Starbucks — Restaurant in Richmond

I have added one star to the atmosphere rating since I posted the critique below, main because of the welcoming chalkboard and "Be Kind" sign that have been added. Thanks; it improves the ambiance!

Over the last few years our neighborhood Starbucks has changed dramatically, and it has boosted their businesss. First, it moved across the street to a new Starbucks-owned building with in and out driveways. Second, it included a drive-up window and outdoor speaker for taking orders. Third, it along with numerous other Starbucks I've seen, replaced virtually all of the furniture that encouraged comfortable lounging, group gatherings to chat, and a laid-back atmosphere with hard wooden chairs to discourage customers from lingering too long. This Starbucks' only two small comfortable chairs are placed closely adjacent to the restroom doors. These changes have resulted in converting this Starbucks from a comfortable, friendly gathering place into a business focused primarily on speedy delivery of orders to its drive-up window, and a now-large staff constantly scurrying and bustling to provide drive-up orders with maximum efficiency. I can't fault management nor the on duty staff for outstanding efforts to comply with the altered corporate mandates that I'm sure have resulted in increased profitability, but I miss the old...

I’ve been getting the same drink for years a black coffee with just a splash of cold brew or iced coffee to cool it down so I can drink it right away. The lady at the drive through window today told me no we can’t do that. Okay, that’s fine I guess. I get to the drive thru window and she looks so annoyed at me that I just say never mind I don’t want the coffee if I can’t have what I want in it. Someone that works in customer service and hospitality should not be so unnerved by my request and instead of saying no we can’t do that… they could have been more accommodating. Instead of saying no, not possible it’s your job to give me other options to get what I want. I get it’s a price difference but there are steps that you can take to ensure I can pay and get what I want. Even though it’s just a splash of cold brew in a hot coffeee the least they could’ve done is charge me for the more expensive option. I’ve been doing this for years and have only had someone give me a hard time onve or twice which I kind of understand but the fact that I got an attitude and left with no coffee is ridiculous and there has to be a standard when it comes to people in customer service. It’s called that for a reason and I don’t appreciate how disconnected she was...

This used to be my "go to" Starbucks but today I was met by an all new staff, from which I unfortunately did not receive a warm welcome. After placing my order, heading to the window, and pulling a $50 bill out of my wallet, the cashier immediately asked if I had anything smaller. I didn't, so I told her that I didn't. She then proceeded to state (in a condescending manner), "I'll take it this time but it's against our policy so you know in the future". I've been coming to Starbucks multiple times weekly since 2008; this is not my first time at the rodeo. There was nothing posted restricting large bills and just two days ago I presented a $50 at the Starbucks at Regency that was happily accepted. Furthermore, I hadn't attempted to hand her my payment before she agitadedly agreed to accept it. Had she been patient and courteous, allowing me the chance to ask her to apply it to my Starbuck's card, she would have realized the bill did not need to be broken. I can promise I will not put this store through such "hassle" in the future. Instead of accepting $50, they can...