This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.
Coffee Shop
Do people not know how to work anymore? I was standing in a coffee shop, gave my order, watched as no one made a move to make my coffee until I said something 4 minutes later and this wasn’t the first time and I’m sure wouldn’t be the last. People brag t
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Service workers suck in this city generally. Everyone knows the job isn’t a dream position but there’s this sort of almost communist “I am as good as you so I’ll do it on my time” attitude around.Well no one is trying to act like you are dirt ok, but we also don’t want to act like we’re visiting your apartment because we’re not!
betcha i know what coffee shop you are referring to! i find most coffee shops like that and i’ll tell you why… it’s just my opinion but, and say this not generalize too much, but anybody under the age of 25 should not be in the service industry. there are alot of good young service people and alot of bad older service people. generally i find the people who provide the attention to their customers are usually in the age of 26 to 40- these are the ones who have grown up enough to realize not everything is going to be handed to them on a platter and who are old enough to take pride in their work.i eat out alot and and go to coffee shops regularly so i speak only of my own experiences- which have been many. I hate walking into those coffee shops and the staff behind the counters are having a conversation about school/ prof’s/last nite’s party/ the bitch at the student loan’s office…ETC and all the while they stop long enough to ask your order, grab your money, and tell you they will call out your order when it is ready, all in one breath. Only so they can continue on with their “important” conversation! I may not be the most titilating conversationalist however i am a customer and should be treated to a more appropriate acknowledgment of my presence. Now I know alot of you will ask “how much acknowledgement do you want?” you are the people who do not understand the hospitality industry. Anyway to close my remarks I would just like to say that again not to generalize too much there are good younger servers – only last weekend we served by a great server at Quincy’s -Beth- she was personalble and knowledge and knew when to at the table and when to leave- She was a delight and I am sure only 21 – I hope they keep her for a while
A very loud ‘EXCUSE ME!’ always works for me. Don’t be ignored.
It irks me when the people serving me my coffee or whatever are rude/slow/lazy. I worked in a number of customer service jobs for years and if I ever dared pull any of that shit, I would have gotten fired for sure. Kids these days.
I know what coffee shop you’re talking about too..it rhymes with “Irks.”And incidentally, it irks me when the people serving me my coffee or whatever are rude/slow/lazy. I worked in a number of customer service jobs for years and if I ever dared pull any of that shit, I would have gotten fired for sure. Kids these days.
Speak up!You can speak up in a positive manner and get your point across as well.Hell, even if nothing changes you will at least have the satifaction of knowing that you didn’t walk away like a milquetoast then whine later about what you should have said ’cause that is so pathetic and its what gives people ulcers.
I’d have to disagree with age being the factor. I’ve also started a new coffee shop routine and have really gotten to know the day staff there. The barista I’m always served by is in her very early twenties. Shes very polite, approachable and gives new meaning to great customer service. I’d even go as far as changing my routine if she were to quit. It’s a 50/50 split, no matter how you look at it.
in MY experience it has been the under 25 who are the most self involved- however ALWAYS there is exceptions- and Robert Service – while I agree with you about feeling better for speaking up – it should not be necessary! I used to go to a coffee shop along the waterfront because I lived there and for the first couple of years it was great!- and then it just started to suck cause everyone behind the counter were always involved in some kind of conversation that I felt I was interrupting- I moved and no longer go there however this was not an isolated incident or place – it happens in Starbuck at Chapters and 2 other coffee houses I have frequented. I refuse to mention the names of the independent coffee houses because although I didn’t agree w/ the service I will continue to support small businesses and hope for improvements!
I wholeheartedly agree with most of you. I work at a coffee shop, have for a number of years, and generally love the job and most of the customers. But alot of the time my co-workers embarrass the hell out of me. You’re absolutley right to expect service workers to focus on you when they serve you, everyone chats at work and sometimes you’ll miss a beat when a customer comes in, but for f*#$’s sake, just apologize and turn your focus to the customer!! But for some of them it’s the norm to behave like taking an order or making a drink is a major inconvienience because they have to interrupt their inane conversations. Yes, I do say something to them and constaantly get on their asses about it, but they don’t just don’t care. So, on behalf of all the baristas who actually like their jobs, their customers and want to provide good service…I apologize for your bad experiences! A few of us really do try.