Indie vs. Corp
I’m not a big coffee drinker so I might be wrong about the relationship between baristas and customers. I go to both corporate and independent coffee houses and notice that baristas in local cafes are more likely to build a relationship with their customers. This past summer I’ve become sort of a regular at a local coffee house two blocks down from my workplace. The baristas are always friendly and willing to get to know their customers. I’ve had several sit down convos with these baristas and it feels more like a friendly relationship, rather than a customer/employee relationship. I’ve been to Starbucks for years and never was there a time when an employee asked for my name (other than to identify my order) or had a conversation with me.
Now I’m not saying that they should remember me, eventhough I’ve been to the same one almost everyday and order the same thing. I’m just saying that those who work in independent coffee houses are much more welcoming and make mornings bearable by asking how things are going and what not. Maybe it’s the overflow of coffee drinkers who gathers in Starbucks every morning for a brew.
I also notice the difference between customers in Starbucks (or any other corporate coffee houses) and the indie houses. Starbuckans are like robots. Caffeine is like a battery for them to operate. They stand straight up, waiting patiently (sometimes impatiently) to order their mocha mocha double chocolate cappucino with room, while those in the indie house casually wait in line reading today’s paper or chatting it up with whoever is next to them. Also, you’d most likely find someone who has something in common with you at the indie house.
I’m not going to abandon Starbucks because of this, cause I still need my tall caramel macchiatos.
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I’m a barista at starbucks and though I have noticed that at other starbucks locations, I still personally try to talk to people, strike up conversations, and I know a fair amount of regulars by first name. Though I can’t say for sure whether or not this is something that remains consistent throughout all starbucks, I know that it is something highly encouraged by the company.