Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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SM doesn’t care about so many things that seem like they should be important, including things that are health code violations. Is there anything I can do? (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by HappyBarista
Like extremely messy counters covered with liquids, fruit pieces, milk spills etc., milks and whips being left out (30+ min without being used), partners throwing ice/espresso beans at each other, putting the drink/food stickers on each other…etc. Seriously worked morning peak where 3-5 people have multiple stickers all over them. Customers will say something to the barista and the barista says “I know, it’s a game we play.”
We are NOT on the playground! We’re at WORK! I know milk is being used that’s well over 50 even 60 degrees.
Edit to add an update:
This morning I was working but I was not the ssv in charge. I took a call, customer said they just came through the drive through and they “don’t know WHAT is in their cup but it’s rancid!”
Long story short, customer ordered a soy latte, no foam. They brought the drink back in and it was as thick as pudding and had a few small green spots!! I could feel my gag reflex starting!
Do you think everyone will all learn to put the milks away now???? We’ll see!!🤷🏻♀️
We are NOT on the playground! We’re at WORK! I know milk is being used that’s well over 50 even 60 degrees.
Edit to add an update:
This morning I was working but I was not the ssv in charge. I took a call, customer said they just came through the drive through and they “don’t know WHAT is in their cup but it’s rancid!”
Long story short, customer ordered a soy latte, no foam. They brought the drink back in and it was as thick as pudding and had a few small green spots!! I could feel my gag reflex starting!
Do you think everyone will all learn to put the milks away now???? We’ll see!!🤷🏻♀️
Psychoegorl 17 points 1y ago
I mean yeah anything that violates health codes is a big no no but there’s nothing wrong with having fun as long as you’re getting your work done. I doubt it’s feasible to try to do anything about it, you’re a barista. It’s truly not your job to worry about it and is probably over your pay grade.
awesomechief989 4 points 1y ago
Im not the only one who thinks this! The spills… I’ve seen bad stores I mean they’re not going in drinks, don’t get me wrong I hate that kinda thing so I keep my area dry but if it’s busy it can be hard for some people. But really the only problem I see is the milk/whips here. But is it a crime to have a lil fun at work, especially such an over stressed and underpaid one??
HappyBarista [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I’m not a barista. I’m actually an ssv.
throwaway1209340987 3 points 1y ago
As an SSV, you’re totally allowed to pull policy on partners (barista or otherwise) who are not following standards. You may have to set boundaries around being silly at work — have a conversation about the difference between having fun at work and letting fun get in the way of basic operations and/or relationships with customers. You have to take that initiative and have those conversations in the moment if you want anything to change, it’s your floor.
HappyBarista [OP] 5 points 1y ago
I think a big part of the problem is that I’m new to this store and I’m the only one who is saying anything about putting milks/whips away. I brought it up the first time with my SM. They SEEMED to agree with my point that we are not really busy enough for the milks to ever really be sitting out. Maybe for two hours during morning peak but that’s it. The SM said “Yes, the milks and whips should always be put away and not left out on the counter.” I let the SM know during the course of two shifts (I was NOT the ssv in charge at the time) I had temp’ed 6 different milks that were sitting out and they were all over 50. I said that meant we had to pour out all of those! During the next shift huddle we were told to make sure we are coaching everyone to put the milks/whips away. I said “Ok. And if we see one sitting out it has to be temp’ed. if it’s over 41 it has to be dumped out.” The SM said “But Let’s just keep coaching. I’d rather coach people.” Like just coach? The way the SM said that was like they do NOT want us to throw away the milk even if it’s too warm. I’m telling you this SM is different than any of my others. They set the tone and it’s a bad deal. I’m not the only one who sees it either. We also have a new DM and so we don’t know if they would hear us out or side with the SM. There’s a problem with our SM showing favoritism toward one ssv and some of the baristas. It’s a mess.
throwaway1209340987 1 points 1y ago
I get that, it’s rough especially if you transfer in as an SSV. If your SM isn’t supporting you enough, I definitely recommend talking with the other SSV’s. In my experience, coaching moments go much more smoothly when all shifts can agree on both priorities and biggest problem points in the everyday operations.
If you’re the only shift keeping on top of these things and coaching these things, baristas will fall out of the habit when working with other shifts who don’t enforce those things, which is basically in possible to fix without the support of your other shifts. Your SM sounds exactly like my old SM — I can totally empathize, and it’s *rough*.
If the milk is out of temp, as per standards, toss it. Iirc, there is a time window (30 mins?) during which things can be out of temp and not need to be tossed. Review the standards, make sure you’re confident in them, and you can even print them out and post them somewhere. If your store has a group chat, I’d also post it there and just let everyone know what the standards are and *why*.
In my experience, the why is key. If baristas are following standards that seem arbitrary they are more likely to forget and/or ignore it, but if you can explain the reasoning behind it it’s definitely more likely to stick.
If you’re the only shift keeping on top of these things and coaching these things, baristas will fall out of the habit when working with other shifts who don’t enforce those things, which is basically in possible to fix without the support of your other shifts. Your SM sounds exactly like my old SM — I can totally empathize, and it’s *rough*.
If the milk is out of temp, as per standards, toss it. Iirc, there is a time window (30 mins?) during which things can be out of temp and not need to be tossed. Review the standards, make sure you’re confident in them, and you can even print them out and post them somewhere. If your store has a group chat, I’d also post it there and just let everyone know what the standards are and *why*.
In my experience, the why is key. If baristas are following standards that seem arbitrary they are more likely to forget and/or ignore it, but if you can explain the reasoning behind it it’s definitely more likely to stick.
Perfect-Leadership58 7 points 1y ago
you can submit an anonymous request to ur health department with details, just don’t say ur an employee
HappyBarista [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you for that idea!!😃
[deleted] 5 points 1y ago
[deleted]
persona-2 5 points 1y ago
If your SM won’t do anything have you called the health people? Ecosure will make them get into compliance. They check like milk temps and food safety stuff on a “random” inspection.
HappyBarista [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I haven’t called anyone. The store is less than a year old and I’m so surprised at how neglected some things look already. I’m not new to Sbux but I am new to this store. I’m not trying to “rock the boat” or anything. I just see SO many bad habits that the SM isn’t addressing at all.
persona-2 7 points 1y ago
Email the DM, but it will be known who you are.
Ecosure should be able to anonymous.
Ecosure should be able to anonymous.
HappyBarista [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you! I would like to do something anonymously!!
sleepythyme07 2 points 1y ago
Have you had a conversation with your SM about this? If you have and they've brushed you off I would probably call and/or email your DM to discuss your concerns with them. Any good SM or DM should care a great deal about food safety and the appearance of their store to customers, if your SM doesn't seem motivated to address these issues your DM needs to know!
Torirock10 2 points 1y ago
bro 🤢
HappyBarista [OP] 3 points 1y ago
I know! I’m hoping an SM sees this and responds with some good advice.
dazedandconfusedhere 1 points 1y ago
Problem: milks being left out, absolutely. Spills not being cleaned (sometimes things happen, but if it’s being left even when there’s a lull in business that’s a problem)
Not a problem: stickers on each other (unless the partners being stickered don’t want to be)
May be problematic: throwing ice and beans. I’ve thrown an ice cube at a friend before but not as a regular thing
Right now, focus on the left out milks. Choose/prioritize your battles
Not a problem: stickers on each other (unless the partners being stickered don’t want to be)
May be problematic: throwing ice and beans. I’ve thrown an ice cube at a friend before but not as a regular thing
Right now, focus on the left out milks. Choose/prioritize your battles
HappyBarista [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you😊
Yes, when there’s a lull they play around instead of putting milks away and cleaning the counters.
Because the morning baristas stand around talking when there aren’t any customers they don’t do anything that would help out the afternoon/evening shift. I work both and I see this is a pattern. Of course the SM only works mornings and favors the morning crew. It’s causing division in the store. I’ve worked in several other stores and had multiple other SM’s and this is the first time I’ve been in this situation. I just know how great things COULD be because I’ve had great experiences with other Sbux partners.
Yes, when there’s a lull they play around instead of putting milks away and cleaning the counters.
Because the morning baristas stand around talking when there aren’t any customers they don’t do anything that would help out the afternoon/evening shift. I work both and I see this is a pattern. Of course the SM only works mornings and favors the morning crew. It’s causing division in the store. I’ve worked in several other stores and had multiple other SM’s and this is the first time I’ve been in this situation. I just know how great things COULD be because I’ve had great experiences with other Sbux partners.
salaciainthedepths 0 points 1y ago
Just from a health code perspective - you are fine to leave out milks and whips for upto 4 hours, as long as they are used within those 4 hours (UK law, may differ depending where you live). Counters get messy, that’s not for SMs to deal with - they’re looking at big picture stuff. None of what you described is actually ‘important’ to a SM. None of anything else you described is against health code or even against Starbucks policies. It’s a minimum wage job, let people have fun!
Ordinary-Theory-8289 2 points 1y ago
Yeah everything they have issue with here would fall on them as the ssv on duty. The SM has other things to worry about than spilled milk lol
noahaiken -2 points 1y ago
Are you paid enough to care this much??
Dillonitis -1 points 1y ago
Unionize
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