SC
Starbucks Coffee Company
Claimed Business
SC
Starbucks Coffee Company
Claimed Business
27 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Starbucks Coffee Company faces significant criticism across its South African branches. Recurring complaints highlight rude or dismissive staff interactions, frequent out-of-stock ingredients, unresolved payment and refund issues, and slow service with long wait times. Several customers report feeling ignored or treated differently, raising inclusivity concerns. Food quality issues, including incorrect or poorly prepared orders, further erode trust. Positive experiences do exist, with some customers praising friendly baristas, clean stores, and well-made coffee, but these are far outweighed by negative feedback.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
0
Score
Ranking
#53
in Retail
NPS Score
-67
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
2.2|27 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(24%)
4(4%)
3(8%)
2(8%)
1(56%)
5(24%)
4(4%)
3(8%)
2(8%)
1(56%)
Frequently Asked Questions About Starbucks Coffee Company
Based on recent customer reviews, this business delivers a consistently strong customer experience anchored by outstanding agent quality and rapid communication. Customers frequently name individual consultants and praise their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Recurring praise is given to claims and roadside assistance, though a vocal minority report frustrating delays, rejected claims, and poor transparency around premium increases.
Hellopeter's TrustIndex is a 0–10 score based on review star ratings, reply speed, and recent activity over the last 12 months. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (27)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceJK
Jimmy K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
15 Mar 2026, 08:10
Rude manager and cashier at Bassonia
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.
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Jimmy K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
15 Mar 2026, 08:10
Rude manager and cashier at Bassonia
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.
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Shane
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
14 Mar 2026, 09:23
Worst service ever.
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.
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Shane
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
14 Mar 2026, 09:23
Worst service ever.
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.
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Mondli H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Mar 2026, 14:28
Starbucks POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
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
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Mondli H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Mar 2026, 14:28
Starbucks POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
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
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Nomalanga L
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 13:22
Out of Ingredients
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.
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Nomalanga L
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
25 Feb 2026, 13:22
Out of Ingredients
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.
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Kauthar R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Feb 2026, 15:43
Starbucks Muizenberg: Worst Customer Service Ever – Feels Discriminatory
My family and I visited the Starbucks branch at Muizenberg Beach on 5th February, and the experience was extremely disappointing. Upon entering, there was only one staff member mopping the floor. A family member who had never been to Starbucks before tried asking for a drink recommendation, saying “hello” multiple times, but was completely ignored. Instead, the staff member continued mopping and then spoke to a male customer in their own language, completely ignoring us. We also wanted to use the restroom before ordering, but the second staff member there refused to respond when we asked, only gesturing vaguely to a sign after multiple attempts. The service was appalling. It felt as though staff only acknowledged certain customers based on skin color, ignoring us entirely while welcoming others. Because of this, we left without ordering six drinks and instead went to the restaurant next door, Kauai, where we received proper service. This branch needs serious attention in customer service and inclusivity.
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Kauthar R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Feb 2026, 15:43
Starbucks Muizenberg: Worst Customer Service Ever – Feels Discriminatory
My family and I visited the Starbucks branch at Muizenberg Beach on 5th February, and the experience was extremely disappointing. Upon entering, there was only one staff member mopping the floor. A family member who had never been to Starbucks before tried asking for a drink recommendation, saying “hello” multiple times, but was completely ignored. Instead, the staff member continued mopping and then spoke to a male customer in their own language, completely ignoring us. We also wanted to use the restroom before ordering, but the second staff member there refused to respond when we asked, only gesturing vaguely to a sign after multiple attempts. The service was appalling. It felt as though staff only acknowledged certain customers based on skin color, ignoring us entirely while welcoming others. Because of this, we left without ordering six drinks and instead went to the restaurant next door, Kauai, where we received proper service. This branch needs serious attention in customer service and inclusivity.
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Lindiwe M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 Jan 2026, 11:38
No Macon in cheese sandwich though I paid wow
I visited your Centurion Mall store today at around 13:00 and ordered an iced pistachio latte along with a cheese and macon sandwich. While the latte was enjoyable, I was disappointed to find that the sandwich contained no macon at all only bread and cheese. I took an image I am disappointed I value Starbucks for its quality and consistency, which is why this experience stood out to me. I also want to mention that I am currently at the office and cannot drive back and forth to resolve this issue in person. I kindly ask that you consider an alternative solution, such as a voucher or store credit, to make up for the missing item. Thank you for taking the time to read my feedback. I trust that your team will look into this matter, and I look forward to continuing to enjoy Starbucks
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Lindiwe M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 Jan 2026, 11:38
No Macon in cheese sandwich though I paid wow
I visited your Centurion Mall store today at around 13:00 and ordered an iced pistachio latte along with a cheese and macon sandwich. While the latte was enjoyable, I was disappointed to find that the sandwich contained no macon at all only bread and cheese. I took an image I am disappointed I value Starbucks for its quality and consistency, which is why this experience stood out to me. I also want to mention that I am currently at the office and cannot drive back and forth to resolve this issue in person. I kindly ask that you consider an alternative solution, such as a voucher or store credit, to make up for the missing item. Thank you for taking the time to read my feedback. I trust that your team will look into this matter, and I look forward to continuing to enjoy Starbucks
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Replies (0)SD
SC
Siraaj C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Jan 2026, 15:12
Poor Customer Service
On Saturday morning, at approximately 9:00 AM, I visited the Starbucks location within Checkers Sandton City, shortly after its opening. I extended a polite greeting to the barista and inquired about the availability of an iced beverage. My greeting was not reciprocated, and I was informed, in what I perceived as a rude manner, that the ice machine was still in the process of producing ice. I then asked for an estimated time of readiness, and I was advised to continue my shopping and return later. Approximately ten minutes later, I returned to the store and inquired if the ice machine was operational. I received another curt response stating, "the machine has no ice." I was so taken aback by the quality of service that I chose not to respond further and left the premises. Consequently, I will not be making any future purchases from this particular Starbucks location. Alternatively, if the establishment is unable to provide full service at 9am, perhaps opening at 10am.
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Siraaj C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Jan 2026, 15:12
Poor Customer Service
On Saturday morning, at approximately 9:00 AM, I visited the Starbucks location within Checkers Sandton City, shortly after its opening. I extended a polite greeting to the barista and inquired about the availability of an iced beverage. My greeting was not reciprocated, and I was informed, in what I perceived as a rude manner, that the ice machine was still in the process of producing ice. I then asked for an estimated time of readiness, and I was advised to continue my shopping and return later. Approximately ten minutes later, I returned to the store and inquired if the ice machine was operational. I received another curt response stating, "the machine has no ice." I was so taken aback by the quality of service that I chose not to respond further and left the premises. Consequently, I will not be making any future purchases from this particular Starbucks location. Alternatively, if the establishment is unable to provide full service at 9am, perhaps opening at 10am.
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