AMA: I was a Starbucks barista for 3+ years

I worked as a Starbucks barista for over three years, and in that time I’ve seen far more than just coffee being made. I experienced the full reality of the job: nonstop peak rushes, understaffed shifts, broken machines during the worst possible moments, and an endless stream of mobile orders that never seem to stop printing. I’ve opened stores before sunrise, closed late at night, and lived through holiday chaos that felt more like survival mode than customer service.

I’ve made thousands upon thousands of drinks, including TikTok trends, “secret menu” orders that don’t actually exist, and customizations so long they barely fit on the cup. I’ve dealt with amazing customers, entitled customers, and people who truly seemed to forget they were interacting with a human being. I’ve also seen some genuinely crazy and nastythings — from disgusting messes and unsanitary situations to behavior that would shock people who think Starbucks is always clean and calm.

Behind the scenes, there’s a lot most customers never see: how drinks are prioritized, how baristas are trained, how corporate policies affect daily work, and what really happens when things go wrong. I can talk honestly about pay, scheduling, burnout, favoritism, call-outs, and why so many baristas eventually leave.

If you’re curious about drink hacks, ordering tips, barista pet peeves, customer horror stories, or the reality of working for a massive corporation, feel free to ask. I’m here to answer questions truthfully and without sugarcoating it.

Ask me anything.