WHY YOU SHOULD BE NICE TO YOUR BARISTA
1) We hold the caffeine power
We’ve all had mornings where we just could not get up and running. And, in moderation, an invigorating cup of coffee or tea is a perfect solution. However, if you have the audacity to bad-mouth the barista who woke up at 3:30 a.m. so you could have fresh coffee before work or class, you just might be getting decaf.
2) We endured rigorous training
It’s a long road to obtain the coveted Barista Certification Pin. Full of the cheesiest videos with the most unrealistically friendly customers and picture matching quizzes to drill cup sizes and syrup doses into your brain. But even when the bookwork training is over, there’s still hours of training on the floor. From tasting burnt espresso shots to motivate you to NEVER serve them as such, to washing away pitchers and pitchers of poorly steamed milk, learning to whisk queues of drinks out to under-caffeinated customers is a journey one never forgets.
3) We remember you
That’s right. Through the hordes of customers in the lobby or drive thru, the really awful ones stand out. We leave every shift with at least one story of a particularly difficult customer. Whether the foam on their cappuccino was never quite right or you know, they definitely remember the price being considerably less than what you’re charged them, be sure we’ll remember.
4) We remember you
There is a flipside! Through the veil of mocha, sweat, and tears, the truly kind customers stand out too. There’s nothing better than a regular, or even a new customer showing that they care about you. Working in the service industry is hard and it’s easy to be looked over as “lesser.” But trust me, it means just as much when you remember our names as it does when we remember yours. The customer-barista relationship is a special thing and it’s one that makes me proud to wear the green apron.
A COUPLE OF TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR EXPERIENCE
1) Sip outside your comfort zone
If your order has been an extra hot skinny caramel latte for two years, change it up a bit. Try your favorite drink iced! Give ristretto shots a try! They’re a sweeter, smoother version of the Starbucks espresso blend and can add a great flavor! Experiment with the different syrups your barista has to offer. Never be afraid to try something new because if it doesn’t strike your fancy, you can always have it remade.
2) Invest in a reusable cup or mug
Whether it’s a Starbucks brand travel-mug or your own favorite cup, it’s a great way to save ten cents on every drink as well as help the environment. It may not seem like much but if you’re a cup-a-day girl, then the dimes and saved paper waste add up quickly.
Now go forth and conquer the world, after giving Liza a $1 tip and sipping that Chai with respect.