Starbucks Baristas Say They Are Tired Of Making Special Drinks

Starbucks Baristas are saying they are getting tired of making complex special orders that have tons of modifications.

I totally see where they are coming from. It would be so much easier if they could just come in, make the drinks that are on the menu, and then go home.

Especially since most Starbucks locations stay busy from the moment they open until the moment they shut their doors.

Everytime I try to go to Starbucks (which, let’s be honest, is just about every day) they have cars wrapped around the parking lot.

I used to work at Starbucks — it’s actually where I met my husband.

Those were in the days before those fancy automated machines they have now. It was also before anyone had thought yet of a Starbucks Secret menu.

I would love it when someone would come in, knowing exactly what they wanted, with tons of modifications. It was usually a special thing that only happened like once a day.

We were also drink artists at that time. We took complete pride in the way the drink looked, what it tasted like, and the look of satisfaction on the customer’s face.

BUT, we were not NEARLY as busy. Starbucks hadn’t yet dreamed up their drive thru experience, which was a complete game changer when it came to traffic at the stores.

I also didn’t have to deal with mobile orders, which pour like water into locations these days.

I can totally empathize with the overworked Barista who is literally running from the minute they get there until the end of their shift.

HOWEVER, I’m not gonna stop ordering exactly what I want, exactly how I want it. Damn it, I’m paying $8 for a drink, it’s gonna be what I want.

My husband still works for Starbucks, and he says these little tips will go a long way with the Baristas if you walk in with a complicated order.

1) If you are going to order something complicated (not on the menu), go inside. It is often hard to understand and know exactly what the drive thru customer wants.

2) If you can, order your complicated drink at a time when they are not so busy. If they have a line out the door, and cars wrapped around the building, they will be less happy to make your special drink.

3) Know exactly what you want. It’s even better if you can have the recipe written out for your Barista at the counter.

4) Don’t try to get your drink for free. There are literally people that come through the drive thru and ask for a large water with a splash of lemonade, and they don’t want to pay a dime. This is a lot of extra work for that Barista who is busy making drinks for paying customers.

5) Always smile, speak clearly, make eye contact, and thank your Baristas.

6) Tip them. There is usually a tip jar at the counter, or if you do a mobile order you can add the tip to the total. If you order a super hard drink, a little tip for their trouble goes a long way.