That being said, it exceeded my expectations in almost every way. The service was fast (very fast) and all of the team members were knowledgeable, friendly and very accommodating. I changed one of my orders twice to get extra stars and then changed it again at the point of brewing and the barista was friendly and had no problems with accommodating me.

The food is the food. Basic Starbucks so nothing to rave or get upset about, it is what it is

The only negative thing that I count against this particular Starbucks is the atmosphere. One day the patrons were yelling and it appeared to be acceptable or at least no body asked them to quiet down and on another day a customer had three dogs in a baby stroller and thought it was a good idea to sit in front of the register with a friend cooing over the dogs holding up the line until finally I had to ask them if they were waiting to order. They were not. They had already ordered and nobody asked them to move to the side so customers...