It wasn’t until five months in that I even started doing DTO/shaken drinks. I was the only new person at my store from January till like two or three months ago so everyone was much more qualified than me at pretty much everything and I only ever did DTR. After two months of consistently being on bar, especially this last month, I can finally say I’m good at making drinks and while I could be faster I can move a lot faster than I used to. They say it takes 6 months to roast a greet bean and I think that’s definitely true bc it wasn’t until that point that I really felt comfortable at all parts of the store. For a lot of other jobs you should be comfortable w what you’re doing a month in but at Starbucks it takes a while. It’s an intimidating and overwhelming job. You’ll get better with time, I promise. Don’t sweat it.

Thank u. I see u, I feel you. I’m 4 days out of training and I’ve been in the window. And whenever I have to be by myself taking orders, lining up drinks and taking payment I fucking suck. I’m slow, I cantfind stuff and I’m constantly apologizing for everything. I’m off tomorrow then I work the next 7. Days straight. I’m already freaking out about it. I’m just worried I’m never gonna get it. Sigh. So I know what u feeling. I see u. I feel you.

I’m about 3 months in and they did this to me too! It wasn’t until about a month ago that I was getting a lot of bar time. Trust me when I say that knowing how to plug orders into the POS helps you to remember what are in drinks. Also, if you know how to make a caramel frapp and a vanilla bean frapp, then you already know how to make the rest of them! Everything is basically one formula with different ingredients added. It’ll come with time, but from my experience this is normal behavior.

I didn't feel completely comfortable alone until about 3 months in but it kinda sounds like they aren't giving you enough time on bar to actually learn. you should talk to your manager or shift supervisor and explain to them that you need more time to learn because you feel like youre slowing things down. if they don't do anything past that then they can't really complain about you if they aren't willing to make you a better barista.

hey! i’m maybe 2 months in now, and one of my SSVs actually made the effort to ask me on my recent shift “what do you feel you’re best at/worst at?” and when i said bar he went “okay so you’re gonna bar today.” if your SSVs aren’t giving you bar time, i’d go up to them before your shift or during a time where things are slower at your store to ask if you can do bar for a little bit. i just recently started getting put on bar more than i used to. if someone steps off i’m told to take over, when someone’s shift ends i usually take over, when plays change i try to ask to get bar if i can. it’s really being on it that makes you learn. when i don’t know how to make a drink i’ll rush over to POS and put in the drink so i can make it correctly! on my off days i’ll look at a quizlet so i can memorize them. i write things down too since that’s my way of learning.

also! a lot of drinks that seem really different are really the same with just a few differences between them. once you know a simple latte you know all the different types of lattes, hot chocolates, mochas, cappuccinos, etc., and once you know a caramel frap you know them all. it’s the same thing, different ingredients. you’ve got this, and hopefully you can get way more bar time soon!

Hello! First off, congrats!

This is something I will always tell new partners. Everyone was once in your shoes. Don’t feel bad about making mistakes because even I still make mistakes, everyone does! It took maybe about three months before I was even given bar time! Don’t be hard on yourself, we are all great in certain areas but sure enough you’ll get the hang of it! There’s a lot to learn and take in in such a short amount of time. Study your recipes and don’t be afraid to ask your lead or manager for some bar time when it’s slower! Always ask questions, don’t be afraid! You can do it and I believe in you! Good luck!

Try using Quizlet to study the recipes!!😉