The Worst Starbucks Branch

Why do I have to learn the hard way?

The Starbucks branch in Ayala cor Buendia is probably the worst branch I have ever visited. While I've only been there for like five times, I have yet to have a single transaction with them. Every time I go there, it's always a bad encounter. Here's a summary of all the bad experiences I've had with this branch.

The first time I went there, that place was filled with overly noisy guests. For some reason, it felt more peaceful to be outside standing in the middle of Buendia than staying inside. As an insight, people like hanging out in Starbucks because they find a certain kind of chaotic recluse out of the urban noise, but this one, it's just chaos. And, by the way, the succeeding times I went there, it was just as noisy. You should know why.

Next. I am unlucky when trying to order here. For some reason, the only drink I get is almost always not available. I like drinking Zen and Basic Black. Either they've run out of that or there's no ice. Good grief.

The baristas ought to provide you a friendly atmosphere, to make your stay conducive, whenever you make a trip there. Hence, first name basis name calling. But if you're surrounded by boisterous guests, hounding them with questions like "ano ba ang masarap?" or "anong bago?", yeah, how can you perform well? Worse, they order in bulk and collect money from each other on the spot, with just one person ordering. They probably aren't aware of the concepts of falling in line and POS machines.

Another, the airconditioning system of this branch is always being repaired. Gosh. Why can't they just put industrial fans there if they can't afford to buy a new one? The cost of repair is probably even more expensive. Al fresco is much appreciated, these days.

Change. You come there so early in the morning trying to get your fix. You give the cashier 500 pesos. She asks you, "Do you have a smaller bill?" I will have spared myself the agony of being asked that question by giving her the exact amount if I had it, but I don't. I obviously don't. She asks you back, "Do you think you can break this first?" Dude, seriously? When I was about to give her the evil look she just said, "Oh, I have coins! Is that fine? Medyo madami lang..." What the hell?

I always end up telling myself to bring my business somewhere else. I always end up going to RCBC instead of this branch. Gad, I hate this branch, really. Looking back, why did it take me 5 times to realize this. Something must be wrong with me. But then again, please try not to spoil your day by visiting this branch.