WHA’s Guide to Cafe Etiquette

I’m big on working at a cafe, and I’ve been to a fair amount of them. The more I visit, the more I realize there’s an ecosystem that one should learn to appreciate and preserve. Like dining in a restaurant, working at cafes have their own sets of guidelines.  Don’t be the asshole.

Basics

• Buy something from the shop every 2-3 hours that you’re there
  Most shops don’t mind that you stick around all day, in return, compensate them for their space.
  It can be a meal, a pastry, or another cup of coffee. Do consider that they’re businesses and not non-profits.

Plus, take it as an opportunity to try something different.

• Use headphones

This one’s obvious.

• Take calls outside or keep it on down low.
  People don’t shove their headphones in your ears, so please don’t force others into hearing your convo.

• Don’t bring outside food
  Grab a bite from the cafe if they offer meals. Otherwise, take a break and dine elsewhere.
  If you have your own food, take a break anyway and turn the table a bit.

• Don’t download giant files and clog the wifi
  Torrent from home, please.

• Befriend the baristas
  But don’t treat them like they’re your therapist.

• Clean up after yourself
  
  Especially when they have a sign as large as this.

Bonuses

Taking it up a notch and out-do everyone else in the shop.

Cody’s a model cofficer (Coffice = cafe office)
In the near future: Guide to working at libraries, paid cafe, or co-working space.

WHA!
Benson