Every time I stop at Starbucks, I brace myself for another encounter with Chala. It’s hard to understand how someone working in customer service can be so dismissive and rude. The first time I thought maybe she was just having a bad day. But it’s become a pattern—eye rolls, curt tones, and a general lack of any warmth or politeness. When I try to ask questions about my order or make any adjustments, she cuts me off or makes me feel like I’m inconveniencing her by simply existing.
It’s not just me, either. I’ve noticed how she interacts with her employees, and it’s not any better. Her tone with them is sharp, her words often biting. I’ve seen her snap at baristas for minor mistakes, leaving them looking flustered and embarrassed in front of customers. It’s hard to ignore the tension she creates behind the counter, which inevitably seeps into the atmosphere of the entire store.
What bothers me the most is that Starbucks is supposed to be a welcoming, pleasant experience a moment of calm in a busy day. Instead, whenever Chala is working, it feels like the opposite. It’s disheartening because you can tell the other employees are trying their best, but her attitude overshadows all of it. I can’t help but wonder if anyone has spoken up or if management is even aware of how she treats people. It’s frustrating to feel like you have to mentally prepare yourself just to...
Read moreThis is the second time I’ve had an issue with this Starbucks and it’s a shame because it’s brand new. They need to seriously reevaluate their staff at this location.
The first issue I had was when I ordered to pick up in store, but the doors were locked and I had to get back in my car and sit in line to pick up my order. Not the end of the world, but far from the convenience I expected when I ordered to pick up.
Today is where I draw the line. The mobile app wasn’t working which I don’t blame the store for. I got on line in the drive thru and once I reached the screen, the employee asked me to look over the menu and she’d be right back — again, no issue. Once she returned, I asked to order a tall dark roast and was hastily met with “do you want any food?!” And I asked if they had any glazed donuts left. Once she confirmed they did she continued with my order “is there any other food??” There wasn’t and I said so. She then repeated my order thus far back to me, “a glazed donut… a tall dark roast…” and then I said I would like a grande — and was cut off by the woman and was told to “WAIT! STOP!” I told her to forget it and left the line.
I have NEVER had such a horrendous encounter with a Starbucks. And after reading the other reviews, it seems that I’m not the only one. This store needs an overhaul. It’s despicable the way they...
Read moreDisappointed in Starbucks’ response during the Western PA power outage. Today, many of us were simply looking for a place to charge our phones, get some work done, a coffee and maybe some food while waiting for power to return. Instead, we were told to leave, and the doors were locked without so much as a notice or explanation posted outside.
Yes, I understand operations were impacted, but wouldn’t it have been more thoughtful—and community-minded—to allow people to sit and charge devices, even without counter service? A simple sign reading “Drive-Thru Only Today — Lounge Open for Charging & Workspace Use” would have gone a long way.
For context: GetGo was giving out free coffee. Other nearby food chains kept their lobbies open. Some businesses even welcomed people in specifically to help them stay connected. That’s what being part of a community looks like.
When your staff said, “All the other stores are doing the same thing,” it wasn’t helpful—it just made the experience feel even more dismissive.
I expect better from a brand that promotes community and connection. For now, I’ll be supporting the businesses that truly showed up...
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