Coffee Shops vs. the Pandemic

by Stacy Wright

There are a mix of closed or partially-closed businesses in Houston during the Covid-19 pandemic. Essential businesses are able to remain open only if they comply with the new safety protocols. Despite that coffee shops are considered essential businesses, most shops have experienced lower revenue. As a result, many Houston-area shops have been forced to reduce hours and staff. Some have even closed temporarily.

The reduced hours and closures greatly impact local baristas. On the other hand, a coffee shop remaining open during these times can provide guests—and baristas—with a sense of routine and comfort. It offers a chance to escape reality and pretend it is any other day. However, avoidance may lead to dangerous dismissal of essential safety protocols. Everyone must remain vigilant. Baristas are stewards of safety and can help customers learn the new social contract during these times. I interviewed some local baristas to find their perspective on the current situation.

What’s the status of your job? 

My employer temporarily closed. They decided to close as soon as the Covid-19 stimulus bill passed because they thought it was the ethical thing to do. 

The business has moved to a limited schedule with only 1 employee that runs delivery. 

Employer has closed temporarily.

Still open and working with reduced staff.

One of my jobs has reduced staff and the other one is temporarily closed.

Still open but with limited hours.

What changes have been implemented at your job to make you feel safer?

I feel as safe at work as I can. I trust that my team has my back and I have theirs. We have built a lot of trust in one another during this time and really feel the necessity to be as vigilant as possible with our safety practices. We all wear masks on shift. We ask to not take cash but if we do then we sanitize all of our money for the safety of our guests and ourselves. We sanitize our screen after every use and offer to perform the transactions for guests if they are uncomfortable. We try to practice as much patience and compassion as we can during this time.

We wear masks at work, offer to-go orders only, and sanitize the POS screen after every transaction. We moved all the furniture so there is more space for people to spread out away from each other. Our staff has been vigilant from day one about ensuring that we are safe and protected from customers.

How have guests responded to the new safety measures in place?

Maybe 20% of people respond well and with empathy to the new rules. Most seem willfully ignorant to the cautionary procedures and some are actively pushing boundaries. Temperament depends a lot on how we begin interactions and if we play along that the new rules are silly, some very negative interactions can be avoided. Most people seem frustrated, even if they don’t know it.

What changes would you implement to the customer service model in coffee shops going forward? 

The biggest issue I’ve seen, and experienced, in the coffee/restaurant scene is that owners will underpay their baristas, servers, etc. expecting the customer will tip heftily and pay their wages, which to me is unethical. The whole tipping system, to me, does not work. It happens all too often that you give out great service only to be tipped 10% or even less. I don’t think it’s entirely the customers fault, although if they’ve gone out enough they should know better. Employers need to pay their employees living wages from the start! Depending on the customer to pay your staff’s salary is wrong. This is definitely something that needs to be addressed in the service industry. 

Masks and/or shields that block employees are going to have to be normal. Respect for employees is going to increase as we begin to open back up. The concept of a coffee shop is going to have to shift from a place to hang out (especially the all day campers) to what I am not sure.

Honestly, I have no idea. One of the great parts of a coffee shop is being able to meet friends and relax in an environment outside of your home. Coffee is great, but I choose a shop based on the sense of community when I visit.

Ideally, I would like to see a livable wage that doesn’t depend on tips.

How are you spending your extra time at home?

Baking! Trying to keep my mind active! 

Homeschooling my 13 year old, Qui gong stretching, playing board games and working on many art projects.

Cleaning, reading, and drinking more than average tbh.

Working out, writing, gardening, training, messing with my magic cards, watching the teley while I do something. If I have the time then I've also been sewing and reading.

Working on projects; motorcycle, packing, bread-making. I’ve tried to start a daily yoga regime and limit time playing video games.

What’s your go-to coffee recipe for home? 

I’ve been using an Aeropress to make iced americanos!

Flat White matcha with french press frothed Oatly.

I haven't been making coffee at home. I've been visiting Blacksmith, Catalina and Morningstar. 

48 hour cold brew. No ice. No water. Sooooo good. Shout out to Xela for consistently roasting my favorite beans to us for my coldie. 

V60/Beehouse. 20g in, 300g out, 60g pulse your with the bloom being minimal and the 2nd pour making the difference. (4/6 method)

Any Additional Thoughts?

I do think the hardest time for service industry folks is still ahead of us. In a few months when all the benefits run dry and we are back at work, sales won't be anywhere near what they were. It's going to be a hard year and restaurants will never be the same.

All of our guests are so caring and kind. They in their own way show so much gratitude for our presence and us theirs. The symbiosis is our existence at this point is so powerful in each of our days. I have so much love for our regulars that have chosen to support us during this time. We have truly built a unique and incredible bond. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve them and any other person that comes by. 

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The furloughed baristas are all able to collect unemployment, though the amount that they are receiving for their unemployment payment varies widely, from 25-90% of their previous wages.

If you are applying for unemployment, remember that tips are taxable and are considered wages under the law. The amount of unemployment insurance you get is based on your salary plus your tip income. It’s impossible to tell where we are on the timeline of the pandemic but if anyone can pick up the pieces and flow seamlessly into a new normal, it’s the baristas of Houston.