The LiveJournal Barista's Community

goshy gosh label-less!

2008-07-27T03:00:59Z

Last night our store ran out of labels [drive-thru store]. I was panicky about that only because I had not memorised the drink/modifier codes since our SM decided it's not important. Oo Anywho...I jotted most of the codes down on a few index cards for reference. Call me a dork, but I thought it was....fun...calling out drinks and writing codes on the cups. ^_^ This will be ongoing for about a week.

One thing bugs me a bit...no one really knows the codes. Some are self explanatory. I heard one of my shifts used to turn the label dispenser off to keep workers from forgetting the codes, which I thought was *awesome* but this is before I worked there. The SM told him he wasn't allowed to do that anymore because someone complained. Frankly, I think turning the dispenser off a 2-4 times a month is beneficial. Not every worker will take the initiative to memorise the codes. And these machines, they will break at some point.

Do you think there is some way to persuade my SM to turn it off on certain days?

And all we could do was stare.

2008-07-27T02:40:25Z

On DT the other day we had a woman come through, a regular, who always orders a venti frap. We started converstation and she proceeded to tell us about her diet and how she had lost 30 lb drinking venti fraps. See, she drinks the frap for breakfast, then nothing but water for the rest of the day, then eats fruits and veggies on the weekend. No food. Just a venti frap all day. She want's to be starbucks spokesperson like Jerry is for Subway. DTR couldn't even figure out how to respond to that.

Holy shit...

2008-07-27T00:48:37Z

Someone is selling their partner card on eBay? Please tell me they got fired before!

http://cgi.ebay.com/STARBUCKS-PARTNER-CARD-COFFEE-GIFT-LOGO_W0QQitemZ180267978842QQihZ008QQcategoryZ10795QQcmdZViewItem

baristas @ 2008-07-26T20:13:00

2008-07-27T00:24:54Z

Finally, a place to talk about all the sbux adventures of my life.

You guys are amazing. Rock on.

This woman comes in the other day and orders a grande 6 pump sugarfree vanilla heavy whipping cream 180 degree latte.

Okay, I'm a fairly clumsy person, and I get a great deal of drinks wrong and I just dump it and redo it usually before I put it out. Which is fine, a waste of ingredients, but I just fail at life. And I agree that the first time I made the drink I accidentally made it breve (who the fuck needs that much fat in their milk anyway? 2% all the way!), but this woman, good god. She makes me make her drink 6 times after that, without letting me make the minor change ("Its too hot, remake it" "My husband decided that this wasn't heavy whipping cream, remake it" "He says its too sweet, so you used normal vanilla [I didn't] remake it" "There aren't enough pumps of sugar free vanilla in here, no you can't just put a couple more on top, remake it" "too much foam, remake it")

I'm pretty sure she had to have been just messing with me or something...I knew I made the drink the way she asked, so by the third time I just started making it the same way to see what she'd say. It was infuriating though, I was the only one on bar and there was a line that I couldn't deal with merely because of this woman and her outrageously insignificant problems. Sure enough, with the same drink she managed to find something new wrong with it every time, and I was so ready to just throw the 180 degree milk in her stupid face.

Not like her or her husband needed the heavy whipping cream anyway, as far as I'm concerned they were fat enough without it.

Across the Board? Doesn't make sense.

2008-07-26T23:23:13Z

We are suppose to be a friendly group of people. Customer service our number one goal, and looking at the very front of our green apron book, one of the first things mentioned is "Why we are here: To provide an uplifting experience that enriches peoples lives.". Following that Be Welcoming states "Ensure your customer is your number one priority", "Anticipate and respond to your customers needs".

Yes, I agree, certain company standards need to be followed to create an even experience. Drink standards, customer service standards. Yes, even dress code standards (since my post last night I have removed my nail polish because even though it is not enforced here, it is dress code). One thing that should always be followed is our pubic relations standards.

Creating "enthusiastically satisfied customers" is something that our company prides itself on. And yes, there are changes occurring in the company. However, I whole heartily do not believe that this is something Howard Schultz is planning on changing around.

This country is HUGE, it's people very diverse.  We all come from different areas, with different cultures and values.  Stores should do what is right for their area depending on the demand and culture surrounding it.  Sweet tea does not make sense in a store in the north where is does not already exsist in abundance.  However, the south can sell it well because it's aready something ingrained in their society. Decaf frap base would not be popular in a college town where everyone is coming to us for a caffeine fix. It does however, make sense in an area where the customer base is highly consistent of elderly whom do not/may not be able to have caffine.

We have to be able to look past some company standards that would create a good percentage of unsatisfied customers and do what is right for our stores.  Your store no longer carries the decaf frap base because it only sells maybe one a day, and creates waste, so you discontinue it. The store across town next to the hospital still serves it due to the high volume of requests for decaf. There is no reason that we can not still be friendly and offer the creame base with the shots just because that one person gets riled up. If they are especially upset alert them to the fact that the hospital store still sells it. Next time they will know to go there. I know we want our personal stores to do their best, but we are all come from the same company.

If you explain it, and a customer is still irrate about something so little, and can not listen to a rational explanation, than all you can do is be cheerful and try to satisfy them as best as you can. Because if something that little sets them off, than there is something more major in their lives than that. Maybe they caught their husband cheating the night before. Maybe they are just disagreeable people by nature. You never know what is walking through that door. What is clinging to that persons heart.

It is our job to try to make them forget. I know how frustrating this can be (trust me I've had my share of people I wanted to hit instead of smile at). To give them a place to get away from all the other crap in their lives. To provide an enviroment where they are comfortable and can relax. It may be hard at times. But seriously we work at a place where we can set the tone and uplift the rest of a persons day. How cool is that? Yes, we can make a mean cup of coffee. And yes, to some customers that is all we are. A place to get their morning coffee on the way to work. But that isn't what made us big. It is one of our cores, but not the only.

Starbucks prides themselves on not being like other corporations. And although they have to make a profit, and are a buisness (money is important after all), they take better care of us then most companies. Not once have I felt like a number to them.

So lets stop being mean to each other. Lets offer support and understanding. Someones posts something that you do not agree with, you don't need to jump down their troats. You don't need to be abrasive. Barista's should feel comfortable posting on here. So lets all act with decorum and treat each other with the respect and dignity that we deserve. We don't all need to post the same response over and over. We don't need to tell people off and become harsh because we feel they are wrong.

We may not all agree. After all, we all come from different places, different stores. Different cultures and values. We need to be understanding of each other and our differences within the company. We need to be aware of what we respond and how we post it, and be supportive of each other. Let each other vent with out repercussions. So please, lets be nice to each other.

(Ps. My LJ cut is not showing up in preview, so I apologize if if didn't work.)

Mornings.

2008-07-26T23:03:58Z

Ventingomgomg

I had a shift switch for today; a rare occasion. I had ample and justified reason; and was granted this via my SM (rocks the balls off everyone btw.). I come in at 730; and for a saturday morning I was rather shocked. It looked like a bomb went off in the place. @_@. Lobby was in a disarray, carafes and sugars empty, crumbs from the opener's pastry set up in and around the RTD-E case.. Lord.

I go behind the counter; and theres trash and spills galore, expired coffee; and the bar barista(We'll call them.. O.) has crusty milk pitchers and in general chaos. (more on this later.)

..go in the back, wondering at my sanity, and see the order is put away, its boxes neatly stacked. Well; good.

I clock in and start; to my quiet fuming irritation, but dutiful diligence, to straighten up the lobby; the trash cans, the patio, the CBS and Warming Station. I dodge streaming blather from the resident loon, and am finally asked to take over bar. I admit, I have a gripe with this barista who was on bar before I took over. Working as I am on minding my frustrations and mood swings (really I am.) I found it a challenge. I gently remind this partner to mind his milk temps; rinse his pitchers if no-one else will. Really, clean your spills, and for fucks fucking shit sake; rinse your shot glasses. That shit had crusted espresso all over it. That was embarassing.

"We were in a rush maaaan"
"No- really, it takes a few secs to push rinse."
"No; see.. you just gotta come in here making complaints.."
"Please stop contradicting me; you made a mess; clean as you go."
He ambled off to attend to his drive postion.

As it stands; I was on bar for most of the day. Frappucinos in DROVES, vivannos and sorbettos (yay!). O decides to point a finger at the slightest thing I do that might be a wrong. Why? he says its cause I "ride his ass hard" so feels it's necessary to return the favor constantly. Really, I remind you of things because you either dont do them at all, or do them badly. Its called coaching; Im hear to help you, not piss on you. I get alot of passive-aggressive CRAP in return for my stretched thin paitence; and finally spoke to a shift about it. Its frustrating! I already remind you gently to stay _AT_YOUR_WINDOW_PLEASE_!_!, to please, do not use that tone of voice when asking me to do something for you. You are possed of two hands and legs, use them before I slap you with them.

I continued on with my barring bonanza, and am attacked with a camera by the resident loon; really lady, im working. I cant stop, pose and indulge you in your need to pester with babble. Stop using my name in a manner that means you're an intimate friend. You're not, go away. You are not a barista, so stop inserting yourself in our work based conversations.
Augh.

Bless her heart, Shift Y is a sweety; and generously had me stay over till 2pm since we desperatly needed to get things cleaned, stocked, cleaned more and set in order. She's so supportive and encouraging.. reasons I liek this store.. One feels that what she does; is not all for nothing. We have alot of fun here; very little drama.

On a side note; partner BBQ-Movie nights are the win.

I open tommorow. I love mornings.

Stoppers/Splashers...whatever they're called.

2008-07-26T20:42:08Z

We used to have those green stoppers, but they've all been used up since I was last working. So this morning, I'm opener I have this man waiting for me to make his latte, and as I hand his tray of drinks out to him he asks "Put those stoppers in"

No please, no nothing...I say to him "I'm sorry we've just ran out", I got the most dirtest look EVER. It happened to me like three times today. I know this is probably miniscule in the whole scheme of things, but it's like we're expected to put it on every drink.

On another note...anyone get those new tin water bottles?? They're amazing!!

I think I should nap now I opened today and have been up since 4am.

not so much a nourishing blend anymore, more of a fattening blend, really....

2008-07-26T20:27:37Z

my new fave (just don't drink too fast or you'll be SO full):

BCB except not really... 1/2 pump mocha, 1/2 pump white mocha, 1 pump caramel, 1 pump toffee nut...with soy, biggest banana you've got in that box... :) they're amazing. maybe kind of sweet, but it's a nice little pick me up every once in a while.

i actually had something to ask in this post...but now it's left my mind, probably because i'm jonesing for one of those now. :(

Slippery Sentiments:

2008-07-26T20:23:18Z

SM said that he wants me to start making samples of other blended beverages with a banana in them. Hey, if we add another banana in to other drinks, that’s a bonus $0.90 we’ll be raking in. Hot stuff. And I know I’m eagerly awaiting the persnickety customer that actually only wants 2/3's if a banana in her drink - the rest sliced and sprinkled on top of the whip cream. Aren’t you?

I mean, just because the sight and smell of one this particular fruit makes me nauseous, that doesn’t mean I should be in poor spirits. Bananas are what this company was founded on. It’s been our cash crop from day one. What kind of fool would I be going to work for Starbucks and not expecting to handle bananas? I mean, what’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Starbucks?

Bananas! Amirite? I rest my case.

I love how we’re providing a healthy alternative to our customers as opposed to our regular line of products. Lord knows that our customers’ health is a great concern of mine. Seriously, I stay awake at night and worry about the dietary habits of my customers. Whenever our obese customers ask for extra whip cream and caramel sauce, I used to immediately suggest they try our light or sugar-free substitutes. Now I offer a Vivano. It’s because I care so much.

While my passion for coffee may have been what brought me to the company, I think my passion for bananas should be just as strong if not surpass it. Even if I don’t have a passion for bananas and they make me gag. When Howard said we were going to be getting back to our roots as a company, he wasn’t kidding.

We’re back. To bananas! And I am bananas for bananas! YAY!

baristas @ 2008-07-26T13:39:00

2008-07-26T17:47:22Z

Okay guitarstrings posted yesterday about the pancake recipe (matcha+TN) and they said breve but that is a bit much for me so I tried it today with soy and it was PANCAKES! It makes me almost wish we had maple back if just for a moment to see if we could complete the concoction :D

My co-worker and I attempted chocolate chip pancakes by doing a tall creme base frap with two scoops of matcha, chocolate chips and 1pTN. It is decent, though not as pancake-y as the latte, though if you add another pump of TN it is REALLY good, more like cereal. What if we still had blueberry? Ah!

I want to play around more with matcha, who knew it had so much potential?

Quick question...

2008-07-26T17:05:18Z

Do any of you become designated "COFFEE MAKER" at family gatherings, parties, etc, just because you work at Starbucks?

Like, people think that because you work at the 'bux that you know better than anyone how to make brewed coffee?

Screw spell check and IT~!

2008-07-26T16:07:40Z

I love my job. I love the work I do. I love the regulars, espacially the home schooled teen who gets the same thing everytime and makes us laugh by saying "Ca-ca-ca-caramel Ma-ma-ma-maciato(sp? lol)" in a sing song voice. But I can't take IT anymore.

What is IT? In my previous posts, I mention a partner named "A"(if you want a link let me know.) She is the most whiney, selfish and horrible co-worker I have EEEEEEEEEEEVEEEEEEEER had. The worse thing is she is the Manager's daughter....fuck.

Yesterday she told EVERYONE, even customers, about how bad her period was that day. The customers seemed a bit, no very grossed out. Then during a rush she yells at me only to ask if I'm ok after it's over.

There is no escaping her...Partner "B" is gone for 3 days to visit with her family...guess who I'm stuck closing with? IT!

I go home and pray that she'll be gifted with another job and leave. Just please God, make IT go away.

If I have to hear her tell a customer about home her tampon is making her itch...I'm going to crawl into the ice chest and freeze myself until she leaves.

Comments? PS! MY ICON SUMS THIS UP WELL!!

Dearest Starbucks....

2008-07-26T14:18:47Z

I don't say this often enough, but thank you. From the bottom of my cold, black little heart. Thank you for the Verismo. I'm house sitting for someone that has an espresso machine in their kitchen. As I was attempting the tamping of the espresso, all I could think was, "If I had to do this during a rush, I'd kill myself." You get a lot of heat for the push button approach, but I've never appreciated it more.

New found love,
Your barista

baristas @ 2008-07-26T09:08:00

2008-07-26T13:16:33Z

A customer and one of my co-workers were debating this the other night: the difference between a red-eye and a black-eye?

I haven't heard of either of these terms before the customer brought it up.

I completely forgot

2008-07-26T09:35:26Z

Yesterday we served a Canadian girl, she wanted something we'd never heard of so we politely explained we didn't think we carried it in the UK stores (I can't remember for the life of me what it was now). She asked for, what I'd thought was a Strawberry And Cream Frapp, which I made and gave to her at the end. She looked at it, looked at me and then looked back at the drink before saying she didn't know what this was. I said it was a strawberry&cream frapp and she said something about lemonade? I apologised and told her we don't carry that either and got her a refund.

Is it too much to ask that people flick their eyes over the menu before ordering when they're in on holiday in another country? We're a lot smaller over here.
It's becoming apparent to me as I watch posts on here that you must carry like... triple the amount of drinks that we do! I've never heard of half these drinks. I feel very uneducated ha ha.

baristas @ 2008-07-26T04:21:00

2008-07-26T08:32:20Z

Scenario: I'm transferring from my home store to another store in another state at the end of this month/beginning of August. I was in touch with store A and they were great and the SM seemed very enthusiastic about having me there. She's been in touch with my ASM (my SM has been away) and left me a voicemail today talking about how she wanted to start getting me on the schedule.

However, over the last couple of days some huge changes have come up, namely that my roommate in the new state revealed that she'd made a big error in scouting stores for me that would be on public transportation, and if I stay with this first store I'll have to take a bus then walk three miles to get to it. There are, however, a couple of other stores that are on bus lines and are easily accessible. I got in touch with one of these stores and they also seemed very enthusiastic, but I haven't told the first store this yet--I'm going to call the SM today, since I didn't want to bail on her without having somewhere else lined up (she's been great and three miles would still be better than unemployment).

My question is, is there any way to communicate this to the other SM without sounding like I was just stringing them along or something? I wasn't, I genuinely wanted to work at this store until I realized that I'd have to walk so far to get there (and yes, I know for some of you three miles might not be a lot but for me it's really not workable). I feel awful enough as it is having to pretty much leave them in the lurch, but it wasn't like it was something totally within my control, either. I don't know if the two stores are in the same district or anything, but I don't want to go into a new area with any ill will hanging over things. Thanks in advance.

HA! YES!

2008-07-26T08:06:29Z

Okay, so this is pretty much just a personal victory post so I'll put it under a cut. =)

Back story:
Before I quit working for my store, I had been with starbucks for about 16 months. I was a hard worker and, damn it, if people (customers/partners) didn't know it. I had made myself a promise very early on that if I wasn't promoted or being talked to by my DM by July of '08 that I was going to be promoted, I was going to quit. Plain and simple.

About a month before I quit (ie, June), things started getting very stressful. Partners were treating me like shit, calling me stupid, complaining about me to my manager (I was a shit talker, I just stood around, I was angry) and my manager was constantly pulling me aside and telling me everything I was doing wrong in the store. Alright. Fine. I kept working as hard as I could, doing my best and just keeping my chin up.

Finally July rolls around and I just can't take it anymore. I end each shift on the verge of tears, I'm constantly sore... I feel like I'm being bullshitted by my manager and I just feel like shit. One day, my manager pulls me aside and tells me to stop behaving the way I am (shifts were complaining that I was angry that another barista was being promoted... I wasn't angry at all) and told me that a PDP did not mean I was getting promoted immediately. Then she told me I was at least 6 months from being promotable. Basically- I was a shitty worker and I wasn't getting promoted for a very long time. That was it. I promptly quit 1 week later. No 2 week notice. No warning. I told my ASM at the end of my shift that I was done after today and I never wanted to come back.

Point of all of this:
I went in today to get my things from the back room. I was talking with my old coworkers and they were so sweet to me. I honestly started to miss the place. Then I begin talking to the shift on duty. I hadn't worked with her before I quit (our schedules just never lined up). She was telling me how my manager is desperately in need of shifts and how she's angry all the time (even more so than before). Then she told me the most amazing thing I had ever heard: She had heard from our DM himself that I was next to be promoted. As in, if I had kept my job for roughly a month longer, I would likely have been promoted by September at the latest, but more likely August.

I feel so... great. >=D My manager refuses to outside hire a shift because the last two she transfered in were 'horrible'. Now she's stuck with 2 crappy baristas to promote (one is a total DICK, the other constantly no call, no shows).

Maybe I'm just a giant bitch, but I feel like I got in the final FUCK YOU. I just think it's so funny that she makes me so miserable and then when she finally decides she needs me, I quit. HA! HAHA IN YOUR FACE!!! >=D

Yeah, I just feel great. Feel great with me. =D In fact, tell me something wickedly fabulous that happened to you today. <3

frustrated.

2008-07-26T06:56:40Z

nothing really major, just the same ongoing bullshit. every night it's the same. we stay open til 10:30 on weeknights, 11 on weekends but we don't get ANY cafe business aside from the random cop or two past 9:30 and a few cars in drive through. we're leaving 10 minutes after our posted close time because EVERYTHING is done and all we have to do is count tills. we're overstaffed and losing money and hours staying open. we've brought it up with the SM and DM, yet they both seem to have the belief that 1 customer in a 1 hour time span is totally worth the money and energy it takes to stay open.

i'm exhausted closing all the time and having nothing to do, standing around and bullshitting and talking with my coworkers with no cleaning/product/anything to do behind the counters and no customers in lobby, then being threatened with a writeup because i'm not "being productive" on the floor. fuck that.

i'm tired of my manager, rather than talking to people that she has problems with or need correction, posting passive aggressive notes in the back and writing stupid shit on the line chart. example: in the back, a sign that says "your hours are based on your attitude, attendence, and performance. this means you!" and on the DCR, "you are paid to be nice to eachother! smile smile smile!" fuck that.

she seems to think that being legendary to customers isn't enough. oh no, i have to be best fucking friends with all of my coworkers too. NO. i don't like half of them. i've always been taught by my mother that if you have a problem with someone you work with, by all means, by PROFESSIONAL and CORDIAL but you don't have to chitchat like gal pals. this does not mean that i want to hear about your daughter's school awards or the new shirt you bought. i don't give a FUCK. the only thing i want to hear you say to me is "hey, can you grab some venti iced cups if you're going to the back". i will be happy to oblige.

every day, we complain about the same things. every day, nothing is resolved. my manager already is only working 24 hours a week because she's "going back to school" but getting paid for 40. i wish i had that fucking luxury.

gah. it's only a job. it's just money. that seems to be my mantra now. =/

(sorry for the length, i just got out of another dumb closing shift and my brain is about to 'splode.)

on a happier note, sitting outside with your two favorite coworkers, drinking refresh tea and smoking a menthol cigarette makes me a happy barista. <3

baristas @ 2008-07-26T02:02:00

2008-07-26T06:29:37Z

I almost lost it today.

To anyone who has a patio outside... I feel your pain. I'm so sick of people asking me to come back in 15 minutes to close our terrace. NO. N effing O. I close the damn thing half an hour before my shift ends because it takes me half an hour to put the tables and chairs away, sweep, change the garbage, wipe down tables and lock the tables up. Never mind the extra 5 minutes I spend on every damn person who doesn't want to leave their precious terrace. And sir, don't look shocked when I come back 15 minutes later (just as I said I would 15 minutes ago when I warned you I was closing the terrace in 15 minutes) to close up. Don't argue with me and yell at me because you want to sit outside and smoke and kiss your girlfriend. I don't care. Do it somewhere else, please.

When I kindly explain that the actual store closes at midnight, but the terrace closes earlier because I leave at 10:30 and it would be impossible for 1 partner to do cash AND make drinks for 30+ minutes while another closes up the terrace, don't yell at me and ask me to work longer hours. I don't come to your workplace and make you work later for my own selfish reasons... don't come to my work and do the same.

I do this every damn night. I'm usually really good about it. I don't know why this kid bothered me like he did. But ugh. This kid listens to me do my whole "I'm really sorry but I have to close the terrace now" thing to the people sitting at the table next to him and when I get to his table I start it again...
Me: I'm sorry but I-
Rude customer: NO. (*friend giggles*)
Me: I'm really sorry but-
RC: NO.
Me: Excuse me?
RC: Can you come back in liiiiiiike...... *checks his watch* an hour or something?
Me: *gives him the ol' V8 pop on the forehead* No. But if you want to sit here for another hour, you can help yourself to do my job and close up the terrace yourself. Enjoy.

Ha. I'm kidding... I wish.

Me: I'm sorry but in an hour I won't be working here and I've really got to clean up the terrace.
RC: FIIIIIIINE.

I don't know why but I almost unleashed the fury on everyone on the terrace tonight. They were ALL so mean about me closing. AUGH.

Another thing about the terrace. Dear smoking customers:
When we provide you with ashtrays it is because we want you to USE them. They're not pretty, they're not for decoration. Stop flicking your cigarettes everywhere/putting them out in FOR HERE cups, never mind to go ones. I'm sick of it.

Also a customer complained that some people were having sex in the building's bathroom (it's not ours, we're in a larger building... we have a key for it that we give to customers). Luckily he had a sense of humor about it ("She was TOTALLY faking it" oh how I lol'd) and I went to go kick them out but by the time I got there they were gone. Never a dull moment.

Yeah, I know.... tl;dr. hah.

baristas @ 2008-07-26T01:12:00

2008-07-26T06:13:45Z

do starbucks partners have a group (or island) in Second Life?

Yo hablo español

2008-07-26T06:06:53Z

So backstory: I live in a city where the hispanic population is very large. I absolutely love it. However, a lot of the people that come into my store speak very little English, or none at all. So luckily I was brought up with a Spanish speaking grandfather, so I can very easily get by in a conversation if necessary. And so, I had two hispanic women come into my store today who spoke broken English. This is what followed:

Me: Hello. What can I get started for you today?
Woman: *handing over two bottled Frappuccinos* And one Frappuccino caramel tall please.
Me: Sure thing. Anything else?
Woman: No, es todo.
Me: *hands her the change and receipt* Have a great day.
Woman: Oh, can you change me please, this for Frappuccino green tea tall please.
Me: I'm sorry ma'am. Right now, we're currently out of our creme base to make green tea Frappuccinos with.
Woman: *in spanish, the equivalent of:* Fucking bitch I want a fucking green tea Frappuccino asshole."

Without missing a beat, I handed back the bottled Frappuccino and said: "Yo hablo español."

Where do people get off doing this? Seriously?

What made it even better was the next customer in line said "Yeah, I speak spanish too... I would have slapped her."

question?

2008-07-26T04:07:47Z

so what do you say to a customer who wants a venti soy green tea frappuccino? yes? no? we can't do that it's not receipe. what about when you bring up the fact that it's the same blender as the vivanno and they can customize their milk on that, so why not the stupid frappuccino?

Size?

2008-07-26T04:04:59Z

Ok another moronic customer story:

Me: Hi mam what can I get you today?
Lady: An Iced 5 pump white mocha with whip cream
Me: What size
Lady: *glaring at me angrily* I said an iced 5 pump white mocha with whip
Me: Yes I understand that what size would you like it in?
Lady: *very pissed off* What kind of starbucks is this? I want an iced 5 pump white mocha with whip!!
Customer behind her: I think he wants to know what size cup you want?
Lady: *feeling stupid now* oh...uhhh the large one a grande
Me: *thinking~ugh people* ok.
Lady: Can i also get a large grande americano
Me: Would you like room in that for cream?
Lady: No can u fill half of it with heavy whip
Me: *thinking~ugh barf* ok your total is _____

So then I make her white mocha and the americano and hand it off to her

Me: There you go mam have a nice day
Lady: How much heavy whip cream did you put in the americano
Me: Half the cup like you said
Lady: Half the cup thats way too much can you remake it?!
Me: *fuming* sure...
Lady: Can you also remake this White mocha it's not sweet enough
Me: *holding in the anger* ok no problem
Lady: Thank you.

So I make the drinks...again and hand them off to her.

Lady: Oh I wanted the white mocha decaf can you make it again
Me: *hoping she gets struck down by lightning* sure......

So I make her white mocha...yet again and hand it off to her and she still cant seem to shut her damn pie hole.

Lady: I don't think you should be working at starbucks you dont even know how to make a simple drink and this is the slowest service I've ever had at a starbucks.
Me: *has had the last straw* Well if people can remember what the heck they want in their drink I might be able to serve you quicker. For your information I've been working here for a year and I work very hard at my drink quality and I don't need you or your comments so have a good day.

And that was the end of it. Thank god the lady after her was one of my regulars and she told me she agreed with me that the lady was insane and stupid.

Vacation Hours

2008-07-26T02:24:10Z

Does anyone know if SIP and 401K contributions also come out of your vacation hours? I used some this past week and am just trying to guess what my check is going to look like next Friday. Thanks in advance ;)

baristas @ 2008-07-25T22:19:00

2008-07-26T02:20:56Z

This post I made at my Tumblr pretty much sums up how work went today.