Basically repeat everything they say asap like “you wanted a grande iced decaf americano with a splash of sweet cream and an order of our bacon bites” or whatever they’re getting. Say things as soon as you hear them and don’t be afraid to ask the cars to pull up further or something. You’ll do great. Wear sunscreen!!!

Make sure your headsets stay on internally (the green/red flashing, sometimes you have to hold the button and that’s annoying. Google it to see how to change the setting on the headset, I don’t remember the button combination right now). To be as clear as possible when communicating the drink inside the store, make sure you you confirm there’s no further alterations to the drink before you repeat it back for your customer and baristas. Always ask for food items first so your oven partner can get those going asap since items can take up to a minute to prepare, and you’re trying to keep your OTW times below 52s. Make sure you test print your HHOP at least an hour before your peak starts because sometimes it glitches, sometimes it needs a restart, and you want your partner heading out as soon as you start to get a stack. Take the order from the speaker box while you walk to the next car to keep your stack steady and seamless.

Outside of peak, don’t forget your handheld is a tool. As an SSV, I use the HHOP to take orders from the back room while doing my thaw to help my bar barista maintain a stack and keep our OTW times lower while I do my 3hr thaw. I also use it from my oven when I’m not earning a DTO. I’ve seen my baristas use it from the lobby while they’re doing their CS cycle. I’ve seen my pre-closers use it between doing dishes so we can close and get out faster.

The point of the HHOP is to increase the length of your stack (the number of cars between the window and the order point), because every car you have in the stack increases the amount of time you have to prepare the beverages before they get to your window. The secondary point of the HHOP is to increase your customer connections because a smiling face is more personable to customers than a speaker box. Make sure you’re asking how their day is, and getting to know your DT regulars while you’re outside.

Do not forget sun protection, ask your SM to order visors or hats, ask your SM to purchase sunscreen for your use. Ideally, partners only stay outside for 30 minutes at a time then switch. If it’s inclement weather (heavy rain or extreme temperatures below 40* or above 90*), then they shouldn’t ask you to go outside.

Otherwise, have fun with it, be prepared to be asked why you’re out there and make some fun jokes about it. Our CC score went up 10pts and our OTW times went down to 55s average for the weeks we got into the habit of using the HHOP. When the OTW times are down, it helps the COSD as well which affects labor and gives you that extra partner you need for peak.