Starbucks — Restaurant in Valparaiso

Dear Starbucks Customer Support,

I’m writing to formally report an incident that occurred on July 11, 2025, at approximately 8:33 AM, involving a Shift Lead named Becca at one of your locations.

While traveling from Las Vegas to my hometown by way of Chicago, my family and I stopped in for food and drinks. I had just gotten off a flight, was extremely tired, and simply wanted to grab something quickly and be on my way. However, upon attempting to enter the store with our service dog, Becca stopped us and refused entry, stating the dog was not allowed inside.

Rather than escalate the situation, I calmly returned the dog to our vehicle and re-entered to complete my purchase. After placing my order, I politely asked another team member named Ted about the policy, noting that in Las Vegas, service dogs are typically allowed inside without issue. He explained that Starbucks has a universal policy, which I appreciated hearing in a respectful tone.

However, Becca then interjected loudly, yelling, “IT’S ALSO A FOOD SAFETY CONCERN!” I calmly told her I wasn’t speaking to her, but I must emphasize—this experience was extremely upsetting and deeply concerning.

Denying access to a legally protected service animal is not only a poor reflection on your store’s training but potentially a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). I sincerely hope this matter is addressed internally with your team, and that additional training is provided to ensure all customers are treated with dignity and respect.

I am happy to provide more...

It honestly surprises me to see this Starbucks rated so high. Maybe I have bad luck, but the only consistency to my coffee at this location is how bad it is. It’s almost never made perfectly. If you order sweetener, it’s probably not in there. Extra cream? You’ll be lucky to even get a regular amount. No whip? It’s definitely gonna be on top. Cup is never full, sugar and flavor is always sitting at the bottom of the cup. This place is bad. It’s right by my work, so unfortunately I’ve given them a chance time and time and time again. No longer. I’ll just make extra time in my morning routine and make my own coffee. Go to the Starbucks on 130, it’s much better. Portage also. Not to mention the atrocious parking lot situation.

Edit: 10-22-2024

The place has improved drastically. After a couple years, I gave them a shot again. After coming here consistently again for a few months, I have no complaints. My coffee is always made right, it’s mixed well, and isn’t missing ingredients anymore. They now serve my coffee in a double cup, which drastically reduces leakiness. I came back to amend my review from a previous one star (it really was that bad) and I hope it continues to be the enjoyable experience I...

Usually I would give this location 5 stars. However today upon reaching the order screen, we verified that it was happy hour. The girl confirmed. When we approached the window, she asked if we were using the app to pay. (We were paying cash) we said "no." She automatically charged us full price. When we asked her why, she said it was because we didn't pay with the app and happy hour is only for those with the app. We logged into our app and allowed her to scan our app (which was not currently loaded with money) she refunded us only an odd partial amount of the refund? When we asked her when they started requiring the app payment for happy hour (because this has never been the case) she said "I dont know, I'm just doing what I'm told" First of all, why do the employees not even know why they are doing what they are doing? Especially if this is a new implemented rule. Also, she should have specifically stated this at the order screen, since this was the case. This location needs someone with initiative and a service oriented outlook, not just a body to fill the spot. Disappointed in this...