I would first like to say I am a Starbucks addict. Even more true, I'm a caffeine addict and mother of 2 young children. I can't say that I necessarily HAVE to have Starbuck's brand coffee. I can't even say that Starbucks has the best coffee and lattes around. It's more of the little things that I have begun to love and appreciate about when I go there. First and foremost, I love it that all the baristas at my regular (most frequented) Starbucks know my name and know my drink. They are the hardest workers out there dealing with a lot of nasty Snottsdale customers and they serve my drink with a smile on their faces. Secondly, they are consistent and if they made my drink unsatisfactorily, they have always remade it and STILL with a smile on their face and a sincere apology. Lastly, they are friendly to my kids. My kids can be some of the loudest and not always as well behaved as I'd like them to be but the baristas talk to them, give them stickers and even know their name!!
Occasionally, I have been to other Starbucks near my neighborhood because it's more convenient than going to my 'regular' Starbucks. I have been to the one at Pinnacle and Pima maybe 15 or so times. Most of the baristas that work there are awesome but there is one lady that is consistently grumpy and crotchety. I wish I had a dime for every time for every time she threw out ATTITUDE and eye roll as if her day was ruined by brewing my coffee. If I did, I would definitely have a fortune to pay for my Starbucks addiction.
I used to think it was just me or maybe she had a bad day but she is consistently rude. My husband, separately and unsolicited, has told me he has had the same experience with her.
Why do we keep going? The answer plain and simple: My addiction is strong and this Starbucks is convenient.