Pro tip: I started leaving a specific note on the coffee machine and it cut my morning rush complaints in half

I work the early shift at a downtown cafe, and for months I was getting the same frustrated comments every single morning about the wait for pour-over coffee. People would see the line and just walk out, or they'd get snippy about the 5 minute brew time. Last month, I grabbed a small whiteboard marker and started writing 'Pour-over in progress, ETA 4 mins :)' right on the front of the espresso machine where the line forms. It seems so stupidly simple, but it totally changed the vibe. Instead of just standing there wondering, customers can see the estimate and decide to wait or pick something else. I mean, idk, maybe it's just me but I've had way fewer people sighing loudly or asking 'how much longer?' every 30 seconds. It's a tiny thing that just manages expectations. Has anyone else found a simple visual cue like that that actually calmed people down?

2 comments

2 Comments

parker_park84d ago

Honestly that seems like extra work for no reason. People should just be patient or order something else without needing a countdown clock.

faithwalker4d ago

But what if the clock isn't for the patient people, it's for the restaurant? A clear timer could help them manage orders during a rush so nothing gets forgotten. Isn't the real problem when you have no idea if your food is coming in 5 minutes or 25?