The inside scoop at Starbucks 

The Inside Scoop at Starbucks

People wouldn’t think that Starbucks workers would form opinions about drinks, but they do….a lot. As a worker at Starbucks, I have connections to people that have been working there for six+ months. While working with them they’ve experienced making the most difficult and the easiest drinks. This article will rank the best and worst drinks at Starbucks, and why they’re good or bad according to a Starbucks barista, and whether they are easy or difficult to make. Also, Starbucks baristas have to deal with a lot of interesting customers a lot of the time. Yet they are still expected to put a smile on their face and say please and thank you. However today, they will be asked to give their worst experiences with customers ever. They will say that they have had many, but this article will describe top-tier, outlandishly bad.  (Image by Levi Fields)

Ke Ali’i dropped in at Starbucks airport trade center on Paiea st. An employee, Emily(last name held for confidentiality), was interviewed about several different topics only an employee can answer. The first question was “What is the worst drink to make in your opinion?” Emily said that the worst drink to make by far are the frappuccinos because of the complexity of the recipe, making them a pain. Let's say a caramel crunch frapp was ordered, this means that the correct amount of frapp base needs to be pumped, the correct syrup needs to be added, and the correct topping and measurements need to be added as well. This is especially difficult because if the measurements are wrong, then the consistency will be wrong and it might turn out clumpy or watery. 

The next question asked was “What is the best drink to make in your opinion”? Emily said that the best drink to make is the iced chai latte. The iced chai latte consists of chai syrup, milk and ice. She says that this is the best because “It literally takes 2 seconds to make”. When Starbucks employees are slammed during a rush, the last thing they want to see is a ticket that's the length of their arm. The chai latte has exactly 3 things in it, and gets out fast. If you’re looking for something sweet and a little cinnamony the chai latte is the way to go. (AI Art Generator)

The most interesting question was “Do you judge people based on what they order? And if you do, what do they order that makes you feel this way?” Quick answer was “yes, absolutely.” Emily says that “it’s hard not to judge when you’re the one trying to figure out what in the hell they ordered”. Normally, when an employee gets a ticket that’s longer than the cup, you can hear their sigh from across the room.

Starbucks is known for their customization, yet it's complained about the most at work. Has there ever been a dirty Starbucks? Exactly, There hasn’t. Cleaning is a priority, especially when they close. This is why Starbucks workers always hate that people come in before closing and order complex drinks. Especially if it’s 10 minutes before closing. This is because they have to clean all of the equipment used to make the drinks, they also have to close down the espresso machines. God forbid they actually have to do their job. But seriously, it's a pain when baristas are expected to serve customers with 100% kindness when the customer has been nothing but rude.

(Picture by Levi Fields)

Now for the big reveal of their most difficult customer experience. An employee Kylie was interviewed about her worst customer experience. She said that one day, a man came in to try to order a drink, normal right? Not exactly, Starbucks has a policy where they can not accept $100 bills simply for the fact that they do not have enough cash in their drawers for change. The man came, ordered a single drink and tried to pay for it with a $100 bill. Kylie (following protocol) told the man that she could not accept his big bill and explained why. After doing this, the man proceeded to call Kylie a “stupid f*****g Asian”. Kylie “had no idea what to do, I just stood there with a crying face”. When things like this happen, employees are expected to keep their cool, report the incident to their manager, and carry on with their day. A lot is expected of Starbucks employees and all workers for that matter. 

Over all, it is important to treat Starbucks employees with respect and kindness. Yes the person making the drinks are paid to do so, they are also human beings that have emotions. A simple please and thank you go far when an employee has been dealing with self entitled customers all day. The whole point of this article is to bring attention to basic decency when ordering at Starbucks. So the next time someone is thinking of getting Starbucks, remind them to have kindness and understanding.