Starbucks baristas are writing more than just names on cups—and not everyone is happy about itStarbucks baristas are writing more than just names on cups—and not everyone is happy about it

Last October, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said that the company would be bringing back handwritten names on cups instead of just printing out stickers of order names and numbers to bring back a more personal touch.

Apparently, the company is doing more than just writing names: social media is abuzz with photos and videos of people receiving personalized messages on the cups, ranging from positive affirmations like “You are awesome!” to “You made it to Friday!” Some creative baristas are even doodling characters like minions or Yoda on the cups.

Starbucks confirmed that the company has indeed begun encouraging baristas to write messages instead of just names on customers’ cups.

“Handwritten notes on our cups have proven to be a simple, yet meaningful action that fosters moments of connection with our customers,” a representative with the company told Nation’s Restaurant News. “Our baristas take pride in adding that personal touch and welcome the opportunity to connect with our customers and delight them with uplifting messages.”

However, not everyone has been happy with the change. According to a few trending TikToks, baristas have been feeling frustrated with this added task to their duties, which can feel especially challenging during peak hours.

Related:10 changes Brian Niccol is making to bring back Starbucks success

According to social media, some customers are also apparently getting frustrated with baristas writing uplifting messages on cups, thinking that the barista is flirting with their significant other.

Starbucks indirectly responded to the mild controversy around the new policy, with the Starbucks spokesperson saying that the company is, “focused on creating a warm and welcoming environment—it’s core to who we are as a company—we expect that messages will be positive and respectful.”

While this new policy is trending on social media, it is apparently not yet widespread. Nation’s Restaurant News reporters in New Jersey, Brooklyn, and Dallas did not receive either handwritten names or personalized messages when ordering their Starbucks drinks. Baristas are likely still being trained on this change as the company rolls it out. After all, Niccol said that the company needed to buy 200,000 Sharpie pens to implement this policy.

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