Even though every Starbucks is supposed to be identical, they all differ in one way or another. In some, the staff makes you feel like their new best friend while fixing your morning JOLT of wake-up! In others, the staff are just working folks, but the drinks themselves are to die for! WAY better than other Starbucks. In still others, you're in and out in 3 minutes flat - even if there were 5 people in line in front of you.
I cannot figure out what makes the Starbucks in Potomac special - other than its location. The drinks are well made, perhaps because they take so much time time making them. Since this Starbucks is in a "leisure area" instead of a busy mall, making the serving the drinks quickly is just not a priority. I have walked in with only one person ahead of me, and still waited 5 minutes for my latte. If there is an actual line of 4 or 5 folks, I just leave if I don't have a quarter hour to spare.
Last week, I placed my order, the barista took it, and then started a conversation with a man who had just walked in. The next thing I know, I'm looking for my coffee, and it isn't there! The barista isn't even there anymore! He was down at the end of the counter discussing something with that man. When one of the employees told him I was waiting, he looked at me and said "I'll be there in a minute". It was only when I said "I have to get to work" that another employee stepped in and made my drink. Disgraceful.
Bottom line - if you want a Starbucks and you're in Potomac, this is the only place to go. Just don't expect a quick trip in and out, because this store runs at its own leisure!
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