Starbucks — Restaurant in Saint Augustine Beach

I ordered using the Starbucks app "Ordering Ahead" feature. This feature is advertised to allow customers to order ahead of time so that the barista begins your order as you are en route, thus allowing you to "jump the line." (Really it is not jumping the line, it is really not much different than ordering takeout on the phone, except via mobile app.)

Well, at this particular Starbucks, the line jumped me... with at least four other customers.

At the time I placed my order, I received notice that my order would be completed in 4-8 minutes. I waited inside the Starbucks. It wasn't that busy - maybe three or four people ahead of me. I watched as all of their orders were taken care of, then four more people who entered after me were taken care of. Ten minutes passed. I was about to go up to the counter to check with the barista that my order was received, but then stopped when I heard one of the baristas mention "Red Velvet."

"Do we even make a Red Velvet Frappuccino?" he asked.

The employees continued to chatter among themselves (loud enough to hear from the seated area) about whether or not the Red Velvet Frappuccino in fact existed, and if so, how to make it. Only one out of the four was able to verify that, indeed, it was an item they served and vaguely knew how to make it.

I have no problem with the fact that some of the employees didn't know how to make a Red Velvet Frappuccino. They have tons of recipes and combinations to memorize, and given the fact that they seemed to be a smaller, off the beaten path Starbucks, I am sure they don't get a whole lot of orders, if any, for some of the mobile menu items. That being said, what is unacceptable is 1.) The fact that my order was NOT processed within the appropriate time frame based on when it was received (several customers were served before me who in fact ordered after me), which resulted in a 15 minute wait rather than a 4-8 minute "estimated" wait, and 2.) The public behavior displayed among the staff when several of them did not know the recipe for an order that came through.

I have never worked in Starbucks specifically, but have a fair amount of experience and understanding of customer service/food service. As far as I know, a mobile order shouldn't be much different than ordering takeout on the phone; an approximate time frame for the order is provided based on the time of day, typical business patterns, and current activity at that location. Usually, for something that doesn't take a whole lot of time (e.g., a drink - as opposed to a meal), the person preparing the item would begin the process immediately after finishing the current one he or she was working on. This was clearly not the case based on the fact that several other customers who arrived after me were served prior to the staff beginning my order. Furthermore, presentation to the customers is very important. If there is something as an employee you don't know or have a question about, quietly and/or privately ask a supervisor or senior staff member. At a place like Starbucks, there should be somewhere the staff can quickly look up recipes if there is something they don't know or can't recall without creating a scene in front of the customers.

I give them two stars because despite many of them not knowing the recipe, the Red Velvet Frappuccino was tasty and the staff seemed to interact with customers in a reasonably polite manner. That being said, I would NOT recommend using the Starbucks app at this location unless you plan on spending twice as much time waiting for your order as the app estimates, or have to waste. If this experience is any indication of the average mobile user experience, you will get much faster service going through the regular line.

I really think this Starbucks has the potential to be five stars; however, I believe the staff just may need a little stronger management and/or additional training in...

My teen and tween boys really enjoy our mornings before school if we can pop into Starbucks near St. Augustine Beach. It reminds me of an office space just for coffee only, a seemingly long hallway that I would love to pass through daily and just so happen to order the good stuff for my morning before putting my nose to the grindstone!

The egg bites are always delectable. The Brown Sugar Oatmilk Ice Shaken Espresso is a new fav for me--and it tastes just as good when I sub coconut milk for the original oatmilk.

Bethany is beginning to know us now. I best download the app. Bethany tells us we can earn points! I bet I could order ahead using the app too, and our mobile order would be waiting for us upon arrival. I bet, I just bet.

However, I so do enjoy the human interaction of ordering in person at a coffee shop. It's as though I might be saying, "Good Morning! Exchanging words with you here and now about my tall (or grande) iced coffee drink is sure to render me caffeinated on the flipside of this long counter. Thank you very much for hearing, clarifying, punching into the register my order and for attending to this matter. You might guess I'm very excited." This is a kind of pomp and circumstance to the coffee-getting. This Starbucks can take credit for any charm that happens so early in the am. As for me, I am a zombie until my drink is in hand.

The blonde espresso has such a grounding, full flavor. I feel comfortable at the store near the beach. Parking is usually simple. Sometimes there is quite a bustle and the good ambience is augmented delightfully as everyone employs patience and understanding in busier moments.

Thanks Starbucks morning staff! See...

Sheridan and Federal Hwy. In Hollywood FL. The place is clean and good but the staff needs training or the actual manager. The manager was extremely rude and talking loud as I requested to redo my coffee to decafe. Maybe she was on to much caffeine or something cause she should have never acted like that. I was about to set her straight up and complain big time to upper management. The actual Motto for STARBUCKS IS IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT WE WILL MAKE IT RIGHT FOR YOU.

The dam manager had a fit cause I told her to redo my coffee. The only other STARBUCKS I had similar situation was at Doral Store. Where I completely requested a refund cause the dumb manager wanted to charge me extra for a extra pump of Carmel.. Are you kidding me... What a joke.

Besides all this at Starbucks, my personal experience in traveling and all the Starbucks I been to have been with a great experience.

I love their specialty blends of...