Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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Venti Rant: micromanaging SSV? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by MayhemBiker94
Bear with me. I'm not sure if I should be crabby about this or not.
Okay so I was working all day (8a-4p) today and I was assigned to do front and ovens, as well as CS. So we have our morning rush and I'm doing ovens and occasionally doing the occasional random cafe/front order at the register as drive thru and mobiles are busy.
About midway through the day, I decided to go ahead and get started on dishes cuz they were starting to pile up and I already CSed as much as I could without being in the way. So I did all of the dishes, occasionally running to the front to grab cafe orders cuz I had someone on bar watching front to tell me when a customer came in.
So I was doing that all day. Got to 3pm and the closing shift walks in. So I had already restocked everything and I asked him, "so where do you want me?" And he's like "CS". And I'm like "okay... well I pretty much have everything stocked...?" And he's like "alright well check everything and stock more". And I'm like "alright".
So I'm re-checking through everything and I noticed 2 customers came in, no big deal so I quickly moved over to the register, greeted them, and one of them ordered with me. After I got done ringing him up, the shift was like "[my name], I want you to CS... I'll get the front register." And I'm like "... okay". So I go back to CS-ing... like I have all day.
A few minutes later I notice a half done frappuccino for drive thru sitting on the counter so I grab it to finish it, noting that the cold bar person was finishing up a refresher (frappuccino had a shot in it so they did it just enough so the shot would be ready). So I dump the rest of the ingredients into the blender pitcher and set it in the blender. The shift again says "hey I want you to CS" and I'm like "okay! Well I was just grabbing this frappuccino real quick so [other barista] can focus on the refresher that they're making" cuz frappuccinos take so damn long to make so I figured I'd make it easier on them but whatever.
I went back to CS-ing. 5 minutes till the end of my shift, I'm wiping down the counter and then I approach the register to ring myself up a drink and the shift is like "what are you doing?" And I'm like "oh I was just ringing myself up a drink to make so I have something for after my shift" since I was done CS-ing and there was nothing else to do.
The man is like "oh well you're allowed to ring yourself up but you can't make personal drinks for yourself on the clock cuz that is theft of company time and you can be fired for that". And I'm like "... wut?" So I had to ring myself up and then another barista, who was bored cuz no customers at all, made it for me while I clocked out and everything (other barista had never heard of the "theft of company time" thing before; she was like "uhhhh... what?!").
I feel very micromanaged... like I get that I was supposed to be on CS... but I had already restocked everything... and there weren't many customers by then so I was just helping out where/when I could. Other shifts would be glad that I took initiative to make my own drink and/or to help on frappuccinos or other drinks since there were only 3 other baristas at that moment.
So... am I being unreasonable or was the SSV?
Okay so I was working all day (8a-4p) today and I was assigned to do front and ovens, as well as CS. So we have our morning rush and I'm doing ovens and occasionally doing the occasional random cafe/front order at the register as drive thru and mobiles are busy.
About midway through the day, I decided to go ahead and get started on dishes cuz they were starting to pile up and I already CSed as much as I could without being in the way. So I did all of the dishes, occasionally running to the front to grab cafe orders cuz I had someone on bar watching front to tell me when a customer came in.
So I was doing that all day. Got to 3pm and the closing shift walks in. So I had already restocked everything and I asked him, "so where do you want me?" And he's like "CS". And I'm like "okay... well I pretty much have everything stocked...?" And he's like "alright well check everything and stock more". And I'm like "alright".
So I'm re-checking through everything and I noticed 2 customers came in, no big deal so I quickly moved over to the register, greeted them, and one of them ordered with me. After I got done ringing him up, the shift was like "[my name], I want you to CS... I'll get the front register." And I'm like "... okay". So I go back to CS-ing... like I have all day.
A few minutes later I notice a half done frappuccino for drive thru sitting on the counter so I grab it to finish it, noting that the cold bar person was finishing up a refresher (frappuccino had a shot in it so they did it just enough so the shot would be ready). So I dump the rest of the ingredients into the blender pitcher and set it in the blender. The shift again says "hey I want you to CS" and I'm like "okay! Well I was just grabbing this frappuccino real quick so [other barista] can focus on the refresher that they're making" cuz frappuccinos take so damn long to make so I figured I'd make it easier on them but whatever.
I went back to CS-ing. 5 minutes till the end of my shift, I'm wiping down the counter and then I approach the register to ring myself up a drink and the shift is like "what are you doing?" And I'm like "oh I was just ringing myself up a drink to make so I have something for after my shift" since I was done CS-ing and there was nothing else to do.
The man is like "oh well you're allowed to ring yourself up but you can't make personal drinks for yourself on the clock cuz that is theft of company time and you can be fired for that". And I'm like "... wut?" So I had to ring myself up and then another barista, who was bored cuz no customers at all, made it for me while I clocked out and everything (other barista had never heard of the "theft of company time" thing before; she was like "uhhhh... what?!").
I feel very micromanaged... like I get that I was supposed to be on CS... but I had already restocked everything... and there weren't many customers by then so I was just helping out where/when I could. Other shifts would be glad that I took initiative to make my own drink and/or to help on frappuccinos or other drinks since there were only 3 other baristas at that moment.
So... am I being unreasonable or was the SSV?
rosesandthorns17 23 points 2y ago
we always encourage partners to help where and when they can so i’m not sure why they had a stick up their ass ab it
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 6 points 2y ago
Yeah that's why I was incredibly confused. It's like he wanted to do everything himself or like he was micromanaging us. He also assigned another barista to lightly CS and bar. She was CS-ing until a few cars came up and she had to move back to bar.
I was incredibly confused. Like... am I not allowed to help out with drinks with this shift? I get that he probably wanted to prepare for night shift but... everything was already stocked. I legitimately stocked everything prior to him coming in...
I even had enough time to wipe down the entire bar like 3 times (I think it was the cleanest it's ever been at that time of the day).
I also don't understand the "theft of company time" thing... is that actual policy or is he being an a**hole?
I was incredibly confused. Like... am I not allowed to help out with drinks with this shift? I get that he probably wanted to prepare for night shift but... everything was already stocked. I legitimately stocked everything prior to him coming in...
I even had enough time to wipe down the entire bar like 3 times (I think it was the cleanest it's ever been at that time of the day).
I also don't understand the "theft of company time" thing... is that actual policy or is he being an a**hole?
rosesandthorns17 2 points 2y ago
That was actually the only part that technically made sense to me even tho it’s bull. It makes sense in that you’re technically getting paid to work while not working- like not clocking out for lunch before making your food. But no one gives a shit because you’re helping out the person on cafe bar by making your own drinks so you honestly are working cuz someone would’ve had to warm your food or make your drink anyway ?
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 3 points 2y ago
That's what I was thinking...? But he legitimately told me that I had to clock out before making my own drink... and I'm like okay... so I rung myself up at the register and then told the other barista at the bar "hey this is my drink, if you want to make it that's fine but if you don't then that's also fine!" She ended up making it cuz she was bored and no other drinks... but I'm confused cuz she also had never heard of the "theft of company time" thing. She's like "omg... he's on crack or something".
I'm just like... "can I legitimately be fired for making personal drinks on the clock?" O.o
I'm just like... "can I legitimately be fired for making personal drinks on the clock?" O.o
Swan97 1 points 2y ago
Yeah that's just stupidly nitpicky. It's different if it was busy and you made your drink instead of the customers but I feel like every store makes their own drinks when it's slow. Like what's the harm?
rosesandthorns17 1 points 2y ago
technically but it’s stupid because you’re still doing work that needs to be done, even if it’s for you
rosesandthorns17 1 points 2y ago
like you’re still making a drink that’s in the sticker queue or warming food that needs to be warmed so who cares if it’s for you or not idk
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 3 points 2y ago
Exactly what I was thinking. And none of the other shifts care. The actual SM has watched me make my own personal drink on the clock and has never said anything.
BadDadBot -2 points 2y ago
Hi not sure why they had a stick up their ass ab it, I'm dad.
Kittywizarrr 2 points 2y ago
Hope your SSV doesn’t answer with that if OP decides to talk about today XD
rosesandthorns17 1 points 2y ago
hm
obviousthrowaway_512 6 points 2y ago
You will probably not like this answer, but your shift was technically “right” on all fronts. I do think they should’ve communicated in a more supportive way, though.
Technically, it IS against policy to make your own drink on the clock. Additionally, if you are on CS, you should technically not be sliding in to finish a planted partner’s drink, grab a front, or whatever have you.
All that said, there are so many things they could’ve done to avoid communicating like this - they could’ve communicated the full floor’s deployment to everyone, helping to ensure everyone stays within their roles and routines; they could’ve asked you about your thought process in floating (as opposed to finding new cycle tasks); and all else failing, they could’ve given you specific cleaning tasks to perform to keep you within position.
I’m really sorry you had this experience. ☹️
Technically, it IS against policy to make your own drink on the clock. Additionally, if you are on CS, you should technically not be sliding in to finish a planted partner’s drink, grab a front, or whatever have you.
All that said, there are so many things they could’ve done to avoid communicating like this - they could’ve communicated the full floor’s deployment to everyone, helping to ensure everyone stays within their roles and routines; they could’ve asked you about your thought process in floating (as opposed to finding new cycle tasks); and all else failing, they could’ve given you specific cleaning tasks to perform to keep you within position.
I’m really sorry you had this experience. ☹️
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
That's totally fine! I'm fine with answers that I don't like, especially since it still gives a good perspective (everyone's perspective counts).
Good to know on the policy thing. I feel like a lot of stores don't act on said policy though... based on what I'm reading from other comments... could my SSV in question just be a major stickler for "official corporate policy"? And I just so happened to draw his attention?
And yeah I get that on the CS and not messing with planted baristas sequencing. I should have mentioned that I did check with the cold bar barista prior to picking the frappuccino up and moving it forward in its sequencing. My store is also pretty lax in what CS does, for us CS typically does front and ovens since we have very few customers who actually come in, so typically whoever is on front is also doing CS as well as food/ovens. This is the CS that I'm personally used to, but I totally get it if another store CS and front positions do not mix.
And yeah. He did not do a good job with communicating. I did forget to mention (it is somewhere in another comment) he also assigned the hot bar barista to lightly CS in-between hot bar drinks (we had that few of customers). So there were two baristas doing the CS position for a lot of the time, so it kinda felt like there was legitimately nothing for us to do but he's also like "DO SOMETHING". And we're all like "uhhhhh" which led to me wiping down the entire bar like 3 times (it was very clean).
Good to know on the policy thing. I feel like a lot of stores don't act on said policy though... based on what I'm reading from other comments... could my SSV in question just be a major stickler for "official corporate policy"? And I just so happened to draw his attention?
And yeah I get that on the CS and not messing with planted baristas sequencing. I should have mentioned that I did check with the cold bar barista prior to picking the frappuccino up and moving it forward in its sequencing. My store is also pretty lax in what CS does, for us CS typically does front and ovens since we have very few customers who actually come in, so typically whoever is on front is also doing CS as well as food/ovens. This is the CS that I'm personally used to, but I totally get it if another store CS and front positions do not mix.
And yeah. He did not do a good job with communicating. I did forget to mention (it is somewhere in another comment) he also assigned the hot bar barista to lightly CS in-between hot bar drinks (we had that few of customers). So there were two baristas doing the CS position for a lot of the time, so it kinda felt like there was legitimately nothing for us to do but he's also like "DO SOMETHING". And we're all like "uhhhhh" which led to me wiping down the entire bar like 3 times (it was very clean).
obviousthrowaway_512 1 points 2y ago
You seem to have a good growth mindset - thank you for being receptive!
It’s definitely something no one really acts on, but could get you fired if caught by the wrong person on the wrong day. Just be careful and try to stay in good graces. Your SSV could’ve been in a bad mood, received some very specific and disheartening coaching, or any number of other factors co tribute group to these run-ins.
I see. Corporate standards don’t dictate CS flexing to bar, warming, or front under any play in the playbook (AFAIK). Your SSV may have been unfamiliar with their play and meant to assign you to Front Support, a different position with similar routines - the label is important here as it dictates your hierarchy of duties.
On that note, there is NO play that EVER calls for the bar partner to perform support tasks when there are 3-4 baristas on the floor. Your SSV was wrong to ask that of the bar partner.
If you’re ever curious about what duties each position has, ask to see the Playbuilder on the iPad. If your shift is not using the Playbuilder at all or is unfamiliar, ask them and those above you why they aren’t. It’s an incredibly useful resource that keeps incidents like these from happening.
It’s definitely something no one really acts on, but could get you fired if caught by the wrong person on the wrong day. Just be careful and try to stay in good graces. Your SSV could’ve been in a bad mood, received some very specific and disheartening coaching, or any number of other factors co tribute group to these run-ins.
I see. Corporate standards don’t dictate CS flexing to bar, warming, or front under any play in the playbook (AFAIK). Your SSV may have been unfamiliar with their play and meant to assign you to Front Support, a different position with similar routines - the label is important here as it dictates your hierarchy of duties.
On that note, there is NO play that EVER calls for the bar partner to perform support tasks when there are 3-4 baristas on the floor. Your SSV was wrong to ask that of the bar partner.
If you’re ever curious about what duties each position has, ask to see the Playbuilder on the iPad. If your shift is not using the Playbuilder at all or is unfamiliar, ask them and those above you why they aren’t. It’s an incredibly useful resource that keeps incidents like these from happening.
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Not an issue! I try to give everyone a chance to give their own opinions and to share their perspective!
And that makes sense on the wrong person/day thing. All of the SSVs, ASMs, and the SM did have a meeting to discuss a few things prior to him coming in. It's possible that contributed to his manner while working? I'm not sure what the meeting was about.
It's totally possible. Some of the shifts have their own set of deployment policies. I definitely prefer working with the ones who leave room to be flexible and who also genuinely care about the baristas (I can tell who does care). And yeahhh it was incredibly unusual for the other bar person to be doing CS. We were incredibly confused on why there were two people CS-ing. There wasn't enough stuff for two people to be on CS. If I were a shift, I would have sent the person ending their shift the soonest home after a quick double check on stocking. Then I wouldn't have a bunch of baristas standing around... or I would have edited deployment to where everyone felt useful... and would have gotten feedback from the actual baristas on what needed done. He didn't even check with us, he just sent two people on CS without listening to us (both of whom were there for at least a few hours prior to him).
And that makes sense on the wrong person/day thing. All of the SSVs, ASMs, and the SM did have a meeting to discuss a few things prior to him coming in. It's possible that contributed to his manner while working? I'm not sure what the meeting was about.
It's totally possible. Some of the shifts have their own set of deployment policies. I definitely prefer working with the ones who leave room to be flexible and who also genuinely care about the baristas (I can tell who does care). And yeahhh it was incredibly unusual for the other bar person to be doing CS. We were incredibly confused on why there were two people CS-ing. There wasn't enough stuff for two people to be on CS. If I were a shift, I would have sent the person ending their shift the soonest home after a quick double check on stocking. Then I wouldn't have a bunch of baristas standing around... or I would have edited deployment to where everyone felt useful... and would have gotten feedback from the actual baristas on what needed done. He didn't even check with us, he just sent two people on CS without listening to us (both of whom were there for at least a few hours prior to him).
obviousthrowaway_512 1 points 2y ago
Continue to grow and be curious - seriously, ask
about Playbuilder and learn about standard deployments. It troubles me that you have entirely different deployment policies among different shifts on the team.
about Playbuilder and learn about standard deployments. It troubles me that you have entirely different deployment policies among different shifts on the team.
FfierceLaw 1 points 2y ago
Look at her first sentence, she was assigned to front (which I think means cafe POS,) warming and CS at 8AM by SSV #1. SSV#2 comes in at 3PM and acts like she's being "naughty" for following the same play she's been doing all day. I understand her confusion, even it you don't. By 3PM she considered herself to be caught up with CS. I guess she could start cleaning inside cabinets, looking for cobwebs to brush down, do you see her sentence where she states she has wiped and wiped the counters? No one likes to be bored in their role and no one likes to be reprimanded for doing something they had literally been ok doing for 7 hours. This barista wasn't being "bad" and she doesn't deserve to even hear who can and cannot "fire" her, that is crazy talk, this store needs partners who want to work and if she was not following rules in a playbook it was not her fault
obviousthrowaway_512 3 points 2y ago
I think you’re fundamentally misunderstanding “CS” with all due respect. One cannot be Customer Support and Front/POS at the same time. If you’re performing support tasks while being asked to grab fronts, that is not CS - that is Front Support. It may seem like semantics, but the name of the position dictates your hierarchy of duties and your routines.
Nowhere did I blame OP for this. I believe this falls squarely on the SSVs for poor communication of role and potential misunderstanding of the play. I feel as thought I communicated that clearly and am sorry I was not received as intended.
I just wanted to give OP access to resources so they can combat these misunderstandings moving forward because it is clear to me from their post that the SSVs are either improvising to a degree or do not understand the importance of properly and supportively coaching to the deployment that is actually called for.
Nowhere did I blame OP for this. I believe this falls squarely on the SSVs for poor communication of role and potential misunderstanding of the play. I feel as thought I communicated that clearly and am sorry I was not received as intended.
I just wanted to give OP access to resources so they can combat these misunderstandings moving forward because it is clear to me from their post that the SSVs are either improvising to a degree or do not understand the importance of properly and supportively coaching to the deployment that is actually called for.
FfierceLaw 3 points 2y ago
He was being a jerk, it had more to do with his mindset than you personally. I have had even good SSVs be like this for just one shift. Not saying he'll get better but who knows. I think even partners in the same store have a different notion of what tasks go with what roles, you were being a good partner that anyone would want to have around
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 3 points 2y ago
It's the second time I've ever worked with him. The other baristas don't seem to like him so maybe he's a jerk a lot? I'm not sure. I was just incredibly confused cuz I wanted to bar a little bit but he legitimately would not let me... The only drinks I made today was one venti hot caramel macchiato and then my personal drinks.
I am also a green bean btw. So maybe he's just someone who has no patience for green beans...?
I am also a green bean btw. So maybe he's just someone who has no patience for green beans...?
JHOOOOBI 1 points 2y ago
Ah. I see. In my experience in the two and a half years with the company a lot of people don’t let green beans near bar for a while, like you have to earn it in a lot of people’s eyes. It’s sad that in my experience green beans tend to be shoved onto CS, front, or drive. Maybe try communicating your eagerness to learn and master bar. There are points in the day to learn and practice. I think communication is key here. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up if you’ve not been flexed all day. I personally don’t think it’s right to keep someone in one position a whole shift. You burn out that way. Ask to be moved around if you’re burning out or have been on CS for a while. ☺️ good luck hon!
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you!
To be fair, I have had shifts where I'm nothing but bar (I always request to be on front/mobile bar if I'm on hot bar cuz it seems slower and I can ask for clarification on any confusing thing I get). This was one of the first shifts where I barely made any drinks.
To be fair, I have had shifts where I'm nothing but bar (I always request to be on front/mobile bar if I'm on hot bar cuz it seems slower and I can ask for clarification on any confusing thing I get). This was one of the first shifts where I barely made any drinks.
JHOOOOBI 1 points 2y ago
Oh I’m so glad you’re getting bar time! I love bar! But yeah it could just be the individual himself. I’d say a friendly and open dialogue couldn’t hurt here. 😃
xlissas 2 points 2y ago
Yeah, not sure what the issue was here. If your tasks are done and coffee is prepped and the cafe is clean…you should help where you can. I don’t think you did anything wrong (SSV here).
As for the company time thing….WHAT? We make our own drinks all the time because it’s quicker and my SM has no issue with it. I’d ask your SM how they feel about it to be safe, but pretty sure the “company time” thing is bs.
As for the company time thing….WHAT? We make our own drinks all the time because it’s quicker and my SM has no issue with it. I’d ask your SM how they feel about it to be safe, but pretty sure the “company time” thing is bs.
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
That's what I was thinking. All my tasks were done so I thought I'd do a frappuccino so then the bar person wouldn't have to...
And yeahhh... I sent a message to another SSV asking for clarification on the guidelines for making personal drinks. She hasn't responded yet but we shall see.
As far as my SM, she's seen me (and other baristas) making our own personal drinks on the clock... she's never said anything. Hell she's made her own personal drinks on the clock also... so I'm incredibly confused on this "new" policy. I wanna say it's just with him but I'm also hesitant cuz I don't want to be fired. I'm a green bean (about a month in) and I love my job... so I'm like panicking internally.
And yeahhh... I sent a message to another SSV asking for clarification on the guidelines for making personal drinks. She hasn't responded yet but we shall see.
As far as my SM, she's seen me (and other baristas) making our own personal drinks on the clock... she's never said anything. Hell she's made her own personal drinks on the clock also... so I'm incredibly confused on this "new" policy. I wanna say it's just with him but I'm also hesitant cuz I don't want to be fired. I'm a green bean (about a month in) and I love my job... so I'm like panicking internally.
xlissas 2 points 2y ago
As long as you’re communicating and asking all the right questions, you’ll be fine. If your SM doesn’t have an issue, I don’t see why your SSV team should.
I feel like the fact that you’re even asking for clarification says a lot instead of just doing whatever you think is best. And also remember your SSV does NOT have the authority to fire you, only your SM does. :)
I feel like the fact that you’re even asking for clarification says a lot instead of just doing whatever you think is best. And also remember your SSV does NOT have the authority to fire you, only your SM does. :)
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
That's what I was thinking.
I legitimately said, "Hey [SSV name], had a quick question. [Night SSV name] today mentioned that making drinks for yourself on company time was a fire-able offense because it was considered "theft of company time". I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get into trouble for doing it prior to learning about this. I hadn't heard of that before today so I wanted to check in and find out the guidelines on making personal drinks on the clock. I assume making personal drinks on paid 10s are acceptable but I wasn't sure if any other guidelines exist for it."
I felt like saying it like this is both nonconfrontational but also asking for clarification, basically saying 'hey did he tell me correctly?' I also feel like it shows my confusion on the "policy". It also gives me a paper trail, showing that I did ask and made an attempt to find out about actual corporate policy so if something happens then I can say "hey, I *asked*".
I legitimately said, "Hey [SSV name], had a quick question. [Night SSV name] today mentioned that making drinks for yourself on company time was a fire-able offense because it was considered "theft of company time". I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get into trouble for doing it prior to learning about this. I hadn't heard of that before today so I wanted to check in and find out the guidelines on making personal drinks on the clock. I assume making personal drinks on paid 10s are acceptable but I wasn't sure if any other guidelines exist for it."
I felt like saying it like this is both nonconfrontational but also asking for clarification, basically saying 'hey did he tell me correctly?' I also feel like it shows my confusion on the "policy". It also gives me a paper trail, showing that I did ask and made an attempt to find out about actual corporate policy so if something happens then I can say "hey, I *asked*".
xlissas 1 points 2y ago
Exactly! You’re doing the right thing. :)
colonade17 1 points 2y ago
So, I mostly agree with your SSV here. I appreciate that you're trying to be helpful, but it sounds like your SSV is trying to get everyone to stay in their role.
It often feels like you're being helpful when you do all that stuff, but you actually slow down the store, and make things confusing for everyone else when you step outside your role. If you feel like you're not sure what to do next then check with your SSV.
It often feels like you're being helpful when you do all that stuff, but you actually slow down the store, and make things confusing for everyone else when you step outside your role. If you feel like you're not sure what to do next then check with your SSV.
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I get what you're saying. I really do, but the SSV didn't even check to see what deployment would have been best prior to assigning myself to CS and (I did forget to mention this in the main post but it is mentioned in a few other comments) a bar barista with light CS respectively. The bar barista did light CS with me until a few cars came up and then she moved back to bar (and the entire time she just was like "... uhhhh... [my name] has already done all of this... there's not much to do?"
I feel like he technically did his job (his job is to be in charge and I totally respect that) but he didn't touch base with his baristas to see what has already been done. The initial SSV was in the meeting that all SSVs, ASMs, and the SM was in and maybe they touched base there but I felt like what was already done was ignored in a sense. I found maybe 3 syrup bottles that needed restocked... everything was basically completely stocked (minus bathrooms). I even had made back ups for practically everything prior to the SSV arriving.
On the role thing, I've only worked with this shift once prior to this instance. However, the other shifts usually have the individual doing CS also working on front and ovens. We're a predominantly drive thru store, and rarely have customers come into the store so the focus is on drive thru. With the food shortages happening, the CS individual can easily focus on stocking while no warming needs done (because there's barely any food and even prior to the shortages, customers rarely ordered food). When I'm on CS/ovens, I'm always wearing a headset and listening for food and I'm also checking every few minutes for mobile food orders (which are quickly grabbed and fulfilled).
That is the role that I'm used to but I respect other stores for having a different play for CS and ovens, as well as front (all of which are combined for my store, the exception being during morning rush - which then there is a barista manning each position minus CS. CS comes into play after rush ends, and the front/CS individual then becomes responsible for ovens as well. Typically a manager/shift is manning either front/CS or ovens and then turns that responsibility over to a barista as they focus on management items and responsibilities).
Like I don't mean to dismiss what you're saying. I totally get what you're saying, and I always try to stay in my role, but I also checked with him multiple times for more things to do. His response "restock" or "CS". I get that he was probably trying to prep for night shift or make it to where night shift didn't have to do as much, and I totally respect that but I feel like he could have communicated a lot better.
I feel like he technically did his job (his job is to be in charge and I totally respect that) but he didn't touch base with his baristas to see what has already been done. The initial SSV was in the meeting that all SSVs, ASMs, and the SM was in and maybe they touched base there but I felt like what was already done was ignored in a sense. I found maybe 3 syrup bottles that needed restocked... everything was basically completely stocked (minus bathrooms). I even had made back ups for practically everything prior to the SSV arriving.
On the role thing, I've only worked with this shift once prior to this instance. However, the other shifts usually have the individual doing CS also working on front and ovens. We're a predominantly drive thru store, and rarely have customers come into the store so the focus is on drive thru. With the food shortages happening, the CS individual can easily focus on stocking while no warming needs done (because there's barely any food and even prior to the shortages, customers rarely ordered food). When I'm on CS/ovens, I'm always wearing a headset and listening for food and I'm also checking every few minutes for mobile food orders (which are quickly grabbed and fulfilled).
That is the role that I'm used to but I respect other stores for having a different play for CS and ovens, as well as front (all of which are combined for my store, the exception being during morning rush - which then there is a barista manning each position minus CS. CS comes into play after rush ends, and the front/CS individual then becomes responsible for ovens as well. Typically a manager/shift is manning either front/CS or ovens and then turns that responsibility over to a barista as they focus on management items and responsibilities).
Like I don't mean to dismiss what you're saying. I totally get what you're saying, and I always try to stay in my role, but I also checked with him multiple times for more things to do. His response "restock" or "CS". I get that he was probably trying to prep for night shift or make it to where night shift didn't have to do as much, and I totally respect that but I feel like he could have communicated a lot better.
colonade17 1 points 2y ago
So another consideration here is how many partners you have working. If you're doing a 3-partner play then CS needs to be flexible and help out other places. If you're on an 8-partner play, then you're gumming up the works when you flex around.
What's also weird to me is having you on CS/ovens. Every store is a little bit different, but usually in my store front has ovens, and CS will usually only help on bar if they need to flex somewhere. So part of this may be needing to better communicate when and where to flex.
What's also weird to me is having you on CS/ovens. Every store is a little bit different, but usually in my store front has ovens, and CS will usually only help on bar if they need to flex somewhere. So part of this may be needing to better communicate when and where to flex.
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
There were 4 partners, but only 3 were clocked in (the 4th was on her lunch) plus the shift at the time of the frappuccino incident (not really an incident but you know what I mean).
I was on CS/flex.
Barista #1 was DTO/DTR.
Barista #2 was on bar.
The shift was apparently on front and ovens.
The barista on lunch was on front bar and cold bar prior to her "leaving".
I did communicate with #2 on the frappuccino. She was messing with a refresher (with modifications so she was reading the sticker). I even was like "hey [#2] does this frappuccino need done?" And she was like "yeah, could you finish it for me? This customer has so many modifications..." so I got it together and put it in the blender only to find the SSV like "CS!" By that time #2 was finishing up the refresher and would be able to focus on the frappuccino so I said "hey I'm moving back to CS, the frappuccino just needs finished" and she's like "thank you!"
I totally agree with you on the 3-person play versus 8-person play. I wouldn't move around/flex with a higher number of baristas in play, because I know that I'd just be in the way and it would mess with their sequencing. However, with how few of baristas we had, some flexing is necessary so drive thru times stay low, especially with a frappuccino in the mix.
I also agree with needing better communication. My manager has been mentioning using some type of cards for deployment and play. I've seen them before but have never used them, but I think they'll probably help cuz a lot of us are green beans (including me).
I was on CS/flex.
Barista #1 was DTO/DTR.
Barista #2 was on bar.
The shift was apparently on front and ovens.
The barista on lunch was on front bar and cold bar prior to her "leaving".
I did communicate with #2 on the frappuccino. She was messing with a refresher (with modifications so she was reading the sticker). I even was like "hey [#2] does this frappuccino need done?" And she was like "yeah, could you finish it for me? This customer has so many modifications..." so I got it together and put it in the blender only to find the SSV like "CS!" By that time #2 was finishing up the refresher and would be able to focus on the frappuccino so I said "hey I'm moving back to CS, the frappuccino just needs finished" and she's like "thank you!"
I totally agree with you on the 3-person play versus 8-person play. I wouldn't move around/flex with a higher number of baristas in play, because I know that I'd just be in the way and it would mess with their sequencing. However, with how few of baristas we had, some flexing is necessary so drive thru times stay low, especially with a frappuccino in the mix.
I also agree with needing better communication. My manager has been mentioning using some type of cards for deployment and play. I've seen them before but have never used them, but I think they'll probably help cuz a lot of us are green beans (including me).
thesnowywife 1 points 2y ago
We definitely don’t make our own drinks at my store unless we are absolutely slammed and that’s the only way you get your drink without waiting thirty minutes for it. We aren’t even allowed to ring ours in. We have to wait in line and order like everyone else.
MayhemBiker94 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Oof. That's rough.
My store isn't that busy. I've had enough time to make the DTR and DTO drinks to try... if I ever wanted to do a barista Tik Tok account... I'd have time to do it 😂
My store isn't that busy. I've had enough time to make the DTR and DTO drinks to try... if I ever wanted to do a barista Tik Tok account... I'd have time to do it 😂
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