Starbucks barista gets a delightful surprise from a previously rude customer.
Baristas often deal with irritable customers, especially before they’ve had their caffeine fix. However, one woman decided to rise above the norm, resulting in a Starbucks employee enjoying an unexpected $50 boost.
In an article featured on TODAY, we learn about the touching moment that unfolded last week at a drive-thru window, where a barista named Jake Stevenson received an unusual visit from a customer named Linda. When Linda asked Jake if he had worked the previous day and he confirmed, she handed him a card containing a handwritten apology along with a crisp $50 bill. Not only did Jake walk away with some extra cash, he also gained a bit of fame after posting the note on Reddit, which quickly went viral.
In her note, Linda expressed remorse for their “less than cheerful” interaction and acknowledged that Jake wasn’t to blame for being out of carriers and unable to handle her trash due to health regulations. “I was less than understanding, and my tone was curt. I truly apologize. Leaving a trail of unkindness is not the legacy I want to leave… You are a hardworking young man, and you deserve recognition,” she wrote.
The kicker? Jake didn’t even think she was rude! He shared with the press that he remembered Linda being “mildly irritated” but “still pleasant.” “On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say it was a two,” he chuckled.
This Starbucks, located in the quaint town of Willow Creek, CA, with a population of just 3,500, seems to have a generally friendly atmosphere. The store manager, Sarah Mitchell, told TODAY Food, “Clearly, she was having a rough day. What Linda did was fantastic. Plus, Jake has been a great employee during his time here. We really appreciate him.”
It’s amusing to think that Linda spent her day fretting over a minor encounter that barely left a mark on anyone else. The fact that she felt so bad about potentially offending Jake—who appears to be the most unflappable barista ever—makes it even better.
When asked how he manages to handle the occasional rude customer, Jake responded, “I just try to be super nice back to them. It works as a great counterattack.” Maybe he should consider handing out $50 bills too; that would really catch them off guard!
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In summary, a Starbucks barista received an unexpected $50 tip and a heartfelt apology note from a customer who had been less than pleasant. The incident highlights the impact of kindness and understanding in our daily interactions, even in the hustle of a drive-thru.