Starbucks baristas slam rule to doodle on customers’ cups: ‘Stressed out of my mind’
Grievances are brewing at Starbucks.
Baristas at the coffee chain have been forced to dust off their Sharpies to scribble names and messages on customers’ to-go cups as part of the “Back to Starbucks” initiative — and they’re not happy.
The scheme seeks to bring back an old-school community coffeehouse vibe to the stores, with CEO Brian Niccol, saying in a recent interview that mobile ordering “took a lot of the soul” out of the company.
Thus, Starbucks has instructed employees to use their Sharpie to write “a simple affirmation” such as “you’re amazing” or “hello again” for someone who stops by regularly.
“Handwritten notes on our cups have proven to be a simple, yet meaningful action that fosters moments of connection with our customers,” a memo for the plan said, according to Business Insider.
However, some Starbucks baristas have already grown resentful toward the reintroduction of Sharpies, telling CNN that writing on every cup has slowed down the pace and comes off as a “forced” way to make connections with customers.
“It’s just a lot for workers to have to add to the number of things we’re expected to do,” Amanda Rivera, a Starbucks worker in Atlanta and a leader of Starbucks Workers United, told the outlet. “It would be more sincere if I didn’t seem stressed out of my mind making 10 other cups.”
“I don’t want to just write have an amazing day on every cup,” she added. “Is that really connecting?”
In response, Starbucks has said that it will be adding extra hours for workers to help with employees writing on cups.
Some baristas have also noted that customers will misinterpret the “affirmations” as an attempt at flirting.
One customer shared on TikTok that she sent her boyfriend to get her a matcha from Starbucks, and he returned with a cup that had “Thank you for stopping by!” written on it alongside two hearts.
“This new policy has me tweaking,” she wrote beneath the video, which has 3.1 million views.
Another customer said in a TikTok that “the new Starbucks policy is gonna ruin relationships,” showing their significant other’s cup that said “xxx-tra hot ;) + extra creamy” with a heart next to it.
However, some baristas know to play it safe with their messages — especially this time of year.
“With Valentine’s Day coming up, I’m warning people to be careful with the hearts,” one Starbucks store employee, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak publicly, told CNN.
The “Back to Starbucks” initiative includes other changes, such as cutting “roughly 30%” of food and drink options from its menu by late 2025. Menu items already booted include Starbucks’ olive oil-infused drinks, which were only around for one year. These controversial drinks left the menu officially on Nov. 7.
Starbucks also reinstated its free-refill policy — with a catch. Customers who are ordering in-store will now be asked if they would like their drink “for here” or “to go.”
Those who order “for here” will get their drink served in a ceramic mug, glass or a personal cup. These people will be able to get free refills during their visit on hot brewed or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea. Customers must have their first drink served in one of these reusable cups to receive free refills,?according to Starbucks.
Additionally, patrons will once again be able to use the old-school self-serve stations, where they can find milk, sugar, sweeteners, spices and stirrers.
