Nobody has an attitude at Melina's favorite Starbucks

MEET THE STARBUCKS GOSSIP COMMUNITY

I love reading your blog! Been a fan since Sept. 2004, which is when near when you began, yes?

My posting handle is "Melina", and my blog URL is aquamelina.typepad.com.

Instead of submitting MY picture, how about my vanilla creme-loving daughter's? She's way cuter. She's def. my Starbucks "partner in crime"...always sneaking in a trip complete with a raspberry tartlet or packet of madeleine's.

This pic is of my 10YO, "Babydoll" at our newest Starbuck's in Oceanside on Old Grove Road. It's a busy, busy drive-thru, but we really like the ambiance of the inside area. The staff at this particular location are the nicest and friendliest of all in our community. Nobody has an attitude or tries to be a poseur and it's actually kept dusted and clean so far!

My fave drink is a tall non-fat, no whip _mocha. I like all the other yummy frappaccino's and all of that, but that's my standard. If the temperature gauge outside is above 70, it's an iced _mocha. I figure I get my espresso shot in with some calcium and chocolate with a tried-and true _mocha.

My favorite memory of Starbucks is Halloween a couple years ago when one of the baristas dressed-up as a Scottish highlander, complete with red wig. It was such a good costume, it completely transformed how he looked and NOBODY knew it was him (the manager at the time). I just love how some people aren't afraid to dress up still on Halloween.

My pet peeve at Starbucks is when a long-time employee gets bitchy and calls me "hon" or something like that. Like they're so busy and harried that they just can't call you by your name even though it's written on the cup. I'm also filled with a bit of dismay of how Starbucks is trying to become a mini Tower Records or something. The music being played sounds good, but I don't go to Starbucks to purchase music. I go there to drink delicious coffee products and nibble yummy pastries in a cozy environment. By myself and with my kids.

Comments

[melina]

:-Þ

[christien]

you're tired of the tower records front? try working as a barista. you get to hear the same songs about 34 times per shift. some loooong nights. i can't listen to reggae anymore b/c of that...apparently there was a craze. i think they were trying to match ricky martin's latin craze of the late 90s...yick. anyway, i feel ya ;->.

[motorhead]

as a barista working 20-25 hours per week,what is the range or maximun you can be paid per hour ?

That's nasty that you would feed your kids vanilla cremes. Why don't you go to McDonalds and stuff them full of milkshakes while you're at it? Gross.

[melina]

I don't "feed" my kids vanilla cremes, "anonymous". This was a very special treat for me and my daughter.

Thanks but no thanks for your judgement.

baristas make differnt wages depending on where they live...

it's normally at least a buck or two above the minimum, in addition to the whole other stuff (free drinks while working, pd of free coffee/week, stock options/investment plans, 30% discount, benefits, etc etc..)

[melina]

thanks christien..nice blog too! :-)

Why, would you say barista's are bitchy when they call you hon. Heaven forbid they get busy and don't call you by your name one time. That is the problem with spoiled regulars, you lose your appreciation for the people that enjoy seeing you every day.

[L]

About the "hon..." thing - there is a tone that is used when people (usually other women) call you "hon." It's usually reserved for people who are too young for the sarcastic "ma'am." There is absolutely nothing wrong with a barista not remembering a person's name - after all, there are a LOT of people in and out of *$ all day long...but the bitchy "hon" is unmistakable, and irritating.

[julie]

What is so wrong with a Vanilla Creme? Ohhh, milk and a little vanilla, wow! Are u lactose intolerant, vegan, or something?

[joanna Ferrell]

I think that your story was touching and trés sweet!
thanks for the pick-me-up!!!
:)