This entry serves two purposes, one to just talk about my first day and the other to let those who responded to my "Wish Me Luck" entry know how it went.
First, it's a Starbucks in a store, not a free standing Starbucks. So, we don't get tips and our benefits are basically store benefits. But those seem to be good so I'm not complaining.
And wow, I don't know that I'll make it to Barista as I still haven't figured out how to mark the cups! lol It's all just very confusing for me but I'll get it with time and experience.
It would help if I was a big coffee consumer but I'm not. Wait...I'm obsessed with coffee. I love the stuff! I drink Colombian daily and enjoy espresso now and then and even own a Moka pot (which I haven't used yet) and a French Press (which I've used many times). But I'm not big on coffee based drinks so much as I am just good, strong coffee. In fact, I just recently learned the joys of a Java Chip Frappucino, thanks to a Barista at the Starbucks where I now work. So the terminology is confusing but isn't that part of why one is trained? Yes, indeedy! I anticipate that bit of confusion clearing up pretty quickly. If it doesn't, I'm in real trouble!
I've already phoned my oldest son, the coffee shop freak and former Barista, and picked his brain. "Help! I don't know the difference between a Latte and a Cappuccino!" He was a lot of help and I'm sure I'll call him many times for information.
Fortunately, today was a slow day so I learned a lot about cleaning the store and basic sanitation and safety procedures. I also read over some training materials during quiet times.
I can see already a problem I have - engaging the customers in conversation. Starbucks wants more than "How are you today?" and "Are you enjoying this weather?" I felt really stuck a few times and it was awkward because I knew I needed to do more but wasn't sure just what to do. The customers knew it, too. The boss told many of the customers it was my first day of training and they were very nice about it which made me feel better. For those of you that frequent Starbucks, what do they say to you to get a dialogue going?
Broken Arrow, since I interviewed for the store first, the questions weren't Starbucks interview questions so that won't answer your question, huh? lol Sorry!
Paulette, I need to work on smiling more and I know it. I'll have to remember that!
Ralph, now you've gone and done it! I'd have a horrible time marking a cup for that! If such a thing even exists. 
The boss said I did very well and one of the execs said to not let myself get overwhelmed, that there's a lot to learn there (he wasn't kidding!) and I won't learn it in just a few days. He stressed to just relax, learn, and have fun.
So, all in all I think it went well. I'm off tomorrow and am going to practice marking cups. I hope to go in Tuesday morning at least having that down pat!
My first day at Starbucks - oy vey!!
January 6th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
January 6th, 2008 at 10:48 pm 1199659682
I'm getting better about only using the giftcards a guest leaves at my job for my Starbucks cravings. I feel bettr not using my own money!
January 6th, 2008 at 11:14 pm 1199661299
January 7th, 2008 at 12:28 am 1199665692
January 7th, 2008 at 01:51 am 1199670707
January 7th, 2008 at 02:11 am 1199671866
if the weather is unusual comment on "is it ---- enough for you?"
"How's your day going so far?"
Comment on something unusual: "That's a you've got there."
"Neil Sedaka almost had it right. It's WAKING that is hard to do."
"How's 2008 treating you so far?"
The joy for the baristas I know is remembering regulars and their favourite drinks. The cafe I visit most often prides itself on remembering my drink -- they make it even as I'm rummaging through my purse, uncertain if I have change. They especially make an effort when their boss is watching, I've noticed. :-)
January 7th, 2008 at 02:19 am 1199672366
I really like the Sedaka line. I'll snag that one and make it mine.
And I used something akin to your 2008 question today and that got a good conversation rolling.
And my son says the same thing about the joy for the baristas.
This is going to be a trip! Thanks for your input!
January 7th, 2008 at 02:20 am 1199672431
A latte, at least the way we get down at Corporate Coffee House o'Doom, had (after you add the espresso) about 2/3 milk and 1/3 foam of the remaining volume in the cup.
A cappuccino, at least the way I like to drink it, (after you add the espresso) has the opposite: 2/3 foam to 1/3 milk. But I like a dry cappuccino.
Whoa...now I want coffee.
January 7th, 2008 at 03:58 am 1199678296
I found a couple of coffee glossaries online and will study them, too.
March 1st, 2019 at 10:29 am 1551436184