Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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I feel like I can’t help as much as I’d like to as an SSV (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by 5AV1OR
So I’ve been recently promoted to a morning SSV and one thing I am struggling with is at my store the SSV is always supposed to be up front. And the way my store is setup during peak all I can do is grab things from the back, run food, and make the occasional cold bar drink.
So I have a question for other SSVs in drive thru heavy stores (we are probably 80% drive 20% cafe during peak). Where are you guys normally at during peak? I feel like sometimes I could just help our drive times so much more if I was just on back bar or DTO but up front I feel so far away from my floor that I can’t even tell what they are waiting on consistently.
So I have a question for other SSVs in drive thru heavy stores (we are probably 80% drive 20% cafe during peak). Where are you guys normally at during peak? I feel like sometimes I could just help our drive times so much more if I was just on back bar or DTO but up front I feel so far away from my floor that I can’t even tell what they are waiting on consistently.
Kivic 12 points 9m ago
If you’re able to, place yourself as the CS or Expediter. You need to be able to watch your floors at all times. Be sure you’re available to your partners at all times. Doing CS helps you determine where the bottle neck is. You can then flex in and out of different positions (I.E. 2 partner cold bar, 2 partner warming[runner], MOP/cafe hand off).
Also talk to your partners, pump them up and coach them when needed. Being CS you’ll be able to do this pretty easily. Set the example with your actions and your pace. Follow your actions up with team and individual recognition. Ask for feedback on what works for your peak partners and get their opinion on how it’s operating.
I work in a similar cafe/DT and doing this helps get great connection scores and window times.
Also talk to your partners, pump them up and coach them when needed. Being CS you’ll be able to do this pretty easily. Set the example with your actions and your pace. Follow your actions up with team and individual recognition. Ask for feedback on what works for your peak partners and get their opinion on how it’s operating.
I work in a similar cafe/DT and doing this helps get great connection scores and window times.
5AV1OR [OP] 7 points 9m ago
I think a part of me also just misses being in the midst of things lol and I’ll probably get better at supporting my floor with more time as a SSV.
Kivic 6 points 9m ago
It’s a tough step. Try out different plays, you’ll find what works for you because every cafe is different.
5AV1OR [OP] 7 points 9m ago
But maybe I will try running more of a CS position when up front, our SM just pushes so much “you need to support warming” that I feel like I can’t leave them even though 85% the time they are fine
Kivic 6 points 9m ago
Definitely support warming when they are backed up and run their food. If they are on top of it though you can flex around.
5AV1OR [OP] 4 points 9m ago
We aren’t staffed enough to have CS or expediter :( we usually have DTW, DTO, BAR 1, Bar 2, Front, and sometimes warmer, and very rarely a CBS
Kivic 5 points 9m ago
In this case I would place myself at DTO, that way I can expedite. Control the line and you’re in the thick of bar. It takes some getting use to but, once your comfortable with it, you can also take orders and help with stocking, a little bit on bar(depending on your set up), and getting direct feedback from your bar partners. You’ll feel more in control that way.
If a problem arises at any register it’s a quick flex of a headset or position to take care of the problem and then back to DTO.
If a problem arises at any register it’s a quick flex of a headset or position to take care of the problem and then back to DTO.
5AV1OR [OP] 3 points 9m ago
This is what I believe as well, my SM says “DTO is the worst possible position for the Play Caller”
upsidedown_americano 3 points 9m ago
Literally pos is the WORST peak position for a play caller id LOSE it trying to do anything to help from POS.
5AV1OR [OP] 2 points 9m ago
but my SM*
Lcolecrochet 3 points 9m ago
During peak I’m either DTO or what our store calls “window support.” I’ll help grab food from warming and hand out drinks/food at the window while the actual window partner is handling the transaction to help keep the line moving faster. Depending on the day I’ll already have 3-4 partners on bar. If it’s a 3-person bar and I notice drinks bottlenecking I’ll step off window and support with cold drinks for a bit and flex between the roles as need be. When I’m making drinks my register (cafe) partner will flex to help run food because my oven partner is usually planted to help keep things constantly cooking. Keeping all this in mind the best thing during all this is communication. I’m always saying what I’m doing, where I’m going to be, and what I need of specific partners during those times so there’s no confusion.
5AV1OR [OP] 3 points 9m ago
Thank you! I think tomorrow I’m going to try being on DTO my SM is avidly against it but today we couldn’t get our times below 1:40 and I felt like there was nothing I could do. I feel like in DTO I’ll be able to coach more and help more and actually get times down because I’m in the middle of it rather than on my own little island across the store.
Lcolecrochet 3 points 9m ago
DTO is a fantastic place for the SSV to be for that exact reason! You can keep an eye on the whole store, you’re in optimal position for coaching, you have control of the DT line. If anyone needs help with anything (question on bar, bill check, customer questions) you’re RIGHT THERE. It’s easier to flex that position to help keep things moving in that position instead of on your “own little island” where you may not have someone readily available to cover you for a moment if you need to step off to do those things.
[deleted] 1 points 9m ago
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