As someone who loves customer connections and repressing my anxiety here are some things that help. Complements go a long way, nail polish, shirts, bags. A simple oh your nails look so nice! Brighten a persons day. Tell little kids hi the parents like when people acknowledge their little ones. Some of my older regulars just like when you know their order, Abe tell it to them in a question; “grande dark roast right?”. Little things go a long way. No one will be mad for remembering the little things. As someone with anxiety I think the little things go so far!

Open ended questions work pretty well. "What did you do this weekend?" "Looking forward to anything this week?" "Where are you headed?" And then just appropriate comments follow up questions. If people say "Nothing" in response I usually just ramble a bit about having a lazy weekend/day can be so nice sometimes. If the say "work", I will ask what they do, how they got into it, how long they have been doing it. Lots of conversations sound similar, but that's okay since the customer is unaware of that fact. People also love to talk about their kids/pets.

Funny story time - was asking questions to a guy and he was giving uninterested and one word answers. Normally I would just stop trying to force it but my SM was right next to me, so I kept trying. Eventually I asked if he came to SBux very often and got "No, I hate how much you guys talk." And you know what? He's right.

Massive introvert here and when I first started to really delve into making those connections, I asked them how their day was going, if they had any fun plans for the day, if it's a Friday, any plans for the weekend.

I hate HATE small talk but even asking how their enjoying the weather really opens up a lot talking points.

I don't know what shift you're usually working, but I always ask if they're headed home (after 5pm) or on their way to work (before 9 am).

I was also told by a DM to try to carry on the conversation from POS to bar so it's one seamless conversation. That's easier for me, as Tarbucks barista since our bar is tiny comparatively.

Ask them if they have any plans for Halloween, what their favorite candy is, if they're going to dress up.

You've got this!

I find complaining works. such as “the shortages are driving me/us [the store] nuts too.” Or I talk to customers about their plans, my plans, their kids/grandkids, etc.

compliment their drink "Excellent choice, that's one of my favorites too" or mention the weather "It's been so lovely out, enjoy the rest of your afternoon! / This weather is awful, drive safe!"