It is no question that Wilton loves its coffee. It often incentivizes us to get out of bed, gives us something to look forward to during the morning commute, and can help keep us moving throughout the busy day. Starbucks, one of the only chain stores in Wilton, has an established fan base of adults and students alike.
At any given point in a day, Wilton’s Starbucks will welcome executives working on laptops, my fellow high school students working on a project or doing homework, and families coming in for an anytime treat. The brand’s unique blend of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, and coffee offer an aroma that is sometimes difficult to refuse.
But Starbucks’ real magic is not their legendary lattes or Frappuccino Happy Hour, but the baristas who make the beverages. Since I began driving almost two years ago, I have frequented Starbucks and have become close with many of the people who work there. They are always friendly, patient, orderly, and personable, no matter how large the crowd is or how complicated the order may be.
Hannah Montgomery, member of the Wilton High School class of 2013 and a soon-to-be Colorado Boulder student, has been working at the Wilton Starbucks since this past February. She says that most people who come into the store are friendly and respectful. She also mentions how great it is working with her fellow baristas. “They’re a really good community (which) is really necessary when working here…you really need a good support team.”
I’ve always found that if the baristas have a spare moment they try to talk to their customers about their day with genuine interest and they’ll make it a point to follow up when the customer returns. They’re even very enthusiastic and dedicated to supporting the many Starbucks’ promotional events, including dress-up themes. Witness “Frappuccino Friday” on May 15, when baristas were required to wear their pajamas to the shop. “I think [we’re] supposed to, but here, we all get really into it.”
Montgomery also says that their corporate management is very friendly and helpful. She suggested the idea to have a bulletin board with star stickers featuring all the baristas’ names, with flash cards and a pen next to it, where customers can write notes to the baristas. Montgomery says she has received compliments saying, “You make a great chi latte,” and “Thanks for brightening my day.”
People may have their favorite orders, and a wide variety of sugars and spices to make their coffees nice, but it’s the barista that makes the recipe extra perky.
