Generally, expectations of customer service are very different in the US than in Europe. Americans working in many customer service positions but especially food service are expected to *always* smile, be very friendly, and act like they're having a wonderful time. If Americans go to another country and don't know about that cultural difference, treatment the rest of the world sees as normal can come across as rude.

Starbucks in particular takes this to another level by claiming they want every customer to feel like their barista made an effort to get to know them. This goal is pushed very hard onto baristas. I'm supposed to make a personal conversation with every customer as I'm serving their drink. That's unrealistic and even many American Starbucks customers find it a little weird when their barista is asking them what they do for work and what their plans are for the rest of the day.

Yep. I moved from Germany to the US and during peak etc. they want you to be ultra hyper chatty, to strangers, to everyone.

It’s ridiculous and strange to me. I worked there transitionally for a couple of months (in LA) to pay the bills etc. but the chattiness is sth I can tell people from CA love that shit…

It is the one part of my job I really hate. I am usually in the drive through window for 6 hours and the constant need for chit-chat kills me. I don't understand it at all.

people like my mom LOVE the little chit-chat and will get on these long, unrelated conversation on the phone with CS operators, lol.

I am not like that, in fact i dont talk about my business (professional and personal) to strangers. I'd like my barista to be efficient and consistent in making my coffee as I ordered it. If there's time for chit-chat about the weather or sportsball or the stock market, fine, whatever.

Customer connections are generally considered a big part of our role as baristas. However this can vary between store managers. Some are more relaxed about it while others take it very seriously. At my current store partners at window are encouraged to learn customer's names, where they are headed, if their day has been going well, etc. It's mostly fine I guess but it does make customers feel more entitled and more likely to snap at us. I especially hate when entitled customers make a fuss, we apologize and try to make the moment right, only for them to just continue to yell at us. Cherry on top when an SM gives them recovery cards 🤦🏻‍♀. How do you guys handle customer connection reports?

It’s not a Starbucks thing. Americans from the USA are very friendly and chatty. Of course excluding the Karen’s.
Old lady at a craft store. oh hey that’s a nice a hair color

Chick with purple hair: omg thanks. Omg I love your sweater. My nana had one just like it but she has passed

Old lady: I’m sorry sweetheart.
Well you take care. Bye