Starbucks’ espresso makers, called baristas, use a special “cup management” code to keep track of orders during busy periods. The way empty cups are placed atop the espresso bar or on the bar counter indicates what kind of drink the customer wants.
Here’s what those strategically placed cups are saying:
Cappuccino (espresso topped with half steamed milk and half foamed milk): Starbucks logo faces forward, cup placed atop bar.
Caffe latte (espresso with steamed milk topped with one-quarter-inch foam): Words on cup face forward, logo to the rear, cup atop bar.
Caffe Americano (espresso with hot water): Double cup placed on counter.
Decaf drinks: Cup turned upside-down atop bar.
Skim drinks: Logo or words turned slightly to left atop bar.
Extra shots of espresso desired: Double cup atop bar.
Caffe mocha (espresso with chocolate syrup, steamed milk, whipped cream and chocolate powder sprinkles): Syrup in cup atop bar.
Decaf caffe mocha: Chocolate syrup in cup, then lid is placed on cup (so syrup won’t run out); cup turned upside-down atop bar.
Hot cocoa: Chocolate syrup in cup on counter.
