Auckland has really upped its game in the cafe scene as of late. Of course, none of this would be possible if it weren’t for the baristas, chefs and wait staff hustling day in, day out—and we love ‘em for it!
To celebrate what goes on behind the scenes, we’ve teamed up with Vitasoy Café For Baristas to bring you a first-hand account of what working in hospo is REALLY like. The soy and almond milk has been created with our much-loved baristas heroes in mind, so they can create the perfect brew—every time.
So, without further ado, here are the highs (and lows) of working in a cafe.
- After countless morning shifts, your body clock now wakes you at 4am—every. single. day.
- You drink a lot of coffee. Like four a day. Minimum.
- You’ve become a total coffee connoisseur. Your fave? Vanilla almond latte, thanks.
- You’re faaar too familiar with interactions such as: “Soy flat white for Rachel!” “Is that me?” “Is your name Rachel?” “No, I'm Emma.”
- When someone struggles to connect to the cafe Wi-Fi, you magically become IT support.
- And nothing hurts more than when customers use you for your free Wi-Fi—and not your incredible coffee-making skills. Ouch.
- You internally correct anyone who orders an “expresso”.
- Nothing brings you more joy than perfectly executed latte art. Double points if it’s soy.
- You’ve accumulated so many coffee appliances you could start your own café.
- You feel a sense of panic when you stumble upon a café at a rush hour.
- …And you can’t help but feel sympathetic when the staff are a stressed mess. Been there, done that.
- When dining out, you go out of your way to tidy up your table. Once again—been there, done that.
- Your small talk game is totally ace.
- As is your fake laugh.
- You get excited when your café introduces new things—be it a new menu, new napkins or a tasty new plant milk.
- Being on your feet all day long means you’re fit AF.
- In saying that, the greatest joy in life is putting your feet up at the end of the day. Nothing compares…nothing.
- Your party trick is carrying three plates on one hand.
- The bane of your life is customers who dictate the music—choice and volume.
- You’ve vowed to yourself that you’ll never be the type of person who orders while on the phone. In your opinion, it’s the height of rudeness.
- And you’ll never ever be that god-awful person who asks to heat up food from home.
- Nor will you ask to split the bill seven ways.
- More often than not, dinner is leftover pastries and sammies.
- …Washed down with one of your expertly brewed coffees, of course!
Editor’s note: This article is proudly sponsored by Vitasoy Café For Baristas and endorsed by The Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make The Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.