Starbucks' Achilles' Heel

I should probably leave them alone but I need to vent.

I love Starbucks coffee, but their system just isn't working. At least not at the School Street location in downtown Boston.

All I want is an iced coffee — black, unsweetened. I pay for it but watch in disappointment and frustration as my plastic cup is placed behind seven other cups.

Turns out I'm being held hostage by the designated drink maker, who thinks he's Tom Cruise in "Cocktail."

Instead of having the perky person I paid simply turn around and tilt the pitcher of iced coffee into my cup and send me on my way, I watch in horror as the designated drink maker fumbles with triple-shot caramel macchiatos with drizzled nutmeg and whip cream while my cup sits helplessly idle.

Because Starbucks is a friendly place, the designated drink maker chats up the customers, giving an occasional wink as he whips up a cinnamon dolce frappuccino with vanilla creme.

And Starbucks customers, if you want dessert, go to a pastry shop. Don't mask your weakness for gooey desserts by pretending you're ordering coffee.

Meanwhile my empty plastic cup sits idle, now in the middle of the line, four drinks away. It's like waiting to take off on the runway when the pilot cheerfully comes on the intercom to inform you that we're fourth in line for departure.

I just want my black iced coffee that I paid for 10 minutes ago.

Finally my coffee is poured and handed to me.

Will I go back? Of course.

I love Starbucks coffee.

It's the system that needs a jolt of caffeine.

Comments

[Scott]

True, Starbucks has descended from the Mount Olympus of espresso dens. But their quality remains relatively consistent, as you say. I keep going back too -- unless I can find a Peets or a Caffe Ladro.

[Karen]

They are trying to be quicker but when it gets really busy, the system doesn't work. There's always Dunkin Donuts.

[Em]

It's a pain - but I think it's worth the extra 2 block walk to the 'Bucks on Washington street - they seem to have a great rhythm down and can get you in & out in under five minutes.

[Andrewjh]

Don't even get me started on Dunkin Donuts. I don't know if it's just the location near me (Mass Ave., across from Berkley School of Music), but it seems like every time I go there I forget that the previous time I went I swore it'd be my last.
Try ordering two drinks and the order taker acts like you're asking for a thanksgiving turkey. 'Does not compute...'
Or, heaven forbid you should want something with your coffee – a... donut, perhaps? (Do they sell donuts at Dunkin Donut anymore?) It doesn't matter who waits on me – they're all moving in cranial slow motion or something.
Arg.

[Jackie]

So, in the midst of financial calamity on streets Wall and Main this is the best ya got??? Life's pretty good, I'd say.

And don't call me a designated drink maker, bub. I'm a BARRISTA, Got it!

[Christine]

I make going to Starbucks a treat. I can't afford to go there all the time. The times I go to DD, I'm ready to scream at the stupidity. You do get what you pay for at Starbucks. And their toffee almond bars? To die for.

[Dan]

Scott - Peets is pretty good, but it's no Starbucks.

Karen - DD doesn't cut it for me.

Em - agreed. But sometimes I'm lazy.

Andrew - welcome to the circus.

Jackie - whatever, dude.

Christine - I went to Starbucks in London and paid $5 for a coffee. A treat it is.

[Beth]

Whatever you do, don't go in there with our PR goddess. There's a guy there that will go into a 5 minute fugue state in her presence while there's literally a line of 10 people waiting.

[Dan]

Beth - too funny.