It's easier to get a job if you have experience as a barista, but not required. I have coworkers who got hired to Starbucks with no food/beverage experience before, and then there's people like me who've been trying for 5+ years and just now got the job.

If you're wanting to get your foot in the door with barista experience, definitely look at some smaller coffee shops/restaurants with cafes in your area.

No one at my store had precious experience except one girl who transferred from a licensed store. Some baristas are even still in high school, there’s no requirement for experience