Starbucks — Restaurant in Seattle

Just bc Starbucks is known for having exacting standards for its stores does not mean such striving excellence erases uniqueness and personality. To the contrary, in my experience at several Starbucks the striving for excellence enhances customer experience.

The Starbucks on 1144 Elliott Way is an example of a space of genuine hospitality. After being rerouted away from I-5 north towards the stadiums, and then finding that 99 was jammed, many of us decided to take Elliot Way to head towards the Ballard area and beyond after being in mind numbing traffic from the ramp on Dearborn being closed.

This Starbucks was the first place that we could pull in for a break. I was served by Gus who very graciously asked how the day was going and they got a less than enthusiastic response, there was a genuine sympathy and compassion… At 4:30 in the afternoon. I was very pleasantly surprised by the deliciousness of the new hazelnut oat milk iced espresso drink, I mistakenly assumed it had the shot of olive oil in it, like the other iced espresso drink I like. When I realized my mistake Gus immediately offered to make the drink I wanted and though I didn't take them up on the offer this time, I appreciated that the desire to get the right drink for me was foremost.

As the banter was sincerely engaging, more information about the day was shared and a genuine connection was made -- which had the effect of humanizing me after an hour of sitting in an excruciatingly slow traffic jam.

Other cars were pulling in, other customers were coming in, and I noticed the same level of engagement for them. And there's always something magical about genuine Customer Service being offered late in the afternoon when people are worn down and tired.

I remember Gus's name and I will be back the next time...

I was very happy at this Starbucks location, until this afternoon. I stop, almost every morning, and buy drip coffee with heavy cream and they pour it in my insulated stainless travel cup. The coffee is always delicious. On the very rare occasion that I actually get to stop back by later in the day (I drive an employee shuttle) I have always been given a refill. Today I was informed that I can only get a refill if I have sat in the lobby and drank my first cup on location, THEN I can get a refill. The Starbucks website says SAME DAY visit. I wish I had the luxury of sitting down at a table and drinking 16 to 20 ounces of coffee, but I work on the move. I start buying coffee at Starbucks stores at 445 am every morning. Most days I buy 3 to 5 of them. It was nice to have at least one store I could make it back to on the rare occasion and get a small reward for my patronage. I think I'll just start making a large thermos at home from now on. The coffee across all of the Starbucks I frequent is excellent and the service has mostly been great. I will miss the happy greatings in the morning and the fact that almost everyone knows my coffee but I refuse to be loyal to a company when the sentiment is not returned. Thanks to the pink haired person in the afternoon on Thursday, July 3rd. You're gonna save me about $75 bucks a week. BTW, you weren't very nice the few times you served me in the mornings either...you come off as a very fake and snooty individual. JMO, take it for whatever its worth....that and 5 bucks will get you a cup of coffee...

July 2, 2012 My story of #First time having #starbucks in my #life

I felt so #shy to what order because I have No idea What this place is? I start shaking and felt my #heart about to #stop when my turn to talk to the nice lady Who asked my friends and I (What would you like to order?)

I felt like I am about to cry because the embarrassment for becoming speechless and yet we still need time to read the #menu

On the other hand, I turned to my #Mexican #friends ask their #help but their English not that #good like mine and they are not familiar with the drinks here too.

After ward, the #barista was so nice and she gave us a time to think; also she helped us to choose too.

Finally, the #decision was #sweet and #cold drink. To be honest I still don't know what I ordered but I remember I enjoyed it by drink it with 2 straws. It cover the whole #mouth to feel the #flavor of the #sweetness stronger and sharper in a good way.

Additionally, I recommend you to try drink your #cold #drink with 2 #straws

In Conclusion, How order a #coffee or ride a #bus is a small thing and not a big deal at all to me now, but 11 years ago were a big deal for real.

December 30, 2012 This morning, I treated myself to a cozy moment with a warm #starbucks #coffee and a slice of delicious #bananabread ,at @starbucks 1144 Elliott Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119 As I sipped and savored, I opened my #Bible for #study and reflection. It felt like the perfect combination—a comforting treat for the #body and nourishing words...