I don’t know if this is helpful, but I always reply back with “of course!” Or “I hope you enjoy, thank you!”

I understand where you’re coming from, and this is often a question my own baristas ask and I’m always weary about answering for some reason. We are programmed certain reactions for certain phrases and then have to unlearn it for work because of it being the Third Place and appreciating our customers differently. Maybe also try emphasizing the “you” when saying thank you back? ♥️

I usually go with “of course” but if I say it too many times I start to feel robotic. So I’ll work in some “absolutely” or “have a great day”

It’s Starbucks who wants you to end the conversation with a customer by saying thank you. It’s not weird to respond with the same thing, you’re thanking them for spending their money at the business. Whether you add something before hand or not still end with a thank you. It’s like how people at Chik-fil-a must respond with my pleasure. It’s just what they want to see us doing. Unfortunately, that IS the Starbucks way and you’re being corrected and coached to do as such.

I find it helps to put emphasis on the “you” so that you’re saying “thank *you*” and it at least sort of makes conversational sense.

I second the emphasis on the you. Like, no need to thank me, thank *you* for coming!

Just be yourself.
Starbucks is there for the community. You’re a part of that community.