A Saturday in the Life of a Barista

Saturdays at the coffee shop have a rhythm all their own. They’re busy, cozy, a little chaotic, and full of the kind of moments that remind us why we love what we do. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the bar before, during, and after your favorite weekend coffee run, here’s a peek into a typical Saturday in the life of a barista.

5:00 AM — Rise & Grind

The alarm goes off early, long before the sun is up. Saturdays may be a day off for many, but for us, it’s showtime. After a quick get-ready and coffee (yes, baristas still need coffee), it’s time to head out the door.

By 6:00 AM, we’re on the road.

6:00–6:45 AM — Bakery Run

One of the first stops of the day is picking up fresh baked goods from the bakery. This is where the smell of the morning really begins: warm pastries, muffins, and treats that will soon fill the bake case.

Once everything is loaded up, it’s straight to the shop to get set up for the day.

6:45–7:00 AM — Opening Duties

This is the calm before the rush. Every minute counts.

Opening tasks include:

• Brewing fresh coffee

• Preparing and stocking the bake cases

• Taking inventory

• Opening the till

• Picking the perfect playlist (this is very important)

• Turning on the open signs

Right at 7:00 AM, the lights are on, the doors are unlocked, and we’re officially open.

7:00–10:00 AM — Morning Rush & Regulars

Saturday mornings bring some of our favorite faces. Morning regulars stop in for their usual orders, and we love catching up. The quick hellos, familiar smiles, and “the usual?” moments are what make the shop feel like home.

Alongside our regulars, new customers walk in too, and we get to help them discover new drinks, answer questions, and recommend favorites.

Behind the bar, it’s a steady flow of:

• Pulling espresso shots

• Steaming milk

• Calling out orders

• Keeping everything moving smoothly

Mid-Morning — Prep, Practice & Cleaning

When things slow down just a bit, the work doesn’t stop.

During downtime, we:

• Practice latte art

• Prep sweet cream

• Make cold brew

• Restock supplies

• Clean… a lot

Keeping the shop clean and ready is just as important as making great drinks.

Around Noon — The Slowdown

By midday, the rush fades and the shop gets quieter. This is when we focus on:

• Cleaning the lobby

• Wiping tables

• Sweeping and resetting the space

  
  

It’s all about making sure the shop stays welcoming for every guest who walks in.

1:30 PM — Closing Duties Begin

Before we know it, it’s time to start closing.

Closing tasks include:

• Washing and sanitizing all dishes

• Putting away bake cases

• Taking inventory

• Deep cleaning the bar, machines, and workspaces

  
  

Every surface gets wiped, every tool gets cleaned, and everything is reset for the next day.

2:00 PM — Closed & Locked Up

At 2:00 PM, the open signs go off, the doors are locked, and the shop is quiet again.

It’s been a full day of early mornings, countless drinks, great conversations, and a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

Why We Love Saturdays

Saturdays are busy, exhausting, and incredibly rewarding. From the first brewed coffee of the morning to the last wiped counter, every part of the day plays a role in creating the experience you enjoy when you stop by.

Next time you grab your weekend coffee, know that there’s a whole morning of care, preparation, and passion poured into every cup.

We can’t wait to see you this Saturday 🤍☕️