Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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XSnapCracklePopX 229 points 1y ago
Can confirm, you can cause cardiac arrhythmias and can cause them to be severely sick (in theory, they could even code). If they do have an arrhythmia it means IV meds or a cardiovert (shocking the person). Additionally, you can cause electrolyte and fluid imbalance if they’re on a diuretic pill because caffeine is a diuretic and can cause more water excretion. People can be sensitive to caffeine intake as well.
The human body is fun and you shouldn’t be a dick about someone wanting decaf because some people like the taste of coffee/want to enjoy it every now and again.
The human body is fun and you shouldn’t be a dick about someone wanting decaf because some people like the taste of coffee/want to enjoy it every now and again.
spacespecterr 72 points 1y ago
thanks for the medical info! i knew there were actual health concerns at stake, but i wasn’t sure exactly how to describe the dangers or put them into the proper words myself.
caffeine sensitivity in and of itself is no joke. i have it; i can literally not have ANY caffeine aside from teas/refreshers. if someone were to give me caffeine when i asked for decaf, or something without caffeine in general, then it would mess my stomach up for quite possibly days at a time. i could not imagine doing that to a customer just because they were rude/inconvenienced me.
caffeine sensitivity in and of itself is no joke. i have it; i can literally not have ANY caffeine aside from teas/refreshers. if someone were to give me caffeine when i asked for decaf, or something without caffeine in general, then it would mess my stomach up for quite possibly days at a time. i could not imagine doing that to a customer just because they were rude/inconvenienced me.
XSnapCracklePopX 54 points 1y ago
Yuuup, as an ER tech and nursing student I’ve learned a lot in terms of the body, but have actually come back to SBux to pursue software engineering at ASU. You really shouldn’t mess with ANYONE’s order from an ethical standpoint. I recall when Sbux had specific mugs for milks and everything because they were concerned about cross contamination from sensitivities (nut, egg, dairy…) and you’d even have to sanitize something if there was assumed contamination.
We are literally paid to make drinks/warm food, if someone is picky, let them be picky. I used to always ask for soy because I cannot handle dairy in large amounts, a partner got shitty with me when I had a flat white that tasted like Skim milk. I asked them to remake it and they bitched the whole time. I know how easy it is to make a mistake, but if you catch it, correct it, don’t shrug it off. A person can cause serious harm from not acknowledging a mistake!
We are literally paid to make drinks/warm food, if someone is picky, let them be picky. I used to always ask for soy because I cannot handle dairy in large amounts, a partner got shitty with me when I had a flat white that tasted like Skim milk. I asked them to remake it and they bitched the whole time. I know how easy it is to make a mistake, but if you catch it, correct it, don’t shrug it off. A person can cause serious harm from not acknowledging a mistake!
BatWeary 53 points 1y ago
i feel like partners switching out nondairy for regular milk is way too common. we ran out of oat milk the other day and instead of waiting for someone who ordered it to show up for their mobile, i saw a barista make the drink with 2% and say “haha i guess this girl isn’t getting her fancy ass milk today! she’ll be fine with some 2%. i hate people who act like they’re too good for dairy.”
i’ve never met a single person who drinks nondairy because they think they’re “too good” for dairy. literally everyone i know drinks nondairy because they will shit their pants otherwise. thankfully i caught the customer right as she was grabbing the drink and i let her know what happened. turns out she has a dairy allergy and would have had developed a nasty rash had she drank the 2%
i’ve never met a single person who drinks nondairy because they think they’re “too good” for dairy. literally everyone i know drinks nondairy because they will shit their pants otherwise. thankfully i caught the customer right as she was grabbing the drink and i let her know what happened. turns out she has a dairy allergy and would have had developed a nasty rash had she drank the 2%
spacespecterr 49 points 1y ago
dairy allergies can be fatal, too. that partner should not have their job if they think people who order nondairy milks are doing it just to be “fancy.” that’s fucked up.
KatsyM 26 points 1y ago
Not Starbucks related, but similar sentiment - I’m vegetarian, and am super excited that Carl’s Jr. offers a vegetarian burger option now. I go there semi regularly (even though it’s not the most healthy), and order it. About 6 months ago I ordered but didn’t asked for no onions because they were very busy and I figured I was fine to pick them off myself. I’ve worked a lot of food service and I understand small changes like that do slow things down, especially on a burger they already have to do an extra step for (put a special sticker on the wrapper) - so I open up my burger once I’m home to pull the onions off, and there is a little hunk of beef patty pressed into the center of the bottom bun. I don’t understand why someone would go out of their way to mess with someone’s food. Especially when I know I was polite. People who choose something that is *on the menu* for whatever reason, ethical or allergy, deserve to be given what they are ordered and not fucked with. I mean - how do you think the average American would feel if they found out someone was slipping meat from an animal *they* don’t want to eat (cats, dogs, raccoons, squirrels, whatever) into their food? Would it be funny to them? I seriously am so disappointed in people and their inability to respect the choices of others. It’s pretty easy.
heyzeusmaryandjoseph 20 points 1y ago
Yeah. My sister has severe alphagal from a tick from over the summer and can't have dairy in large quantities.
14 years with Starbucks and I've never knowingly served someone the incorrect dairy or espresso no matter how shitty they are. And if I second guess myself, I let them know and remake it. Don't be a shitty person and stoop to their level
14 years with Starbucks and I've never knowingly served someone the incorrect dairy or espresso no matter how shitty they are. And if I second guess myself, I let them know and remake it. Don't be a shitty person and stoop to their level
4shotsin 1 points 1y ago
😲
spacespecterr 23 points 1y ago
i remember the different mugs — the different steaming pitchers and blenders too. and the separate tongs, for nut contamination risks. none of that stuff is even in place anymore, which baffles me!
and it really feels like the partners care less and less about the customer, which… i dunno. even the worst customer doesn’t deserve to have their life/health put at risk just because their barista is in a bad mood or has been pissed off. a lot of us get mad over the dumbest shit, not to mention; i’m guilty of it, too, lol. but imagine ordering a decaf soy latte for allergen reasons and, because your barista finds your order “obnoxious,” that being tampered with. it could hurt you, but in the very worst case scenario it could land you in the hospital.
people need to think more about others is what it seems to boil down to. and i am SO sorry that partner treated you that way! i go out of my way to be extra nice to my fellow partners, even WHEN they have EXTREMELY annoying orders. and let’s be real: most of us do.
and it really feels like the partners care less and less about the customer, which… i dunno. even the worst customer doesn’t deserve to have their life/health put at risk just because their barista is in a bad mood or has been pissed off. a lot of us get mad over the dumbest shit, not to mention; i’m guilty of it, too, lol. but imagine ordering a decaf soy latte for allergen reasons and, because your barista finds your order “obnoxious,” that being tampered with. it could hurt you, but in the very worst case scenario it could land you in the hospital.
people need to think more about others is what it seems to boil down to. and i am SO sorry that partner treated you that way! i go out of my way to be extra nice to my fellow partners, even WHEN they have EXTREMELY annoying orders. and let’s be real: most of us do.
XSnapCracklePopX 23 points 1y ago
I have noticed that upon my return, I wanna say Covid in general has changed people. I’ve definitely seen it in the hospitals as people are nastier about their care (one main reason I’m no longer a PT/FT technician). And I wish I could say I’ve not seen it from my own partners. Like I get it’s stressful, I know it sucks when a customer sends back a drink when you’ve got ten others to do, however, taking a breath and acknowledging that something isn’t right should happen. I’ve been attempting to coach in the moment (since I’m a cert. trainer) but they don’t care, they’re not receptive to the communication. I try to be super nice to anyone walking in because of an experience I had as a partner prior to my rehire.
*
I had floated to another store around the corner from my home store and saw someone I went to school with. Me being shy, I knew his name, but couldn’t have an extended conversation because SBUX life lol. So I wrote his cup, contemplated “asking” his name and then finished out the order. I threw his name on it even though he’d never said it.
I hear the girl on bar call his name and then look back to see if he noticed anything and no, he didn’t. He grabbed it and left. About a week later, I had my FB open and he sent me a message along the lines of “You work at Starbucks don’t you? I thought it was you. I just wanna say thank you for reaching out, I’ve been feeling down the past few weeks and it was nice having you put my name on a cup and remembering me. You brought some happiness to my day and brightens my mood.” I’ve held onto that experience ever since because when you make an attempt at a connection, it could mean the world to someone. ❤️
*
I had floated to another store around the corner from my home store and saw someone I went to school with. Me being shy, I knew his name, but couldn’t have an extended conversation because SBUX life lol. So I wrote his cup, contemplated “asking” his name and then finished out the order. I threw his name on it even though he’d never said it.
I hear the girl on bar call his name and then look back to see if he noticed anything and no, he didn’t. He grabbed it and left. About a week later, I had my FB open and he sent me a message along the lines of “You work at Starbucks don’t you? I thought it was you. I just wanna say thank you for reaching out, I’ve been feeling down the past few weeks and it was nice having you put my name on a cup and remembering me. You brought some happiness to my day and brightens my mood.” I’ve held onto that experience ever since because when you make an attempt at a connection, it could mean the world to someone. ❤️
DingusFringle 2 points 1y ago
You know that decafe is still full of caffeine (albeit less). When I was a barista I would always make sure to ask people getting decafe or refreshers if they knew the caffeine amount /had any medical conditions(I know refreshers aren't decafe and are extra caffeinated but most customers I came across had no idea, thought it was essentially juice and that decafe meant no caffeine). If they ever said they had a heart condition I would suggest something else/caution them.
Most people with cardiac issues can have a single cup of coffee but shouldn't. You serving them isn't likely going to kill them on the spot like this person is suggesting but it's certainly not good and can cause issues for sure. Bottom line though, medical condition or not if someone orders a drink you should make it how it's ordered.
Most people with cardiac issues can have a single cup of coffee but shouldn't. You serving them isn't likely going to kill them on the spot like this person is suggesting but it's certainly not good and can cause issues for sure. Bottom line though, medical condition or not if someone orders a drink you should make it how it's ordered.
vkapadia 12 points 1y ago
"full of caffeine (albeit less)" is not totally accurate. Decaf has only about 2% the caffeine content of regular.
DingusFringle 2 points 1y ago
I'm just pointing out that decafe still has caffeine and some people fresh out of say getting an ICD shouldn't have any caffeine. Others who've been stabilized can have some decafe -typically one cup per day.
Its less common for cardiac patients to be told that they can't have any caffeine. But that's why it's important to ask Imo. I've can't count the times ppl haven't realized decafe still has caffeine in it.
Even if it's not a.safety issues they may be getting a test that day ex)stress test where they can't consume caffeine. Consuming it isn't going to hurt them but it's going to alerter their results . Hence providing people with information.
Its less common for cardiac patients to be told that they can't have any caffeine. But that's why it's important to ask Imo. I've can't count the times ppl haven't realized decafe still has caffeine in it.
Even if it's not a.safety issues they may be getting a test that day ex)stress test where they can't consume caffeine. Consuming it isn't going to hurt them but it's going to alerter their results . Hence providing people with information.
vkapadia 1 points 1y ago
True, it's always better to provide the information.
XSnapCracklePopX 4 points 1y ago
Actually I worked with a nurse in the ED. she had messed up her order (mobile or someone got one for her or something) and she actually had palpitations and her rate went up to 170 on an EKG. so yeah, having a 16oz of coffee can likely kill someone. She ended up getting an aminodorone drip and being admitted in the cardiac wing of the hospital.
DingusFringle -1 points 1y ago
I never said it couldn't kill anyone. I said 'most people' there's always outliers. I was trying to emphasize that you should question people . Although a heart rate of 170 isn't ideal that's most often not lethal unless prolonged. Most people when they're doing mild exercising have a heart rate of 180BPM. Depends highly on their pre-existing health conditions /cardiac history.
Most PRN orders for patients that are chronically tachy only get initiated above 170BPM. What I'm getting at is it depends on the individual and their condition/history.
Most PRN orders for patients that are chronically tachy only get initiated above 170BPM. What I'm getting at is it depends on the individual and their condition/history.
Erbearlee 205 points 1y ago
I don’t know anyone who would do this. Give decaf instead of regular if you piss me off? Sure, even though that’s wrong too. But it’s not physically dangerous. Giving caffeine to someone who asked for decaf can cause so many problems and health concerns are not always visual. Especially heart problems.
spacespecterr 49 points 1y ago
right???? it really shocked me to see — not only from one person, but from MULTIPLE.
Hench_LV_15D 37 points 1y ago
Report it.
geedarnit 27 points 1y ago
Report them before they kill someone 😟
iluvchoccymilk 23 points 1y ago
great ex of this - had someone ask for a crème Frappuccino and I was about to hand it out when I realized it had frap roast in it. I let them know that I’ll have it remade and they were thankful bc the Frappuccino was for their child who has autism, so that would definitely not be very good to say the least. Just one example of why you shouldn’t add caffeine
ImpressionMammoth 57 points 1y ago
I’ve never heard of or seen this first hand but that’s terrifying. You could legitimately kill someone. Have I personally given decaf instead of caffeine? Of course. If you have enough energy to scream at me, you don’t need caffeine lmao. The reverse is just cruel.
spacespecterr 16 points 1y ago
cruel, dangerous, and lowkey sociopathic. the commenter in question acted like it was a really great “gotcha!” moment… but i read the whole comment and thought, but what if that woman had been pregnant? you could have hurt her AND her baby. you don’t know what’s going on with another person’s body so this is something i just cannot stand for.
ImpressionMammoth 5 points 1y ago
That’s even more terrifying. Like, the gotcha part. That person should absolutely be reported. 😔
cryingoverspiltmiIk 2 points 1y ago
Hey this isn’t okay either. “Don’t mess with people’s food” is pretty much the number one rule of food service. You never know why someone needs their coffee- maybe they’re sleep deprived and relying on the boost of energy to make it home safe. No matter the reason though, you really should just be giving people what they order.
spookyboi13 49 points 1y ago
i take caffeine sensitivity very seriously. i used to not be able to drink it due to a medication, and then after i went off it, i stopped drinking it excessively because of panic attacks. i treat it like advil. i drink just enough to get me where i need to go. (plus addiction/sobriety reasons have me re-evaluating my relationship to it as well but)
personal anecdote time!! i used to be a dunkin iced coffee guy. then i went on a diuretic for a medical condition. i learned very quickly how terrifying caffeine can be. so id ask for decaf iced coffee. but then theyd give me regular. so i switched to the sbux up the road. they were really chill there, and never caffeinated me.
the store was super close to my doctors office too so id go there as a pick me up after all the stress medical tests can be.
then when i got better half a year later, i saw they were hiring. and here i am :>
personal anecdote time!! i used to be a dunkin iced coffee guy. then i went on a diuretic for a medical condition. i learned very quickly how terrifying caffeine can be. so id ask for decaf iced coffee. but then theyd give me regular. so i switched to the sbux up the road. they were really chill there, and never caffeinated me.
the store was super close to my doctors office too so id go there as a pick me up after all the stress medical tests can be.
then when i got better half a year later, i saw they were hiring. and here i am :>
BatWeary 31 points 1y ago
even if the person is the biggest asshole i’ve ever met, if i have the tiniest doubt that i pulled regular shots on accident i’m remaking that drink. i’ll decaf someone all day, but i’m not going to give someone who asked for decaf regular. i’m not going to take a chance on killing somebody because i’m petty
spacespecterr 3 points 1y ago
fucking exactly. it’s inhumane to think of yourself is morally superior when what you’re doing puts that other person more at risk than whatever it is they did to annoy you. honestly… you’d be willing to physically hurt someone just bc they got on your nerves? go to therapy. find a different job. jesus christ, man.
spinonesarethebest 30 points 1y ago
Decaf drinker here due to atrial fibrillation issues. I can tell when I’ve been given caffeinated coffee and it seriously pisses me off.
After over 12 years without caffeine, it makes me a jittery asshole.
After over 12 years without caffeine, it makes me a jittery asshole.
spacespecterr 8 points 1y ago
man, i take ONE sip of a drink that has regular caffeine, and i know. my stomach immediately gets unsettled, no exaggeration. sometimes i get sick right away, too. it’s seriously not something to fuck around with.
bryceofswadia 27 points 1y ago
I would never give caffeine to someone who requested decaf, but I may or may not have given decaf to a gross old man that flirted with underage coworkers who ordered a Venti 4 shot Mocha.
spacespecterr 6 points 1y ago
ew you definitely should have done that and more. i’m so sorry that happened to your partners.
[deleted] [OP] 23 points 1y ago
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[deleted] [OP] -8 points 1y ago
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[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
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spacespecterr 14 points 1y ago
FYI, the comment left by the redditor was:
“Now she ordered half-caf so me being the stubborn person I am decided, imma give this bitch anything but half-caf. I put blonde. and only blonde. hope she didn’t sleep that night.”
seems pretty fucked up to me!
“Now she ordered half-caf so me being the stubborn person I am decided, imma give this bitch anything but half-caf. I put blonde. and only blonde. hope she didn’t sleep that night.”
seems pretty fucked up to me!
MarimBeth 7 points 1y ago
I think (as you can see by the comment thread) that partner is in the minority.
I personally have lost sleep over accidentally making caffinated decaf orders when as a borrowed partner no one mentioned they had BLONDE in the DECAF hopper. (The entire experience was miserable, but this part still haunts me).
I personally have lost sleep over accidentally making caffinated decaf orders when as a borrowed partner no one mentioned they had BLONDE in the DECAF hopper. (The entire experience was miserable, but this part still haunts me).
BrotatoChip04 13 points 1y ago
You can always decaf people but you can never ever caf people.
incubussy 12 points 1y ago
i have DEcafed people, but i would never do it the other way around. you really never know if there is a health reason for it, why risk it?
t3llm3m0re 10 points 1y ago
Exactly this. I’ll decaf someone who’s an asshole and got regular, but if someone orders decaf and is an asshole I’ll just put like a pump less of syrup in.
squidoflove 11 points 1y ago
I once overheard a borrowed partner offer blonde in place of decaf. (The customer politely declined, otherwise I would have interjected myself if they accepted to tell them the caffeine content). I tried correcting the partner after that conversation, he didn’t believe me that blonde actually has the most caffeine, so I casually asked our shift, “Hey, which coffee has the most caffeine?” “Blonde.” The borrowed partner didn’t like being corrected so he didn’t talk to me for the rest of the shift 🙃
spacespecterr 9 points 1y ago
LMFAAAOOOO, first of all — what the FUCK? why does this person even have a job if they don’t know the differences between blonde and decaf???? 😭
squidoflove 5 points 1y ago
Right? I didn’t get the chance to ask how long he had been with the company since he wouldn’t talk to me after 😂
AppaloosaLuver 11 points 1y ago
Like, my mother in law would start having palpitations if she got caffeine instead of decaf. My one friend would probably have a bad panic attack. I'd never give caffeine if someone didn't want it that just sounds at least rude and at most dangerous
Select_Swordfish_603 9 points 1y ago
I'm a newer barista, and if I accidentally make the drink with caffeine instead of decaf, I remake the entire drink. Don't care how long it takes me. I know not everyone's body can handle caffeine. Not once would I EVER give someone caffeinated who asked for decaf. Especially not on purpose
spacespecterr 4 points 1y ago
same. if i even THINK i may have used regular caffeine, i make the whole drink over to ensure that i did not.
tiredbarista61937 8 points 1y ago
Maybe some people do, but I think it’s generally regarded as bad and unsafe. If people are rude to me, I might make their fully caffeinated drink decaf, but I would NEVER give someone more caffeine than they asked for.
I’m guessing some people don’t really see the difference between making something decaf out of spite vs giving someone more of a chemical they may not be able to handle (which doesn’t excuse it of course)
I’m guessing some people don’t really see the difference between making something decaf out of spite vs giving someone more of a chemical they may not be able to handle (which doesn’t excuse it of course)
lcrow99 8 points 1y ago
I’ve pulled them by accident but I always start over
spacespecterr 5 points 1y ago
me too! it literally takes less than 30 seconds, and no matter how many drinks i make or remake — i’m getting paid the same amount. i really don’t care if i have to make that decaf latte twice as long as i’m not accidentally killing someone. ☠️ lol
JustViolet12_7_2_20 8 points 1y ago
Never seen it at starbuck but I used to work at a high end resort. People would often top off decafe with regular instead of waiting for another keg to brew
sofso 8 points 1y ago
i’ve never heard of anyone doing this. the other way round is definitely talked about though!
It_is_Katy 6 points 1y ago
I would never do that, personally. I'd also never give decaf to someone who ordered caffeine. For all I know, they're a doctor or nurse and need the caffeine to be alert and watch patients, or they're about to go on a 12 hour road trip and need to be alert so they don't doze off at the wheel. I don't care how big of an asshole they are--they're not so big of an asshole I want them to fall asleep and potentially endanger themselves or someone else.
spacespecterr 2 points 1y ago
yeah, i’ve only decaffed a handful of people in my years, and that’s because they were downright rotten to other partners. but the truth is we really should not be doing that, either, bc like you said — who knows what they’re on their way to do, or what they’re on their way back from.
will i pump less syrup? sure. put a little extra whip instead of topping the drink off with milk? maybe! but i rarely tamper with things, however, out of abject fear.
will i pump less syrup? sure. put a little extra whip instead of topping the drink off with milk? maybe! but i rarely tamper with things, however, out of abject fear.
4shotsin 5 points 1y ago
Actually my DM just asked me to create a plan to make this safer for customers to make sure they get the right drink ( Caffeine and non-dairy). Caffinating someone with a heart problem could definitely cause major issues. Even someone with anxiety...could cause them to have a panic attack. A true dairy allergy could be another huge issue. We need to be more conscience about this.
spacespecterr 5 points 1y ago
facts! and the thing is, we used to be more mindful! we used to have nondairy steaming pitchers, nondairy blenders, nondairy spoons, and different tongs for things in the case that could cause cross-contamination concerns.
these days, though, they just slap the warning label on our cases and call it a day. it’s not as “productive” to give a fuck, i guess.
these days, though, they just slap the warning label on our cases and call it a day. it’s not as “productive” to give a fuck, i guess.
goodtombs 5 points 1y ago
While I am in NO WAY excusing individuals who give the wrong type of espresso in a drink I think why baristas may not see the seriousness of this mistake is due to individuals with preferences rather than restrictions being assholes and micromanaging them. As someone with allergies I am entirely of the mind that preference or restriction either way you should get what you pay for but as someone who’s been yelled at over a simple mistake for something that wouldn’t have caused hard, I can see how some people may not think it’s that serious.
spacespecterr 2 points 1y ago
i understand entirely where you’re coming from, but again: this is our job. regardless of whether or not someone pisses me off, it’s my *responsibility* to make their drink right. especially in the instances of dairy alternatives and decaf espresso — not making those accommodations as requested could really do all sorts of harm. it doesn’t matter if we get yelled at all day, we still do not have the right to mess someone’s drink up in such a way that it could potentially do them harm.
this isn’t me trying to attack you or anything and i hope it doesn’t come across as too harsh, i just don’t think that us being tired of people having “preferences” is ever an excuse to not make the moment right. it should always be “that serious,” in the case of someone else’s life. people just shouldn’t trivialize it, ever, period.
this isn’t me trying to attack you or anything and i hope it doesn’t come across as too harsh, i just don’t think that us being tired of people having “preferences” is ever an excuse to not make the moment right. it should always be “that serious,” in the case of someone else’s life. people just shouldn’t trivialize it, ever, period.
goodtombs 0 points 1y ago
I do my job correctly. Don’t even work at Starbucks anymore I just stay on the sub Reddit because I continue to work at coffee shops and need reminders to never work for Starbucks again. I said at the top of my comment that I was in no way excusing people not doing their jobs correctly, I was just responding to you saying you don’t understand why any one would do it. I agree i also don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t do their job correctly. I’ve quit many jobs because of being the only one following protocol. I don’t think anyone should make drinks incorrectly, even by accident, but I was just offering a possible explanation as to why some people may not realize the seriousness of the problem.
SyerenGM 5 points 1y ago
No never heard of that, only the opposite.
miniinovaa 4 points 1y ago
So I know I’ve done this on *accident* should I be worried about that? I was thinking about it the other day…
spacespecterr 4 points 1y ago
as long as it wasn’t something you did on purpose, you’re okay! we all make mistakes sometimes. it’s definitely risky, so always be careful, but you’re fine. i promise! this post was made because i’ve seen people talk about doing this vengefully, not for people who make honest mistakes!
ContentAd490 3 points 1y ago
Caffeine sensitivity, heart problems, pregnancy, and more. All things to be aware of and taken seriously.
Also giving sugar free and not regular syrup for diabetics. As a former partner I have had other partners tell me it “doesn’t matter” and have encouraged me to give out an incorrectly made drink. I didn’t do that, of course, but that makes me think they definitely do and others probably have. It’s unfortunate and scary.
Also giving sugar free and not regular syrup for diabetics. As a former partner I have had other partners tell me it “doesn’t matter” and have encouraged me to give out an incorrectly made drink. I didn’t do that, of course, but that makes me think they definitely do and others probably have. It’s unfortunate and scary.
spacespecterr 2 points 1y ago
it’s terrifying. i’ve seen partners use almond or coconut in the place of soy without asking, and just THAT made me break out in a cold sweat. nut allergies exist — and they most likely have SOME sort of dietary restrictions, or they wouldn’t have gotten the dairy alternative in the first place.
ContentAd490 2 points 1y ago
Yes!! Once I worked for a licensed store (have worked both) and I came into my shift and ordered a drink with whipped cream. Turns out they ran out of vanilla and were putting hazelnut in the whip. I only noticed because it tasted weird and they proudly told me they subbed it out- without telling anyone. You can just change recipes?? For whipped cream??
DeliOck 3 points 1y ago
Could literally kill someone by giving them caffeine.
spacespecterr 0 points 1y ago
yet people wanna debate it like it’s even a question.
DeliOck 3 points 1y ago
Sometimes I remake peoples drink especially the elderly if I don’t remember if I used decaf or not, crazy that people would play with someone’s health like that.
darkwolf523 3 points 1y ago
I don’t.
s1ythe 3 points 1y ago
Yo that’s messed up. I’ve thought about giving decaf to someone who was rude and wanted regular coffee but never the other way around on purpose.
philosopher_cat_lady 3 points 1y ago
Please report them. Hell, report them to the police. Of course, it can be life-threatening. I've heard of baristas joking about giving customers a type of milk they're allergic to. My former shift supervisor was like, "That's not even funny, I would never joke about that."
It's so sick that any food service employee would think of doing things like this or actually do them. A woman recently pressed charges against a McDonald's employee who spit in her coffee and gave her COVID.
It's so sick that any food service employee would think of doing things like this or actually do them. A woman recently pressed charges against a McDonald's employee who spit in her coffee and gave her COVID.
spacespecterr 3 points 1y ago
since so many people are misunderstanding my point:
the comment that spurred this post was, in fact, about a malicious act performed out of frustration with a customer. i understand accidents happen, and even acknowledged it in another comment on this post, but that really wasn’t the point of this. it was just to address that doing this intentionally is not okay because it is dangerous.
and a small amount of caffeine in decaf is not the same as the actual 75mg of caffeine in our *regular* shots. this person gave a woman *full blonde shots* when she wanted half-caf. so 85mg of caffeine in each shot of blonde, for the drink she only wanted half caffeinated to begin with. that’s NOT okay. if you think it is, FIND A DIFFERENT JOB.
the comment that spurred this post was, in fact, about a malicious act performed out of frustration with a customer. i understand accidents happen, and even acknowledged it in another comment on this post, but that really wasn’t the point of this. it was just to address that doing this intentionally is not okay because it is dangerous.
and a small amount of caffeine in decaf is not the same as the actual 75mg of caffeine in our *regular* shots. this person gave a woman *full blonde shots* when she wanted half-caf. so 85mg of caffeine in each shot of blonde, for the drink she only wanted half caffeinated to begin with. that’s NOT okay. if you think it is, FIND A DIFFERENT JOB.
Trumps_left_bawsack 3 points 1y ago
I'll always double check I'm making a decaf drink decaf because I know some people can be really sensitive to it. The other way round is less of a issue but I would only deliberately do that if someone really, REALLY pissed me off.
Leaffrost101 3 points 1y ago
I dont like coffee in general but I can't have coffee levels of caffeine. And that's because I have caffeine sensitivity where I'll fall asleep if I drink coffee. And that's also true for fraps, a coworker accidentally made me a coffee frap and I struggled to stay awake the rest of my shift.
I've never decaffed anyone but I do take situations where someone asks for decaf seriously. I know avast caffeine does to me and I don't want it affecting active else in such a way
I've never decaffed anyone but I do take situations where someone asks for decaf seriously. I know avast caffeine does to me and I don't want it affecting active else in such a way
drinkliquidclocks 3 points 1y ago
Lol I've never heard someone say that, but yeah you definitely shouldn't be tampering with people's food in any way shape or form.
That being said, customers are taking the risk. Decaf coffee still contains up to 10mg of caffeine. Also, mistakes happen. If it's life threatening, you probably shouldn't risk it.
That being said, customers are taking the risk. Decaf coffee still contains up to 10mg of caffeine. Also, mistakes happen. If it's life threatening, you probably shouldn't risk it.
[deleted] [OP] 3 points 1y ago
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spacespecterr 2 points 1y ago
yep! my stomach problems make it impossible for me to have concentrated caffeine — even our chai gives me a stomachache sometimes, if i drink enough of it. but people don’t need that information to just give me the drink i’ve ordered, y’know?
[deleted] [OP] -1 points 1y ago
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drinkliquidclocks 0 points 1y ago
Lol I promise it's not a personal attack, I just said mistakes can happen. If the barista knew it wasn't decaf, that is not what a mistake is 😂
sh3nan1gans_ 2 points 1y ago
I’m a partner and have adhd, and too much caffeine makes me feel sick and can cause me to have seizures, so I’ll have to do half caf or decaf. If I see anyone have a decaf coffee order, I’ll always make sure that it’s actually decaf because I know the feeling
[deleted] [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I had one barista do this cause a customer was being “bitchy” when she ordered (she made one modification to her drink, and was mildly short with me). I was on the window and saw the girl on bar give her blonde shots instead, but didn’t have a chance to say anything. Lady pulls up to the window… and she’s like 6 months pregnant. I preemptively apologized for the delay, took her payment, and slid the window shut as I very politely told our shift what happened. Bar girl didn’t last much longer before leaving.
spacespecterr 1 points 1y ago
jesus fucking christ.
and this is why we don’t do it, man. this, among plenty of other reasons.
and this is why we don’t do it, man. this, among plenty of other reasons.
[deleted] [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Yeah. I decaffed a couple people who were unabashed assholes, I highly doubt you could kill someone by withholding caffeine, but giving it to people when they don’t want it can be dangerous.
Free_dumb- 2 points 1y ago
It does happen and many people lose there jobs because of it, this is routinely checked. There is a caffeine dipstick that is used randomly. If you do this you need to lose your job immediately.
spacespecterr 3 points 1y ago
where did you learn about a caffeine dipstick? not doubting you, just didn’t know it was a thing!
sero5074 2 points 1y ago
I never do purposefully, I have accidentally forgotten to hit the decaf button once and immediately stopped the espresso bc I was terrified to hurt someone unintentionally. I would never go out of my way to essentially “poison” someone for a cup of coffee even if they were rude or disrespectful. Not worth it!
Mcnugget_unlimited 2 points 1y ago
Like everyone else here never have I seen someone do this…maybe the other way around but still we don’t have the time or energy for that most of the time. I’m on autopilot and follow the sticker lol
rosebudftw 2 points 1y ago
I don’t know anyone who does this. Matter fact if I see I accidentally poured blonde I redo the drink bc sometimes I press blonde instead of decaf.
cimmnaminroll 2 points 1y ago
I wouldn't ever do this to a customer and luckily I don't think my coworkers do either.
I have a condition where even small amounts of caffeine in teas and even the lower amount in decaf coffee can set off pain flares in my pelvis. I've had it done to me before at a boba place where they probably thought I was being difficult for asking if they had caffeine free teas, and gave me a caffeinated one and It resulted in days of pain. People have their reasons for what they ask for so it's never a good idea to do things like give them full caff shots, the wrong milks, etc
I have a condition where even small amounts of caffeine in teas and even the lower amount in decaf coffee can set off pain flares in my pelvis. I've had it done to me before at a boba place where they probably thought I was being difficult for asking if they had caffeine free teas, and gave me a caffeinated one and It resulted in days of pain. People have their reasons for what they ask for so it's never a good idea to do things like give them full caff shots, the wrong milks, etc
spacespecterr 2 points 1y ago
similarly, if i have anything over my allotted caffeine limit, it’s an entire 24-48 hours of intense intestinal cramps/pains. maybe that’s why i find this issue to be one of such concern.
if small amounts of caffeine do that to me, i cannot imagine what it would do to someone with a worse condition. even if it’s not going to kill them, like, they shouldn’t have to deal with physical pain bc someone got annoyed/didn’t wanna do their job right.
idk how folks are in these comments fighting for their lives on this one. i really don’t get it.
if small amounts of caffeine do that to me, i cannot imagine what it would do to someone with a worse condition. even if it’s not going to kill them, like, they shouldn’t have to deal with physical pain bc someone got annoyed/didn’t wanna do their job right.
idk how folks are in these comments fighting for their lives on this one. i really don’t get it.
boothbygraffoe 2 points 1y ago
I worked for SB for about 3 years in the early 00’s and I still feel like a dick 20’years later, having been to tired and burned out to care when I did this. I only did it 3 or 4 times and there is no excuse I can give that makes it okay for me to have done it but I’ve also never worked for a company that said sooooo much about caring for its partners and then proved by actions at every turn, that they didn’t.
I still remember failing an exam after booking time off to study (3 days out of a week) only to end up being called in on all three days!
Sorry, this sorta turned into an r/antiwork rant…
I still remember failing an exam after booking time off to study (3 days out of a week) only to end up being called in on all three days!
Sorry, this sorta turned into an r/antiwork rant…
spacespecterr 1 points 1y ago
starbucks is a *great* company that does *great* things for its employees and i *totally mean that* without a single ounce of sarcasm or facetiousness *whatsoever.*
but real talk, while i do enjoy my job, i recognize that the company itself is a mess. i’m sorry you were exploited so terribly. i feel your pain — really, really feel it. 😅
but real talk, while i do enjoy my job, i recognize that the company itself is a mess. i’m sorry you were exploited so terribly. i feel your pain — really, really feel it. 😅
jared8562 2 points 1y ago
i’ve never heard of this ,some of my partners do the opposite which is fine ,but not this way.
spacespecterr 2 points 1y ago
i saw one person here mention it, and a while back (before i even had reddit) i saw some younger partners on tiktok talk about doing it. the comments were full of people saying “don’t do that shit,” thankfully, but i dunno. never in all my years have i heard of people doing this until recently, and either they’re grandstanding liars, or they’re legitimately putting people at risk.
meloscav 2 points 1y ago
The worst I did was give decaf to someone being sarcastic and rude. But no, I will always go out of my way to give the correct nondairy, sugar free syrup, and decaf when asked. I don’t want someone getting sick or injured
MrsClaireUnderwood 2 points 1y ago
This IS dangerous and can be life threatening because some people order decaf for health reasons involving the heart.
You should never be caffeinating customers that order decaf.
You should never be caffeinating customers that order decaf.
helgathehorriblez 2 points 1y ago
Honestly- I think accidentally it can and does happen, mostly unintentionally. Now- giving a problem customer decaf on the other hand… that may or may not be another story.
SailorMars2319 2 points 1y ago
I’ve only given decaf instead of regular to customers who are being assholes but if anyone else does it the other way around, there’s a place in hell
cassie4673 2 points 1y ago
Nah, and if I’ve ever seen this I would honestly be a snitch and talk to the manager. This can be a very dangerous thing to do.
spacespecterr 1 points 1y ago
i think this might be the only thing i’d snitch about, for sure.
ElectricalScience8 2 points 1y ago
never ever. i understand some customers can be assholes but i would never purposely give someone caffeinated shots or the wrong milk . that’s dangerous
spacespecterr 1 points 1y ago
omg yes, the wrong milk one, too!
if someone is ordering nondairy, NEVER give them dairy. dairy allergies can be deadly. had a lady once years ago that saw us use the dairy pitcher for her soy frap, and made us remake it, justifiably so: turns out that if she consumed any dairy whatsoever, it would put her right in the ER.
if someone is ordering nondairy, NEVER give them dairy. dairy allergies can be deadly. had a lady once years ago that saw us use the dairy pitcher for her soy frap, and made us remake it, justifiably so: turns out that if she consumed any dairy whatsoever, it would put her right in the ER.
jams1015 2 points 1y ago
I've never heard of anyone doing that, just the reverse: Decaffing people who order regular and then act like assholes.
sci-fi-lullaby 2 points 1y ago
No, I will deprive rude customers from caffeine though
nightskydoxus 2 points 1y ago
No of course not! But we do the opposite in very few cases of people specifically being assholes.
DingleberriesInMyBut 1 points 1y ago
I really hope there’s not baristas out there giving caffeine to people who ask for decaf…the most I’ve ever done was give decaf to people who wanted regular 😅
ittybittybakerkitty 1 points 1y ago
Nah, but I definitely decaf people who are rude
keskobalt 1 points 1y ago
Haven’t known anyone to actually do it in purpose maliciously only on accident. Although it is to know decaf doesn’t necessarily mean no caffeine I think it has to be labeled non caffeinated to mean no caffeine and I think our espresso decaf has a little caffeine in it less than regular but still there
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
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chellichelli 1 points 1y ago
Where are you hearing people say they're doing this? I've never heard of a barista anywhere that would do this.
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It is, though, entirely possible that this has happened on accident before. My last store never labled coffee when they'd put it in cubes. Now, I can tell the difference between decaf, Pike, espresso, blonde, etc on sight, but not everyone can, and mistakes happen.
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It is, though, entirely possible that this has happened on accident before. My last store never labled coffee when they'd put it in cubes. Now, I can tell the difference between decaf, Pike, espresso, blonde, etc on sight, but not everyone can, and mistakes happen.
spacespecterr 1 points 1y ago
this was the claim of someone saying they did it because the customer pissed them off.
not only that, but they claimed to have given them *blonde roast.*
not only that, but they claimed to have given them *blonde roast.*
chellichelli 2 points 1y ago
your post says "SEVERAL partners". But it's just one?
spacespecterr 2 points 1y ago
i have seen it mentioned on tiktok, too, man. i only have evidence of the one i saw here. it’s not about who did it, though, it’s about the fact that it shouldn’t be happening at ALL to begin with.
death2capitalism2 1 points 1y ago
NO! I will decaf a rude customer to hell but I will never give someone caffeine if they asked for decaf no matter the circumstances
glittergoddess1002 1 points 1y ago
I’ve never seen any one give caf to people who request decaf. I know personally, I never would. I take food allergies and sensitivities very seriously.
But I have seen people give decaf instead of caf when people are being rude.
But I have seen people give decaf instead of caf when people are being rude.
SaleLoud6355 1 points 1y ago
I agree thats wrong, i dont even like when my coworkers give rude customers decaf when they didnt request it- but it isnt life threatening because the decaf espresso still has caffeine in it
spacespecterr 3 points 1y ago
mild amounts of caffeine are not the same as copious amounts of it.
SaleLoud6355 1 points 1y ago
I see
[deleted] [OP] 1 points 1y ago
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mexicanitch -1 points 1y ago
So you haven't seen it but your work claims they do it? Ugh.
spacespecterr 2 points 1y ago
i should have clarified: the “seeing” mentioned in my OP was in regards to comments i’ve seen on both reddit and tiktok. i believe it’s newer/younger baristas who think they’re “sticking it to the man” by doing this shit, when in reality what they’re doing is putting others at risk.
mexicanitch -2 points 1y ago
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, so you personally haven't seen it? Meh. Unless they reveal their face, or fess up.. I doubt the number is that high. We work out in the open. People comment if I scratch my nails. Ugh. The customers are always watching. This now reads more like a paranoid thing? Idk but Ive never heard of it or see it.
spacespecterr 4 points 1y ago
bro i literally saw it on reddit in the comment section of a post ☠️ i’m not being paranoid but you should be taking shit like this more seriously bc it’s a fucking health hazard.
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