you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers

What is the goal of this projecT?

The goal of this project is answer the question: how do we make the coffee industry a better, more supportive, and equitable place of work? Centering the voices of baristas, Barista Behind the Bar seeks to find employee lead solutions to this question, and to provide a platform for the sharing of stories, insights and the ideas of baristas. At the conclusion of the project, Barista Behind the Bar will publish an Equitable Hiring Practices curriculum based on data and information collected through interviews with baristas. This curriculum will be available to anyone seeking to improve their hiring practices.

What is the interview process like?

Interviews will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. A few days before arriving at a destination, it will be announced on social media and a banner on the homepage. Interviews take between 1-2 hours, and are meant as a safe space to share your experience in coffee and your ideas for improving the industry. Interviews are limited to three per day. If you would like to get interviewed and aren’t scheduled yet, keep an eye on our instagram page for scheduling location and details so that we can fit you in. Barista Behind the Bar will be at each location 1-2 days, depending on interest and time.

who can participate?

Anyone who has ever worked behind the bar as a barista is welcome to participate and share their story. Participation is not limited to current baristas, and is open to managers and owners who have worked as baristas. However, due to limited time and interview slots, precedence may be given to working baristas over management in specific instances.

I want to speak openly but am scared of negative repercussion

In an effort to create a safe environment for speaking honestly and candidly, company and employer names will be omitted from interviews, except in rare cases or cases where company name is tangential. The goal is to center the voice of the barista, and generally speaking, you might find certain themes in employment are universal regardless of employer. It is encouraged to read interviews with an open mind and the understanding that your coworkers, employees, or friends could be having similar experiences to the interviewee.