There are days when I am okay with my mediocre employment. I settle into the routine and aim to “make every moment right” for my customers. I… Read more “How did I get here?”
Jet Lagging
Real life conversation with a customer wearing a shirt that reads “jet lagging“: “Do you have jet lag?” She laughs a little nervously. “No, I don’t really… Read more “Jet Lagging”
Play Proposals
Customer #1: (Looking at real estate ads in the newspaper. Points to photo of a mansion) If I bought you this 3-million-dollar house, would you marry me?… Read more “Play Proposals”
Do I talk about running too much?
While I clean and restock the condiment bar, I chat with Keith, a regular customer who makes Starbucks his summer office. He asks how long I’ve been running,… Read more “Do I talk about running too much?”
Flannel (actually, it was plaid)
I am walking out the door when a customer waves me down. “You know I think you’re nice and beautiful and all that, but . .. are… Read more “Flannel (actually, it was plaid)”
And the award for the most interesting customer of the day goes to
the strong, vivacious woman who brought her own can of Illy espresso and a carton of half and half into Starbucks, looking for a barista to make… Read more “And the award for the most interesting customer of the day goes to”
A Scarring Experience?
Music playing. Ovens beeping. Timers going off. Coffee grinder roaring. Espresso machine whirring. Steam wand spitting. Milk screaming. Customers ordering. Cash drawers slamming shut. People chatting. Baristas… Read more “A Scarring Experience?”
Letter to the Dark Roast Reader
Dear Evan, You visit Starbucks nearly every day over the noon hour, yet I have never properly met you. I did once try to figure out your… Read more “Letter to the Dark Roast Reader”
Winter
As usual, I take the customer’s order and then ask for his name, permanent marker poised to scribble down what I hear before passing the cup down… Read more “Winter”
Hair Swipe
Walking across the café after checking the condiment bar, I notice a young man swipe his hair away from his eyes. He’s been sitting there for a… Read more “Hair Swipe”
coffeeconversations 