Starbucks

A terrific new Starbucks. They have only been open since May I believe. They have the standard Starbucks offering but also have a Clover coffee machine for perfectly brewed coffees. They have multiple styles of seating from outdoor to indoor. High table to bar stale. Comfy chairs to mini tables. Some tables have power access for plugging in others do not. The bar seating has an excellent view of what will eventually be several parks and play areas in Richmond. Parking is from the mall and free, there is a bus stop right here but they are also am 8 to ten minute walk from the Canada line. Service is good but they have some new staff still.

Excellent service this morning. I felt my flat white tasted weak given the amount of espresso in it and they enthusiastically offered to put more espresso in the drink or remake the drink. After adding more coffee it was great. Turned an underwhelming drink into a great one. Very well done by the staff this morning!

Starbucks in general usually has good service but this location's staff are always extra good. A great example today around 4pm was the two gentlemen there went above and beyond trying to assist me on a sold out item without me asking. Then when making the drink, the barista overheard me on my phone saying I would have to leave one drink cold in the car as I didn't have the hands to carry everything. When I got my drinks he apologized for eavesdropping (not his fault as I have a loud voice) but he brewed one extra hot to hopefully keep it warmer longer. It's the extra attention to details and willingness to help without being asked that is the true hallmark of great customer service. Kudos.

Great interior, with lots of space to relax or do work. The outlets on the tables are very helpful. Always clean. Staff are consistantly pleasant and prompt. Very friendly. One barista was kindly handing out waters to everyone which I appreciated. My drinks are always made perfectly. These are the reasons why I come back to this specific Starbucks all the time.

My first bad experience in a Starbucks in a long time. Due to covid, there was very limited seating available. Despite this, one inconsiderate lady had the audacity to hog a large sofa when where were many 1-seat sofas available. Even when I asked politely if she could move so that my Dad and I could sit together, she refused to move (even though she said she was alone). Dad and I had nowhere to sit together, so Dad sat on 1-person sofa while I pulled a chair over as close as possible (still observing social distancing measures). Then, Manager lady came over and told me I can’t move chairs around, but when I told her about the situation, did not do anything. I moved the chair back and left, but not before (politely) giving inconsiderate lady a piece of my mind. It was a very upsetting experience. Note: This doesn’t usually bother me, but with the already limited seating available, she should not have hogged multiple seats despite being alone. That was very selfish of her. Perhaps management can do a better job regulating this.