Starbucks — Restaurant in Tempe

I’m genuinely shocked by the poor customer service I received at this Starbucks. I simply asked to purchase a side of blueberries, something I’ve done before at another location without any issue. However, the barista assisting me told me the system wouldn’t allow her to ring up the blueberries unless I purchased something else. When I suggested ordering an ice water, she said that wouldn’t count and instead offered oatmeal as an option.

I mentioned that at another Starbucks I had visited in Scottsdale, they rang up the blueberries as the qualifying item when I asked for water. Instead of simply explaining that her store may have a different policy, the barista became defensive and started questioning me, asking which exact location I went to, what the cross streets were, and even asking for my name. That felt completely unnecessary and unprofessional. Why did she need my name or the cross streets of another Starbucks? Was she planning to call and scold them for selling me blueberries?

It came across as accusatory and condescending. Eventually, she said she’d make an “exception” this one time but she would need to speak with her manager (never spoke with her manager during our interaction) and gave me the total which was confusing, because earlier I was told the system wouldn’t allow it. So which one is it?

The most frustrating part wasn’t even the policy itself, it was how I was treated for simply trying to make a small, reasonable purchase. I wasn’t asking for anything for free, just a side of blueberries, and I was willing to pay whatever it cost. Instead, I was met with attitude, unnecessary questioning, and what felt like an interrogation over something so minor.

It’s becoming clear that Starbucks policies are not only inconsistent from location to location, but increasingly restrictive and customer-unfriendly. From no longer offering complimentary water without a purchase to now requiring an additional item just to buy a side. It feels like more effort is going into enforcing rigid rules than into actually serving...

I had a really terrible experience this morning. This location has always been great, I grab coffee on my way to work at least 2-3 times a week. The young girl in the drive-thru is always nice & smiling.

However, today was rather busy so I chose to go inside. I ordered a drink which the girl quickly began to make, but I was shocked by the rude, demeaning, and unprofessional woman who said something along the lines of, “NO you can’t do that... you’ll have to ask her if she wants a blonde or a dark roast! scoff & eye roll” She also said something about the coffee being bitter and making another pot.

The girl repeats (who I’m assuming is the general manager because she’s not in uniform), and asks what I would prefer. All the while, not one of the 3 girls working has cracked a smile, and the GM is moving around (what I would consider) aggressively, literally slamming lids on w/ multiple loud slaps.

While I was pouring cream into my coffee I also heard her tell the same girl, “Just go over and do that, I’ve got this!” Very snarky, very loud, and very unnecessary.

The only reason I’ve decided to write this review is because I feel bad for the poor team who has to work under that snob of a manager. The sad thing is, if they're as offended as I am, they probably won’t speak out for risk of being reprimanded.

I’ve also considered that maybe that particular barista isn’t good at her job, that’s still no excuse to patronize someone in front of their co-workers AND customers. I was embarrassed just standing there, and she wasn’t even scolding me!

This woman had a short black bob, striped white & blue button-up, dark jeans, (possibly glasses) and tan saddle shoes. If you read this, I hope you know how unpleasant you made my morning. Maybe you're just having a bad day or need a cup of coffee (which is readily available), but there’s no excuse for a ‘professional’ to treat their employees like that especially in front of an audience. Is that how Starbucks trains their managers?

1 stars won’t affect your rating, but I hope it...

This was my favorite Starbucks compare to other locations because they make the best drink and salted foam cream and always friendly. I have been keep telling my friend to come and get the salt foam drink from here. However, not anymore after today what happened to me today. I went today around 9:30 am, I ordered butter croissant and a grande DRAGON DRINK in Venti cup with salted foam cream and extra cream no ice. However, I received a PINK DRINK, NOT DRAGON DRINK. At the beginning, I didn't want to waste it, and they were busy didn't want to bother. I tried, but I really don't like the taste of it. SO, I went back to the cashier trying to explain that I ordered a grande DRAGON DRINK, not PINK DRINk, if you can remake or I can purchase another one. The cashier didn't even let me finish and said will Remake with supercilious look. I was asking if she need to take the drink back for remake and she just ignored me. So I end up getting a venti "DRAGON DRINK" with no ice and little bit salt foam cream, and I ASKED for a Grande DRAGON DRINK in venti cup with salted foam cream extra cream and no ice. (This is why I was trying to give her back drink with label. AND she TOTALLY IGNORED ME!!!!) Then, I went back to cashier there was no one when I was there, but she chose to ignore me and talk to different customer. I am really tired of remaking and wasting so I just left. I understand people makes mistake. BUT, please!!!! This attitude, the manner is really disrespectful!! I hope it's not racial discrimination!! I am really DISAPPOINTED. Please find a better worker, who know how to RESPECT!!!!! I wish I could...