Many people know one or more people who work in the caffeine industry. It's a wonderful job that offers awesome benefits and fresh coffee for fast, world-class customer service. Working in fast food/casual dining is difficult because you see so many faces and experience so many things every day. You walk into your job never knowing what you will experience. Truth be told, the majority of customers are amazing. Then there's that small percentage that make you cringe.
Based off of that, here are 15 struggles every barista understands.
1. When someone asks you what coffee you think their mother, sister, neighbor, boyfriend, nanny, dog sitter, babysitter, or coworker would like.
The old: "I'm not sure if they even like coffee, what do you recommend?" This one is tough. The best you can do is point them in the direction of the lightest roast and hope for the best.
2. When a customer complains that you didn’t give them a sticker for their punch card.
There are more important things than your free beverage, ma'am.
3. When a customer yells at the barista because their phone app doesn’t work, didn’t have a balance, won’t upload, or isn’t loading their rewards.
Cell phones have more germs than a toilet seat, so don't be surprised if the barista doesn't want to touch yours. Also, I suggest the customer service hotline because tech support and serving coffee are not always a package deal.
4. When a customer requests that you ring each cake pop separately so that they can get all of their rewards.
Who came up with this "per transaction" deal?
5. When a customer asks you three times “Is this decaf?”
I don't believe baristas are that evil and would want to give you a heart palpitation but okay.
6. When you're running out of product, but have too many drinks to make.
A busy barista can sound close to an ER nurse: "I need mocha on the fly! And running out of milk, get it STAT. Hurry up and get it to me now."
7. When a customer requests a drink that isn’t on the menu and you have to concoct some type of $7 Harry Potter Potion to appease them. With a smile.
The customer is always right, and will always be right. So refrain from any passive aggressive comments.
8. Every time someone complains about spelling their name wrong.
I didn't know there were so many spellings for Brittney.
9. That twinge of panic when you see a bunch of high school cheerleaders walk in the door.
5 Caramel Frappes Please. Man the cold bar!
10. Every time someone orders a cold beverage while it's below 0 degrees and snowing...
How are you not turning into a Popsicle? Are you in the wrong season? I'm being fully judgmental of your lifestyle choices right now.
11. When someone won’t put down their phone to order their beverage and proceed to whisper it to you.
It won't take long, just say your order. Jane can wait to tell you about her divorce.
12. When you come into your shift and the store looks like something erupted and all your employees leave for a break.
Sure I can handle this by myself, no problem.
13. When everyone comes in the door 5 minutes until closing time.
I hate to be rude, but can you leave now? Baristas have to go home too.
14. When caffeine was just chugged one minute prior to a shift.
Quad shot in 20 seconds? Not a problem at all, I'm a professional at this sport. Then it hits you, the heart palpitations set in, and you can't blink for a solid hour. But I can mop the floors like a boss
15. When you have to rush to get everything done before your shift is over.
Mop floors, clean bathrooms and take out the trash in an hour? Let's do this team!
