Key L.
Yelp
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE - DO BETTER, STARBUCKS (7th & Peachtree Location)
What I witnessed today at the Starbucks on 7th & Peachtree was absolutely deplorable. I've never seen such appalling customer service, and I'm honestly still shaken by it.
A well-dressed woman -- with TWO phones, a laptop, and clearly in the middle of doing business -- was treated in the most demeaning and disrespectful way by the so-called store manager. She had asked one of the women at the front if she needed to purchase something to use the store's Wi-Fi, and she was kindly told no, as the Wi-Fi only needed her email. That should've been the end of it.
But instead, the store manager rudely interrupted, demanded she buy something, and proceeded to speak down to her in an unprofessional and completely unnecessary way. She even told him that she would be purchasing something shortly -- she was just in the middle of important work -- and yet he kept escalating the situation, showing no regard for anyone in the store.
Then came the most disgusting part -- he loudly implied the woman might be homeless. Yes, homeless. Simply because she was quietly sitting there with her tech, dressed like a professional. First of all, her appearance or housing status should never be a reason to treat someone like trash, but she clearly wasn't even close to what he was suggesting. It was coded, biased, and absolutely unacceptable.
And THEN -- he called the police on her. Over what? Sitting quietly and minding her business?
I've been a Starbucks customer for years, and this was by far the worst treatment I've ever seen -- not just from this brand, but from any establishment. That store manager needs serious accountability. I will never be returning to this location again, and I hope corporate sees this and takes action.
Do better, Starbucks. Your customers -- and human beings -- deserve better.