Starbucks Coffee Company
Based on recent customer reviews, Starbucks Coffee Company in South Africa is receiving mixed feedback that leans heavily negative across multiple branches. Customers consistently mention rude or dismissive staff attitudes, slow service, long queues, and frequent stock shortages of signature ingredients. A recurring theme involves payment and refund disputes, malfunctioning machines, and unresolved app or rewards issues. On the positive side, patrons highlight friendly baristas at certain locations, well-made coffee, clean stores, and occasional moments of memorable, personalised service that reflect the brand at its best.
TrustIndex
3
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I had an extremely disappointing experience at Starbucks Menlyn Park, Pretoria on Saturday, 25 April 2026. I arrived at approximately 10:20 specifically to make use of the advertised coffee and croissant special. Despite arriving well within the promotional timeframe, I was forced to wait in the queue for over 45 minutes due to extremely slow service, with only one cashier serving a long line of customers. By the time I reached the front, I was rudely informed that I could no longer receive the special as it was now after 11:00. This is completely unacceptable. To be clear: I arrived on time and comp**** with the promotion requirements The delay was entirely caused by Starbucks’ poor service and understaffing I was unfairly penalised for something completely outside of my control The staff member’s attitude was dismissive and unprofessional It is unreasonable that customers who are already in the queue before the cut-off time are denied a promotion due to inefficiencies in store operations. Any business that values its customers would honour the offer under these circumstances. This experience reflects very poorly on Starbucks as a brand that claims to prioritise customer experience. I expect Starbucks South Africa to: Acknowledge this service failure Explain what corrective measures will be implemented Provide appropriate compensation for the inconvenience I hope this matter is taken seriously, as this level of service is unacceptable and should not happen again.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I had an extremely disappointing experience at Starbucks Menlyn Park, Pretoria on Saturday, 25 April 2026. I arrived at approximately 10:20 specifically to make use of the advertised coffee and croissant special. Despite arriving well within the promotional timeframe, I was forced to wait in the queue for over 45 minutes due to extremely slow service, with only one cashier serving a long line of customers. By the time I reached the front, I was rudely informed that I could no longer receive the special as it was now after 11:00. This is completely unacceptable. To be clear: I arrived on time and comp**** with the promotion requirements The delay was entirely caused by Starbucks’ poor service and understaffing I was unfairly penalised for something completely outside of my control The staff member’s attitude was dismissive and unprofessional It is unreasonable that customers who are already in the queue before the cut-off time are denied a promotion due to inefficiencies in store operations. Any business that values its customers would honour the offer under these circumstances. This experience reflects very poorly on Starbucks as a brand that claims to prioritise customer experience. I expect Starbucks South Africa to: Acknowledge this service failure Explain what corrective measures will be implemented Provide appropriate compensation for the inconvenience I hope this matter is taken seriously, as this level of service is unacceptable and should not happen again.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Centurion Mall Branch I was extremely concerned to find the establishment completely swamped by bees during my visit. When I brought it to the staff's attention, they mentioned the bees had been there for "a while." It is disappointing to see such a lack of urgency regarding the safety and well-being of both customers and employees. I hope management addresses this immediately before someone with an allergy is seriously hurt.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Centurion Mall Branch I was extremely concerned to find the establishment completely swamped by bees during my visit. When I brought it to the staff's attention, they mentioned the bees had been there for "a while." It is disappointing to see such a lack of urgency regarding the safety and well-being of both customers and employees. I hope management addresses this immediately before someone with an allergy is seriously hurt.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I had a very bad experience with a supervisor at Starbucks Menlyn, a lady called Lindelwa, she was very rude and walked away as I speaking to her and refused to apologise for the bad behaviour
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I had a very bad experience with a supervisor at Starbucks Menlyn, a lady called Lindelwa, she was very rude and walked away as I speaking to her and refused to apologise for the bad behaviour
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Florida road star bucks is the worst customer experience ever so I went on Friday I did read outside notice I was patient enough but fair girl I don't know her name gave me worst service your machine were not working payment declined she didn't even have any sympathy she says wait for ten minutes go there and when it refunds back come back I gave her cash we dont accept cash she then gives me another pocket machine all with attitude number pas wasn't working then she does something it works payment went through I asked her so if you knew machines not working why didny you'll just accept cash she doesn't answer me I then asked were your manager she says at home hate service in Florida Starbucks it's terrible
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Florida road star bucks is the worst customer experience ever so I went on Friday I did read outside notice I was patient enough but fair girl I don't know her name gave me worst service your machine were not working payment declined she didn't even have any sympathy she says wait for ten minutes go there and when it refunds back come back I gave her cash we dont accept cash she then gives me another pocket machine all with attitude number pas wasn't working then she does something it works payment went through I asked her so if you knew machines not working why didny you'll just accept cash she doesn't answer me I then asked were your manager she says at home hate service in Florida Starbucks it's terrible
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Good day, I went to Starbucks Bassonia today 15 March 2026 at 07:30 where I was assisted by Akhona who was very rude. She called her manager Queen B who was also rude. So my wife wanted a cap for which Akhona kept on asking if she is sure and in a rude way while rolling her eyes as if we do not know what we want. When I ordered I asked for a dirty latte and explained how I want it for which she rolled her eyes and later said “oh you mean a dirty chai”, I then asked for it to be hot for which he rep**** “all our coffees are hot, you mean extra hot” for which I told her that “if there was a school of stupidity she would have graduated there” and asked the manager Queen B. Queen B got here and instead of asking what happened she stood with she just said “you can’t call us stupid” then my wife tried to explain for which the manager was not interested. I am very disappointed in their behavior.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Good day, I went to Starbucks Bassonia today 15 March 2026 at 07:30 where I was assisted by Akhona who was very rude. She called her manager Queen B who was also rude. So my wife wanted a cap for which Akhona kept on asking if she is sure and in a rude way while rolling her eyes as if we do not know what we want. When I ordered I asked for a dirty latte and explained how I want it for which she rolled her eyes and later said “oh you mean a dirty chai”, I then asked for it to be hot for which he rep**** “all our coffees are hot, you mean extra hot” for which I told her that “if there was a school of stupidity she would have graduated there” and asked the manager Queen B. Queen B got here and instead of asking what happened she stood with she just said “you can’t call us stupid” then my wife tried to explain for which the manager was not interested. I am very disappointed in their behavior.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Well your store at Harvest mall must rate as the worst coffee shop at Harvest mall. I waited 10 minutes and eventually walked out and the funny thing is there was only 1 person in front of me. If you want good latte at a cheaper price with excellent service rather go to George's bakery in the mall.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
Well your store at Harvest mall must rate as the worst coffee shop at Harvest mall. I waited 10 minutes and eventually walked out and the funny thing is there was only 1 person in front of me. If you want good latte at a cheaper price with excellent service rather go to George's bakery in the mall.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
What a bad experience at STARBUCKS FLORIDA ROAD IN DURBAN. On Saturday 28/02/2026, I was there with my daughter and we ordered treats to the value of R199. When we tried to pay my daughter's card declined. I then asked them if I could pay using the Capitec scan to pay method, which they agreed I could. I scanned the barcode and an amount of R199 went off my account but STARBUCKS said it didn't go through on their side so they couldn't give us the order. They insisted the 199 would be reversed into my account that day and advised if I still wanted the order, I should make alternative payment arrangements. I then decided to transfer money into my daughter's card and she was able to pay for the order. Starbucks took my contact details and advised that they would call me to arrange for a refund if the Money was not reversed into my Capitec account. I didn't get any call until I decided to call them yesterday 02/03/2026. A lady Minenhle asked for my bank statement which I sent through but up until now I have not received any feedback from the Starbucks team. Are they trying to ***** my money or is it intentional disregard of customer queries at Starbucks? Now my calls are not being answered, is this how Starbucks customer service is? Is this not an internationally recognized brand that Florida branch is *****ing? WHAT AN Awful SERVICE, I GUESS THE REASON THEY Don't TAKE CASH IS SO THEY CAN BULLY YOU FOR TRANSACTIONS SUCH AS MINE
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
What a bad experience at STARBUCKS FLORIDA ROAD IN DURBAN. On Saturday 28/02/2026, I was there with my daughter and we ordered treats to the value of R199. When we tried to pay my daughter's card declined. I then asked them if I could pay using the Capitec scan to pay method, which they agreed I could. I scanned the barcode and an amount of R199 went off my account but STARBUCKS said it didn't go through on their side so they couldn't give us the order. They insisted the 199 would be reversed into my account that day and advised if I still wanted the order, I should make alternative payment arrangements. I then decided to transfer money into my daughter's card and she was able to pay for the order. Starbucks took my contact details and advised that they would call me to arrange for a refund if the Money was not reversed into my Capitec account. I didn't get any call until I decided to call them yesterday 02/03/2026. A lady Minenhle asked for my bank statement which I sent through but up until now I have not received any feedback from the Starbucks team. Are they trying to ***** my money or is it intentional disregard of customer queries at Starbucks? Now my calls are not being answered, is this how Starbucks customer service is? Is this not an internationally recognized brand that Florida branch is *****ing? WHAT AN Awful SERVICE, I GUESS THE REASON THEY Don't TAKE CASH IS SO THEY CAN BULLY YOU FOR TRANSACTIONS SUCH AS MINE
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am utterly disappointed in the Starbucks at Melrose Arch. This is the third time where I come to buy an Iced Pistachio Matcha Latte and they have no pistachio. Prior to that they had no Almond milk. I work in the Precinct and this inconvenience is damning!! The employees just say it so casually that they out of stock of the ingredients like it is something light. I love Starbucks but the previous encounters have been disappointment after disappointment.
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
I am utterly disappointed in the Starbucks at Melrose Arch. This is the third time where I come to buy an Iced Pistachio Matcha Latte and they have no pistachio. Prior to that they had no Almond milk. I work in the Precinct and this inconvenience is damning!! The employees just say it so casually that they out of stock of the ingredients like it is something light. I love Starbucks but the previous encounters have been disappointment after disappointment.
Based on recent customer reviews, Starbucks Coffee Company in South Africa is receiving mixed feedback that leans heavily negative across multiple branches. Customers consistently mention rude or dismissive staff attitudes, slow service, long queues, and frequent stock shortages of signature ingredients. A recurring theme involves payment and refund disputes, malfunctioning machines, and unresolved app or rewards issues. On the positive side, patrons highlight friendly baristas at certain locations, well-made coffee, clean stores, and occasional moments of memorable, personalised service that reflect the brand at its best.
Starbucks Coffee Company has a TrustIndex of 3 out of 10 on Hellopeter, based on 29 reviews in the last 12 months. Hellopeter has tracked Starbucks Coffee Company across 179 total reviews. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →