Tech Logjam Angers Caffeine Junkies
- Jason James Barry
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
The Millennial / Gen Z / Tech Alliance nearly caused a Starbucks revolt by VB parents (not us) at the Commerce Street location in Dallas, early Saturday, after it became apparent the online drink orders wouldn’t be fulfilled for an hour.
The backlog and chaos left the in-person line long — and stagnant. One volleyball player, in pink, in line groused, “Bruh,” as her team filed out. She too would have to leave the line — and empty handed! Pro Tip: Don’t order complicated, sugar drinks for the ENTIRE team at once. Especially when everyone else is too!
To her credit, a young Starbucks manager announced an apology: “My crew is working as fast as they can,” she said. She further directed any requests for online refunds be made through the corporate 800 number. This did not land well with parents. Many already were looking at their watches. They now appeared to contemplate exactly how they would make it through the final morning at nationals w/o caffeine.
One mom held firm in her place at the head of the line, for minutes, before no rants or reason would defy the immutable fact that her online order was STUCK, more than 45 minutes out, in queue. Finally, she relented, and repeated her order in-person, which arguably she deserved for trying to back door the system with her techie-line-cutting. No information was available on the status of HER phone call request for refund. Though most assuredly, she will call.
As for this humble reporter, once I finally made it to the head of the line: a venti dark roast, a 50-cent tip, and out the door in less than a minute. (JJB)
Jason James Barry is an award-winning essayist, journalist, and author. During his travels, he often writes restaurant and coffee reviews that capture the essence of the cities and towns he visits. Ever involved in his writing, this summer Jason revised and re-released his police-life memoir, “The Midnight Coffee Club” as a second-edition publishing (available on Amazon).
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