Starbucks — Restaurant in Temple Terrace

Deep disappointment over inhumane and disrespectful treatment toward me and my service dog

I never imagined having to write something like this about a chain I once considered a safe place — a refuge, a space where I could sit peacefully, work on my computer, and enjoy a drink. But what I experienced recently wasn’t just deeply disappointing — it was humiliating, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

On June 28th, around 7:00 p.m., I visited your location. I ordered two lemonades from my car and then decided to sit outside with my service dog, who was clearly identified by his harness. The moment I stepped inside, I was shouted at by a female employee wearing glasses who, in front of everyone, told me, “No pets are allowed.”

Let me be clear: my dog is not a pet. He is a service dog, legally protected and essential to my well-being.

When I calmly informed her of this, she responded with an even worse attitude. I then approached the male employee, also wearing glasses, to kindly ask for a cup of water for my dog — and he yelled at me, saying, “We don’t give anything for free, not even water.” I explained I had just made a purchase, and after insisting, he finally handed me a cup with only ice in it — an obvious act of hostility.

This kind of behavior is not just unprofessional — it’s disrespectful, discriminatory, and completely unacceptable, especially when directed at someone accompanied by a service animal.

I hope this incident is taken seriously. Your staff must be properly trained on how to interact respectfully and legally with people who depend on service animals. No one should ever be made to feel embarrassed, rejected, or humiliated for simply existing with the...

The new policies at Starbucks are really making me not want to visit anymore—and the fact that your CEO still refuses to unionize employees doesn’t help.

I’ve always liked being able to buy a small coffee or a brownie and spend some time working on my computer. But lately, it feels like Starbucks is creating hierarchies among customers.

Today, I had just sat down after checking on my gift card and was browsing the app to order when a staff member came up to me 3 minutes after and asked, “Are you going to order anything?” I had been there maybe been in the store a total of five minutes. before she interrupted me. I was also about to order an Uber.

I know it’s not her fault—she’s just following policy—but it really rubbed me the wrong way.

Honestly, I couldn’t help thinking that if I were wearing a my work attire—a suit—instead of a hoodie, baseball cap, and backpack, she probably wouldn’t have approached me so quickly. I felt a little singled out. If I’d looked more “professional,” I’m sure I would’ve been given the benefit of the doubt and given more time to place my order.

I ended up not ordering and left. Panera bread is...

Nestled in busy Temple Terrace is a lovely little Starbucks. It's exactly where I want to be on a Thursday. I saw this Starbucks in the works a while back, and honestly it was no big deal....its just coffee right?.....WRONG. This place literally made my Thursday sweet. We were greeted with a smile and left with one too :) Every employee there were MY type of people! They were all so happy yet helpful. I left Starbucks feeling content to go back into the world. We ate outside in their sitting area and admired all there cute new furniture options and how convenient it was to have a charging outlet almost everywhere! It wasn't just a drink and snack stop for us...it was an entire pleasant experience. I definitely hope to revisit on my next Thursday. Between the excellent customer service and overall chill atmosphere: I'm officially a Starbucks fan! I highly recommend you stop by and check out this Starbucks...even the surrounding areas are filled with lots of great...