As someone who has worked as a barista for several years, I have seen my fair share of interesting customers and orders. Working in both drive-thru coffee chains and small local cafes, I have experienced the hustle and bustle of a busy coffee shop during peak hours. People take their coffee very seriously, especially during busy seasons like the holidays, which can lead to some rather unhinged interactions. If you want to avoid being the customer we talk about during our breaks, here are a few things you should steer clear of doing at a busy coffee shop.
One of the worst things you can do at a busy coffee shop is requesting your favorite barista to make your drink. Each barista has their own station, whether it be handling the register, working on hot and iced coffee, or preparing blended drinks. During a rush, it is crucial to stay at your designated station to ensure a smooth flow of operations. Insisting that your favorite barista make your drink can disrupt this flow and cause unnecessary delays. Rest assured, all baristas are trained to make drinks the same way, so there is no need to disrupt the system just to have your favorite barista prepare your drink.
Another faux pas to avoid is assuming that your barista knows your name and order. While baristas love their regular customers and may even have your order memorized, it is important not to assume that every barista will immediately recognize you. If there is a new face behind the bar, it is best to simply order your drink according to the menu rather than expecting them to know your name and order off the bat. This saves both you and the barista time and prevents any potential embarrassment.
Additionally, ordering TikTok drinks with numerous alterations can be a headache for baristas, especially during a busy rush. While TikTok has popularized unique coffee creations, ordering complicated custom drinks with multiple modifications can significantly slow down the drink-making process. It is important to be mindful of the time and effort required to prepare these elaborate drinks, especially when the shop is busy. Patience is key during peak hours, and understanding that some things, like the length of the line, are beyond the barista’s control can make the experience smoother for everyone involved.
In conclusion, being considerate and mindful of the busy environment in a coffee shop can make a significant difference in the efficiency of service. Avoiding these common pitfalls, such as requesting a specific barista, assuming familiarity, and ordering complex TikTok drinks, can help streamline the ordering process and ensure a pleasant experience for both customers and baristas. Remember, a little patience and courtesy go a long way in making the coffee shop experience enjoyable for everyone.
