Baristas Are People, Too

My best friend and I are regulars at a coffee shop in our city, so much so that our baristas know our order and we all know each other by first name. We know to expect to wait on busy days as sometimes the shop is busier than others, being close to downtown.

One day, we come in and it is packed and there is only one barista on shift. Luckily, we find ourselves a seat.

After waiting for our drinks and watching the line grow, we hear a gentleman loudly complaining to who I assume is a friend and his son.

Customer: “How long does it take to make a hot chocolate?”

After a bit, he and the two others get their drinks. Then, he is at it again.

Customer: “This isn’t even that hot. Can I get this microwaved or something?”

Barista: “I can remake it for you if you’d like.”

Customer: “I don’t want to have to wait.”

He went back to his companions and continued to complain loudly to them.

After he left and it quieted down, I went to talk to our barista. I let them know that it was rude of him to complain so loudly. The barista could clearly hear everything, as could other people around. After talking, I gave them another tip as they deserved it.

Please be nice to your baristas. They work hard to get your drinks made properly and in as timely a manner as possible.