The new policies that Starbucks adopted have led baristas, and customers in the Ridgeview community to feel excited about the recent changes.
The alteration in Starbucks procedures affects mostly customers, but the baristas are expected to enforce these regulations. The Starbucks Coffee House Code of Conduct includes the four policy changes commonly known. These updates consist of the Starbucks menu simplification, the need to purchase an item to access store seating, the for-here free refill policy, and the most popular ritual of writing on cups.
“The writing part allows us to connect with the customers more, and get to know them,” Alajah Sullivan shares. Sullivan is a senior at Ridgeview who has been employed for two years at Starbucks. She believes the purpose of writing statements is to build a bond between baristas and customers and give them a chance to get to know each other. Sullivan mentions, “Some of my coworkers are artists and like to draw, and I’ve noticed they find a lot of joy in giving the cups out and watching customers’ reactions, such as laughing through the window or smiling at the drawings”
There are many benefits to these policies, but there are also challenges that surface along the way, such as time and crowds. Keisyun Allen is also a senior at Ridgeview, working his way up at Starbucks for a year and a half. He states, “Whenever we’re in a rush, we don’t have time to stop and draw or write something constantly. It can be a bit challenging sometimes because it takes time out of our schedule, it holds up the line, and customers sometimes feel frustrated.” This policy can be uplifting for both baristas and customers, but it can also be very time-consuming for employees.
Starbucks is commonly known for its drinks, but also a comfortable environment to sit and work in the store area. This habit now requires a purchase before being able to have store seating access, which might be a challenge for many people. Including students who may not have resources available to work at home, or maybe students who don’t have money to buy an item. Allen shares, “Some of the regulars can’t just go in to sit and do homework, now they have to buy something beforehand.”
The last issue that has been brought to attention was the fact of customers having to pay extra fees for custom drinks due to the Starbucks menu being downsized. “It gives people fewer options, they have to pay more than the old drink was, and in general I don’t find it necessary. “Sullivan says. While many people believe that simplifying the menu was not the best idea with customers’ interests in mind, this policy will allow baristas to work with more familiar and fan favorite items on the menu.
Despite community members having mixed feelings towards the recent policy changes, the Starbucks company made additional changes with the hearts of customers and baristas in mind. Allen exclaims, “No other coffee corporations are doing what we are, like with the free refills and for here things.”
