I work for a new, up and coming coffee shop called Biggby Coffee and I freaking love it! I have worked for this company for over two years and it has been the best two years of my life.
Biggby Coffee originated in East Lansing, Michigan in March of 1995. That's twenty-two whole years!! The CEO Robert Fish (BOB) started store one and once he began to branch out and start store two he teamed up with Michael McFall (MIKE). Bob and Mike are still actively involved in operations and even often meet employees from all of the stores.
There are currently about 260 stores in the franchise. They are located in Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.
There are hundreds of drinks to try and I believe I have tried a majority of them at least once. My favorite? A buttercup which is caramel, butterscotch, and hazelnut. Yum. There are tons of flavors to choose from, like literally too many. Many customers even create their own drinks. It's fun and delicious!
So why am I in love with my job?
The owners of my particular store are the nicest people there are. They are super supportive of the hopes and dreams of their employees. They truly understand that many of us won't be working here forever but make the most of having us apart of the team.
The home office team are the most excited and happiest people you would ever meet. They are in charge of helping stores out (old and new), helping us promote, and also come up with new and exciting food and drinks (Like cookies and cream latte!) The home office staff makes you even more excited about your job and they are very inspiring.
Being a barista is hard work. There are so many drinks to memorize and after memorizing drinks, you memorize customer's orders. I'm working my brain all the time at work. There is also a bit of math involved which really keeps us on our toes.
I can absolutely say I love our customers. They are super kind and caring about us. They are almost like family. We get to know them and their families and they get to know all about us. They care when we’re sick and are excited when good things happen for us. I love them almost as much as I love my coworkers. They are like family. Between coworkers and customers, there are tons of people that care for you and love you. You feel safe and it’s one of the best feelings ever.
I have pretty bad social anxiety and being with this company has taught me how to not be so anxious around people. I used to be very shy when I first started, now you can’t get me to shut up. I have developed amazing social skills being here which is something I will be able to take with me anywhere in the future.
Working for Biggby Coffee was the best decision I have made in my 21 years of life. If there is one near you or opening up near you, I recommend you apply. It will change your life.
