My family and I have completed a venture very few people are able to accomplish: we opened a cafe. Through the process I was able to get a glimpse at all walks of life. We have had everyone walk through those doors, from a CEO, to well known MTV celebrities.
For the most part, everyday was seemingly normal, albeit hectic. However, there are a few gems that I will always cherish.
I thought I would share the funny, strange, and interesting ones, as I'm sure anyone working in food service can relate! So, here are 10 things I learned from working in, and owning, a cafe!
1. You will wake up to coffee. Every. Morning.
via">http://giphy.com/gifs/twin-peaks-coffee-dale-coope... GIPHY
Who says too much of something is a bad thing? With coffee, this person looks downright stupid. You will come to love the job of grinding and brewing the coffee beans (plus, who can forget the free tastings).
2. Don't mix friends and work.
via">http://giphy.com/gifs/chelseashow-chelsea-l46C9NXA... GIPHY
Just. Don't. Do. It. (Spoiler Alert: It doesn't end well)3. Get ready for some nasty reviews.
Because sometimes people are just having bad days, and usually the coffee with less cream than normal was the only culprit.
4. Get ready for talk therapy sessions.
For some people, the best therapy happens over fresh coffee and friends. Where else can you find a room full of people who will listen to you? A cafe is the best place to find both
5. Your coworkers will be your closest family.
via">http://giphy.com/gifs/cravetvcanada-cravetv-30rock... GIPHY
You'll probably be spending more time with them too. Trust me, you will have more inside jokes and know more about each other than most people.6. You will meet some mean people.
via">http://giphy.com/gifs/IXJPhwpMsxsQ0">via GIPHY
Honestly, just let everything go. 99% of the time, you couldn't have done anything to change or cause their attitude. You are working with all walks of life, and you are bound to come across some people who are not incredibly pleasant.
7. You have to be nice to EVERYONE!
via">http://giphy.com/gifs/twilight-anna-kendrick-nice-... GIPHY
Yes, you must be nice to everyone. Yes, even to the aforementioned angry customers. And yes, you will feel extremely fake when you are having a bad day, but keep it up because people notice!8. People have different tastes.
via">http://giphy.com/gifs/pretty-little-liars-ashley-b... GIPHY
One lady will not like the soup, a man will the think the coffee is too light, and another person will think your baked goods are absolute crap. You can't please everyone, so just stick with what you know, food related or otherwise.
9. Get ready for corrections!
People will have something to say about EVERYTHING. Did you make a mistake and are hoping people won't notice? Don't worry, they will.
10. However, it is SO worth it!
via">http://giphy.com/gifs/dancing-josh-gad-gif-d00XhVJ... GIPHY
Owning a cafe, or any business, is not easy. There will be a lot of time spent away from home and away from your family. However, for every bad experience there are 10 excellent ones. There will be customers who become family, and memories of great times had by all. So, wherever you find yourself working, make the most of it and enjoy every second.
