Before starting my career with Allrecipes, I worked my fair share of odd jobs. I had my first job. Little Caesarsslinging pizzas, and I’ve also worked in retail. But my longest job was as a barista. I have worked in both. Drive-thru coffee chains and small local cafes, and, regardless of whether it’s a fast-paced drive-thru or a casual coffee shop, the interesting customers and orders never change.
People take their coffee very seriously. So, when you add these users during a busy rush or season — like the holidays — you might get some very unsolicited interactions. And, as a former barista, I’ve seen my fair share. If you don’t want to be one of those people we talk about during our breaks, here are some things you should do. Avoid working at a busy coffee shop..
Worst Things to Do at a Busy Coffee Shop
Requesting your favorite barista to make your drink
Whether it’s a coffee chain or a small cafe, every barista has their own station. Sure, you can move around and help out wherever needed, but, especially during rush hour, it’s important to stay at your station.
Typically, someone is manning the register while someone else is working the hot and iced coffee bar, and another barista is working on mixed drinks. Each has its place and makes for a well-oiled machine for delivering drinks to customers.
So if a customer walks in, especially during rush hour, and insists that their favorite barista make their drink, it creates a rift in that flow. I promise your favorite coffee enthusiast won’t do anything special when they make you. to drink. There’s no extra time taken or special ingredients used — we’re all trained to make the drinks the same way. If you want to say “hello” to your usual barista, that’s fine, but please don’t trash our drain.
Assume your barista knows your name and order.
Don’t get me wrong: baristas love our regulars and, sometimes, we have yours. Order coffee On the deck before walking in the door. However, if there’s a barista at the bar you don’t recognize, don’t just assume they’ll know you and your order right away. And please, don’t just say the order as your name, like “Can I have Karen?” It will save us both time and embarrassment if you just order your drink according to what’s on the menu.
Ordering TikTok Drinks
On a similar note, please don’t order one. Custom drinks With 1,000 changes when you see a lot of people in the store. TikTok has done great things to support local coffee shops and share delicious orders, but it’s also created a nightmare for us baristas with “secret menu” coffee drinks. Not only will it take longer to get your drink, but it makes things very difficult during rush hour.
Above all, please be patient while we deal with the coffee rush. We want to caffeinate you as badly as you do, but some things—like line size—are out of our control. However, if you want to make the line a little faster, try to avoid doing things that add unnecessary time to your order. Your barista—and the people behind you—will thank you.