Anonymous wrote:I used to work at Starbucks. The reason they got rid of the condiment table is because an employee would have to go over there approximately 5 times per hour to wipe up sugar spills and refill the carafes. That's time they're not spending filling drive-thru and mobile orders. Go to a small local coffee shop.

OP here, that's exactly what I did but they still didn't have the self serve area! I totally get the frustration from the employees - what it boils down to is that most people are messy and a PITA and this is why we can't have nice things!

I used to work at Starbucks. The reason they got rid of the condiment table is because an employee would have to go over there approximately 5 times per hour to wipe up sugar spills and refill the carafes. That's time they're not spending filling drive-thru and mobile orders. Go to a small local coffee shop.

Anonymous wrote:Ask to have the “splash of milk” put in a separate cup so you can add it yourself. The other thing I do is order black and bring a small mason jar with my favorite milk alternative and add myself. The lid closes tightly so no worries about spilling.

All of the SBs that I go to in the DMV still do not have their condiments available, so I ask for a small cup of half & half and however many packages of sugar I want. For me, they are wasting money because, before I would use the exact amount I need. Now they give me a half cup (the tiny cup) of cream and after using it, I throw most away. So annoying!!!!

American idea of better is usually more. I ask for black coffee and that's it.
I dislike all the to go items they throw in the bag. I wish there was a button for that. I don't need plastic forks if I take it home.
Cinnabons is an offender. I don't need cutlery and million napkins at the same time. I need the cream not to be on the bons. I eat it with my hands.

Anonymous wrote:Ya know, right before COVID I was in Whole Foods eating lunch with my kids. A man who looked like some type of construction worker/laborer came in and washed his hands using the water dispenser of the soda fountain. That killed my appetite for self-serve anything.

That’s crazy given there’s a bathroom right there! I’m sure worse has happened in restaurants I’ve eaten at, though.

Ya know, right before COVID I was in Whole Foods eating lunch with my kids. A man who looked like some type of construction worker/laborer came in and washed his hands using the water dispenser of the soda fountain. That killed my appetite for self-serve anything.

I rarely buy coffee out (just because, not a statement). But last week at work I thought I would treat myself to a coffee shop coffee. The entire experience was horrible. Cashier was not friendly. There was no posted menu. They no longer accepted cash (which is ok, but just added to the odd experience) and yep, no milk you could add yourself. Oh - and the coffee was not good. I started bringing coffee pods to work and those ridiculous mini creamers. Not great, but at least I am not paying $5 for crap.

I think coffee places have forgotten coffee is a luxury - people are going to stop paying a premium for crap.