Absolutely true. I’ve been trying for years to get back in and I finally did when I got an inside tip about an Sbux job fair. The manager that hired me happened to be my old ASM, we worked under the same manager. Turns out, my old manager didn’t flag me as not re-hirable but instead left comments that I had issues with time management, punctuality, and cash handling. None of which were true, except I may have occasionally been late. However my shifts ran tight and my cash was always on point. I think she used terms that would make other managers think “nah not taking a chance on this one.” Some managers are petty. And that was 10 years ago.. Sbux keeps that stuff on file forever apparently and you get no opportunity to refute it. I got lucky because my new manager knew how my old manager was. -__-
Best bet is to get to know a manager and a store in your area and become friends with them. Become a regular customer, chat them up regularly and then slide in and ask if they’re hiring. It’s unfortunate that previous managers have so much power on whether or not you get to come back.

Keep us posted!

When I quit, my manager was out on a leave, so I had a temporary manager. I doubt either one of them would have flagged me. I finished my two weeks. But there's something strange written on a form Starbucks emailed to me when I asked them for documentation of my separation. There are some negative remarks that I was surprised to see. I have no idea where they came from. I'll look them up later.

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