I was driving north on I5 today, having picked up my old 1993 car from a mechanic pretty far south of Seattle. I pulled off the freeway at exit 142, which is Federal Way, a city south of Seattle. I knew there is a Del Taco location right off that exit, and I planned a visit there for my new MelodyEats.com blog. (Please “like” my new blog!)
My phone was nearly dead. (And there were not outlets at Del Taco). I realized that there was a Starbucks nearby, so I drove there, ordered a Refresher, and sat there to charge up the phone. I got a survey receipt at the register – thank you Alisa and Julie who helped me! Both were friendly!
I sat there way too long, as my phone seems to charge very slowly. I think something might be wrong with it. Time for a new phone already! Grrrr.
While I was there, I noticed a wall sign that I thought was so cool! I really want to point it out, and it is the reason for this blog post. I like evocative words. Starbucks used to do a lot of that kind of thing. This one is awesome. Here’s what the sign says:
Vacation days, fall leaves,
playing hooky,
the first page of a book,
writing about it,
a moment alone,
a moment with friends.
A cup, a sip, a sigh,
“Does it taste like berries?
Does it taste like Chocolate?
Does it taste like wood?
Does it taste like cinnamon?”
She questioned.
“It tastes like home,” he replies?
What do you do when you are here?
Linger, Sip,
daydream,
talk, meet, sit,
think, work,
be.
And, after being mad at myself for wasting too long trying to charge my phone, I decided to go. (I was really impatient with my phone.) I finished my Cool Lime Refresher, and then asked for an iced Passion Tea as a refill. Dylan was at the register. I know that the refill policy does confuse some baristas now and then. Dylan didn’t blink an eye. I was almost a little surprised, and so I questioned him about how well he knew the refill policy, and with a voice of confidence he replied, “Oh I know the refill policy.” I will take him at his word!
This Starbucks is located at 1404 South 348th Street, M101, Federal Way, Washington. (253) 927 0593.
Hope you enjoyed this very short and random store visit!
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This is a very nice post, Melody. I loved when Starbucks had the thoughtful quotes on the cups and hope they bring that back someday. Starbucks is like “home” sometimes. We drove from Indiana to Disneyworld earlier this summer and thanks to the store locator, knew where we’d find a place to stop for refreshment along the way. That’s such a good feeling to be in a strange location and see the Starbucks sign! Might sound a little corny but to me it’s just a place to stop for some familiarity.
@BeckyE – Agreed. And Starbucks has felt like “home” to me now and then!
Melody so nice to read this post. I wish too there were more posters like this at SB. Makes you feel welcomed. Too many stores have lost their charm. Do you know the history behind this poster?
@Purple1 – This store represents an older design style – I would guess from the early 2000s. This same post/words are in other Starbucks (not near me, but on facebook a number of people mentioned that they had seen this same “It Tastes Like Home” picture in their Starbucks.). I agree, it makes you feel welcomed. I would disagree that too many stores have lost their charm. Styles are definitely changing. Every store is unique. Some of the new stores are amazing. In Seattle, I love the Belltown licensed store, and the Terry and Republican Starbucks:
http://www.starbucksmelody.com/2013/03/05/seattles-belltown-starbucks/
http://www.starbucksmelody.com/2012/08/19/terry-and-republican-starbucks-the-photos/
Yes, I admit there’s some feeling of nostalgia in my post.
I really like that wall art and find myself doing just what the quote says when I visit Starbucks: linger, sip, daydream, talk, meet, sit, think, work, be. Thanks for sharing!