Latasha Hambrick
Google
I’m writing this message with a heavy heart after a very upsetting experience that took place at your location on July 17th, between 6:00–7:00 PM.
I walked into Starbucks, as I often do, to focus on my monthly planning and scheduling. This location has always been my go-to spot because of its welcoming space and proximity to my home. It’s more than just a coffee shop to me—it’s been a place where I’ve felt comfortable working, reflecting, and simply being.
I set up my iPad, books, pens, and other materials to begin my planning session. Shortly after settling in, I got up to use the restroom. The door was locked, so I approached an employee to ask if someone was inside. What happened next genuinely stunned and hurt me.
The employee informed me that I would need to make a purchase in order to use the restroom. I was caught completely off guard. I frequent this location often, and I have never encountered or been informed of such a policy. I politely asked if she could show me a written statement or clarification from Starbucks outlining this rule. She could not. I asked if she could explain further, but again, she couldn’t provide any answers.
What hurt the most was not just the refusal itself, but the way I was made to feel. I was profiled. Despite clearly being there to work, with my professional materials laid out on the table, I was treated as if I didn’t belong—as if I was a problem or a nuisance.
For context, I am a first responder for the City of Atlanta, dedicating my life to serving the public. I was on my off day, simply trying to catch up on work. I should never have had to explain myself to use the restroom in a public café—nor should anyone else.
To be made to feel ashamed, to be denied basic dignity, and to be forced to purchase something just to relieve myself is not only degrading, it’s sickening. The employee had no idea if I had a medical condition, if I’d recently had surgery, or simply needed to use the bathroom urgently. That moment was dehumanizing.
This is not the Starbucks I thought I knew. The treatment I received that day was disgraceful and unacceptable. I left feeling embarrassed, confused, and extremely disappointed. I truly hope corporate takes this matter seriously, because what happened that day went far beyond policy—it became personal.
I’m still deeply hurt by the experience, and I hope no other customer ever has to go through what I did.