It’s like your the star of the show. Much like a bar tender but your customers interact with you in their daytime life instead of their nightlife. Sort of.
You get to flirt, empathize, introduce, discuss, serve, brighten someone’s day.
In the UK and South Africa your roll is more that more of a line cook. You rarely interact with the customer in conversation. They often have their coffee ordered by and delivered by someone else.
In the US you get to pour the latte in front of there eyes and say, “Here, i made this for you. How have you been?” or if you’re really busy, “Here, I made this for you and hi really quick, but I gotta run to make the 6 other cappuccionos, we’ll chat later!”
The interaction between maker and guest is what I love about the American service. Its much more about community than the other cafe styles I think. At least between barista and customer.
Among other things too of course.
Sans Milk 