Community Chat

[Pearlee]

I go to Starbucks regularly. Naturally I don't mind people sitting for long periods of time doing work on computers, reading, holding apparent meetings, etc. when there is plenty of seating available. However, when Starbucks is crowded, esp. on weekends (like today!)  I do mind not being able to find a seat when  I see a lot of people with no visible Starbucks cup or plate or anything indicating a purchase just sitting there apparently (though I suspect not) oblivious to the fact that people are carrying hot drinks and/or food looking desperately for a place to sit down.  Come on, folks, show some consideration for others!  Starbucks, whose business I realize it is, doesn't seem to mind people sitting for long periods of time doing their own business or work or reading leisurly, or even conducting meetings at Starbucks (which I see fairly often) while other customers look for seats that aren't available.    

I find myself going to Starbucks less and less on the weekends for this very reason. It happened to me again this morning.  I finally squeezed in, forcing a space between others (who were on their computers with no obvious drink or food from SB) by finding a chair and bringing it over. At least they did have the courtesy to move their chairs a couple of inches to let me in.

I think, though, if I were SB management, I'd keep an eye on the situation and in some gentle way try to hasten people along who are just loitering there  If I were in a restaurant that was very busy and I saw a line of people waiting for seating, I wouldn't linger at my table after I finished my meal - I'd leave to make room for others who wish to dine there.

[Lucky Charm]

I don't think I've ever been in a Starbucks that had seating (only ones in airports, etc, maybe I didn't notice seating).  But I used to go to Panera and it was like that there.  Senior 'regulars' would sit on couches for hours.  Mommy groups, and other groups.  Could you say something to management, like "hey, I'd love to sit down and enjoy my Frappaccino, can you help me find a seat?"

[Melania]

Perhaps they had already consumed their purchase and still need to complete work or facetime with a long lost family member or just have a safe place to go to use the  Wifi. See you have no idea what went on before you got there.

Not only that considering the cost of a drink etc. using the Wifi is one way to recoup some of the cost. Really it's NOYB why they are there as they have every right to be there.

Not everyone is trying to do you wrong. 

[HB glamma]

Kind of off-topic, but kind of a similar pet-peeve for me....people in Barnes & Noble sitting in the chairs like it was their house, literally reading magazines & books. They arent spending a nickel or dime there, but occupying the chairs and making magazines and books look used.  I see people who obviously come often and read novels this way. I think management should monitor this activity also.  These folks should be directed to the nearest library!  And I agree about Starbucks!

[Q4u]

I used to live in a very big city and the Starbucks by us was always busy, people in line and out the door waiting their turn.  The seats were always taken, meetings, loners with computers, moms back from dropping off their kids and meeting "the girls".  I can count on one hand the times I found a seat to sit and enjoy my coffee (and people watch, which I love to do).... they also had seating outside (southern CA) and those were always taken AND they brought their dogs with them on leashes and bowls so the dogs would have water.  This astounded me because it was fore thought as to how long they thought they would stay!

I usually took my coffee to my car, turned on the radio and watched people from there while I finished off my coffee.....

Good luck but I think it's a continuing problem everywhere.....   

[DoneTryin]

Starbucks stockholders laugh all the way to the bank.

[MyGirlsMom]

 Buy a Keurig, QVC has several.

[pattypeep]

I just go through the drive-thru and drink on the run in the comfort of my car.

[foundinlv]

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@Melania wrote:

Perhaps they had already consumed their purchase and still need to complete work or facetime with a long lost family member or just have a safe place to go to use the  Wifi. See you have no idea what went on before you got there.

Not only that considering the cost of a drink etc. using the Wifi is one way to recoup some of the cost. Really it's NOYB why they are there as they have every right to be there.

Not everyone is trying to do you wrong. 

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How long would you consider is a suitable length of time to sit and monopolize the seating after you've finished your drink?  Perhaps that is the type of guideline that Starbucks needs to spell out.  

[Zenyoga]

The Starbucks I go to is around the corner from me and is large with a lot of table including a big community one. I rarely sit there unless I'm meeting a friend for coffee it's always full no matter what day it is a lot of neighborhood regulars, now there's a notice to sell wine I guess they will never leave I can only imagine how it's going to be get you coffee,tea and wine here folks lol 🍷☕️