Starbucks is one of the most popular places to grab a cup of vanilla latte and to simply relax for a moment. Some people visit their coffee corner every day, but for most of us Starbucks is a luxury. If you’re about to pay them a visit, or if you just returned home from their coffee corner, questions could arise. In this article I answer the most common questions.
1. Is Starbucks considered a fast food place?
Yes, Starbucks is considered a fast food place. A fast food restaurant serves drinks and meals quickly, which is what Starbucks offers and what people expect when visiting.
2. Do I need to tip at Starbucks?
No, you don’t need to tip at Starbucks. The price you pay for a drink or a snack includes a decent compensation for their employees. That’s why they make about 15 dollars per hour. Paying a tip is optional, but you certainly don’t have to.
3. Does Starbucks have a tip jar?
Yes, Starbucks has a tip jar, usually on their front counter. However, it’s not necessary to tip. Tips are not obligatory and employees don’t expect you to tip either.
4. Are Starbucks employees allowed to take tips?
Yes, Starbucks employees are allowed to take tips. However, you need to put any tip into their tip jar. These tips are spread among all employees who worked that specific week. Even though a Starbucks employee receives a decent income, tips are a significant addition.
5. Is it rude not to tip at Starbucks?
No, it’s not rude if you don’t tip at Starbucks. Starbucks employees don’t expect you to tip, which means you can make that decision on your own. If you don’t tip, there’s nothing to worry about. In case you spilled your drink, tipping might be a good way to express you’re sorry.
6. Why do you tip at Starbucks?
Even though tipping at Starbucks is not necessary, people regularly tip to express their appreciation. Reasons could be helpful employees, a good atmosphere, spending a lot of time inside or even spilling a drink. But there are many more personal reasons why people decide to tip at Starbucks.
7. Do Starbucks baristas know if you tip?
If you tip on their front counter, a Starbucks barista will notice. If you tip through their app, they won’t know who it was. Tips stay anonymous through their app and employees will receive their share by the end of the week. If you want to show your appreciation, try to tip at the counter.
8. How long is barista training at Starbucks?
Basic barista training at Starbucks takes about 3 months. It takes an additional 3 months to become a professional. Baristas will always continue to learn, just like with any other job. New developments, recipes and colleagues are a possibility as well.
9. Is training at Starbucks hard?
The training at Starbucks is not hard for most people. The main challenge is to deliver a good amount of drinks within a short period of time. Most drinks are quite similar, but it’s important to understand which syrup goes into which drink.
10. Do you have to memorize recipes at Starbucks?
Yes, employees memorize recipes at Starbucks. However, many drinks are based on the same principles. It’s often a matter of choosing the right syrup, and understanding how much to add. You can always rely on general recipes in case you’re in doubt about a certain order.
11. How long are the shifts at Starbucks?
Most employees at Starbucks work for 3 – 6 hours per shift. Shift are not the same for everyone. Some people work longer shifts than others.
12. Does Starbucks look good on a resume?
Yes, Starbucks looks good on a resume. It will show you are able to work hard and that dealing with many customers is not a problem. Furthermore, Starbucks is known for their friendly and helpful employees.
13. What happens if you don’t pick up your Starbucks mobile order?
If you don’t pick up your Starbucks mobile order you will lose your money. Since they prepare your order, they have no other choice than to get rid of it. You as the customer should pay for that loss.
14. Is it rude to ask Starbucks to remake your drink?
No, it’s not a problem if you ask Starbucks to remake your drink. If you’re not satisfied, they’re happy to help. Whenever it’s extremely busy, chances are you need to wait for a remake. But that’s understandable whenever many people are waiting in line.
15. What is the white stuff at the bottom of my Starbucks?
The white stuff at the bottom of your Starbucks are soy particles. It’s not necessary to worry about that. Even though employees try to avoid serving any white stuff in any drink, it’s just sediment that you sometimes can’t avoid.
16. Does Starbucks charge more for no ice?
No, Starbucks doesn’t charge more for a drink without ice. In stead of ice, they will add more milk. You can ask them to not add any additional milk in case you just want to avoid any ice. It’s good to tell them in advance.
17. What age group goes to Starbucks the most?
People between 50 and 59 years old go to Starbucks the most. There are many theories about why that is. Some say that they have enough money to spend. Others say that they’re trying to take it easy before retirement.
18. Can I get no ice in my Starbucks drink?
Yes, it’s no problem to request a drink without ice. The barista will probably replace the amount of ice with milk. If you don’t want the extra milk, just tell them.
19. How could Starbucks attract non coffee drinkers?
Starbucks attracts a good amount of non coffee drinkers. They offer tea, hot chocolate, water and more. Many people enjoy the ambiance and the atmosphere, even if they don’t drink coffee.
20. How long can you use a Starbucks reusable cup?
On average you can use Starbucks reusable cups 30 – 100 times. Starbucks advises you to use them 30 times, but some people say they used them over 100 times. In order to make them last, try to avoid dishwashers.
21. Does Starbucks use tap water?
Yes, Starbucks uses tap water, but the water is carefully filtered 3 times before being served. This triple filtering system contributes to a fresh and clean taste. The system is used by every Starbucks.
22. Why does Starbucks coffee taste so good?
Starbucks serves a slightly higher dose of caffeine in their coffee. This contributes to that typical and bitter taste. Their coffee beans are sometimes over roasted, just like espresso.
23. Why is Starbucks so addictive?
Starbucks is not addictive by itself. People could become addicted because of their coffee, which usually contains a certain amount of caffeine. Other people find it addictive because it provides them with a safe and comfortable atmosphere.
24. Does Starbucks creamer need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Starbucks creamer needs to be refrigerated. Just like most other creamers. It’s important to keep the creamer sealed after using it.
25. Does Starbucks have boba?
No, Starbucks doesn’t serve bubble tea. They do offer other types of tea, like earl grey, mint majesty, peach tranquility, royal english breakfast and organic chai. But there’s more to choose from.
26. Are you allowed to study at Starbucks?
Yes, you are allowed to study at Starbucks. It’s even ok to stay as long as they are open. Most people don’t mind anyone studying, as long as you stay silent. If you buy a drink you’re allowed to use their Wi-Fi.
27. Can you buy Starbucks syrups in the store?
Yes, you can buy Starbucks syrup in the store. You can either buy it from Starbucks directly or from any other licensed store. Many stores offer online shopping these days, which makes it easy to get access to your favorite syrup. It does depend on how much syrup a store has in stock.
28. Do I have to activate a Starbucks gift card?
No, you don’t have to active a Starbucks gift card. Once someone buys their gift card it is activated by default. You can use the card at Starbucks by handing it over to the employee that’s helping you.
Fun Fact: Did you know there are actual coffee socks (Cappuccino, Espresso, Latte and Americano)?
Final Thoughts
Sure, there are more questions that people have when it comes to Starbucks. I mean, I personally enjoy their coffee and their atmosphere. The people are always very friendly too. But these are the questions that most people ask themselves. If you have any other question, simply do some more research or contact Starbucks directly.
Another relaxed food chain that allows you to study or read is Panera Bread. Of course it’s a matter of personal taste and not every day is the same. Just be reminded that some fast food restaurants can be noisy (unless you enjoy your meal in your car like at Sonic Drive-In for example). But yes, bring your book and enjoy your cup of coffee at Starbucks!