Starbucks

Written Sunday 5÷10÷2015 — last day that this location will be open. Served a vibrant community of coffee lovers — something that the cost/​benefit analysis that is motivating the closure will never be able to appreciate.

The Powers that Be decided that they needed to rape the Earth for more money, so now my most Favorite-​est Starbucks on the PLANET is open for one last day. The vicious Money Grubbing Bastards couldn’t even wait one more day to put the For Lease Sign out front.,.so if you are one of those MGB, stop reading right now because there is no hope that you will understand even one word of what I am about to write.
This was home. Work requires me to spend more time away from 757 than in it, but every time back home, no matter how brief, involved a quick stop at Shore Drive Starbucks. A cup of coffee, a smile, a question of where I was and where I will be next. It was the virtual light that was always burning on the Front Porch, lighting my way back home and promising to be there for the next visit.
Although that light has now been extinguished, the memories can never be dowsed. When I say that this is home, it occurs to me that there is no adequate way for me to fully explain the depth of that statement. I watched Michelle become Michael here. I watched Raf go from a Kid with Swagger to a Young Man with a Plan. I watched Greg go from a guy that poured drinks to a man that figured out what he wanted and then went out and did that. Chris and I, we were the Mother Hens, worried about the chicks around the coop but knowing that they had to spread wings and fly to reach the next mountain top. But we both knew, the next trip home, I’d be there to compare notes, to exchange tails of adventure, to commiserate over caffeine.
I grew up here. Most of the major decisions in the last decade or two involved deep contemplation on the porch, sometimes in solitude, sometimes in the company of those that cared, those that mattered. James R wants to meet at Starbucks? There must be something on his mind. Those that know me best know that there was never an invitation required, just show up, I’ll most certainly be there.
But now that is gone. The Greed that is has reached its bare hand down my throat to rip out my heart and throw it lifelessly on the floor. Will the sun come up tomorrow? Yep, it will. Will I still be breathing and walking upright? Probably. But will it be as much fun? Not a chance.
A building can be replaced, Gawd knows that there are more than enough Starbucks around. But a home? That is another story.
I’ll miss you, my friend.
I’ll keep the porch light on.

Medium sized starbucks with a lot of tables inside and several tables outside on a «deck». It’s nice being close to the water — you can see it from the store. Parking is a challenge in a narrow lot. Plenty of power outlets and the wifi worked well.
My single espresso was excellent. I was asked if I wanted it for here or to go and so it was delivered in a proper ceramic cup on a saucer. Well done, *$.

This is my favorite Starbucks in the Virginia Beach area. I do wish it had a drive-​thru though. I love all the staff working here. The outdoor patio is nice and is a fun view. You do have to give yourself a few extra minutes for parking during busy times. Don’t come to this location if you are in a big hurry. Go to N Great Neck location and use the drive-​thru! But, when you have the time to relax and enjoy your coffee and treat, this is the place to go.

Walked here with my friend– a 20min walk. Surprised to see such a nice huge outdoor deck. Spacious interior. Noticed a drop in prices of some baked items, otherwise all the average high SB prices as in San Francisco. Ordered a slice of banana walnut bread and in SF they would heat it up automatically; here they stuck it in a bag and gave it COLD to me though they DID heat up my friend’s baked treat. Strange… we were waiting for the drinks and while I got my apple chai quickly, we had to wait an additional few minutes as they forgot her order. That shouldn’t happen as she’s a regular and it wasn’t busy. A big table by the door leading to the very nice deck had a chessboard set that was waiting for some players; how cool is dat?

This is my favorite local Starbucks. The staff is always chipper and they make my drink up all fancy with extra whipped cream and toppings. I love grabbing a newspaper and catching the beach breeze out on the big deck. The only thing that breaks my heart when I go in now is that there is no more mocha coconut frappuccino… they certainly would get a lot more money out of me if they would bring back this lovely whipped bit of heaven. And, yes, for the days I am just feeling like straight up coffee, they have got me covered there too… bold and full of flavor.