How are the career development opportunities at Caffe D'arte?

- The customers were genuinely amazing and made the job enjoyable at times. - My coworkers were the only reason I stayed as long as I did — they were kind, hardworking, and supported each other when management wouldn’t.

- Management is unprofessional and toxic. The upper management, especially Faith and Lori, constantly talked badly about baristas and even about each other. Gossip and favoritism are part of the company culture, and it creates a tense, uncomfortable environment. - Zero transparency or fairness. You can be removed from group chats or schedules without warning and called into vague “meetings” that turn into write-ups. They lie about what the meetings are for and never let you prepare or explain yourself before accusing you of something. - Extreme double standards. Some employees are written up for minor things, while others (the “favorites”) are never held accountable. I was disciplined for missing one shift (that I found coverage for), while others missed several and faced no consequences. - Unsafe and unsanitary working conditions. There was mold under the floors that management denied existed — even after it was found during a rushed two-day remodel. There were also mice in the hut due to an unrepaired door gap. Management ignored every concern. - Zero empathy. I was taking care of a family member, and the owner actually said she “didn’t tell me what time to come help because she figured I wouldn’t show up anyway.” - Severe underpayment. Managers make only $0.75 more than baristas despite doing schedules, covering shifts, and working off the clock constantly. There are no bonuses, no recognition, and no appreciation. - Discrimination concerns. Management clearly favors white or white-presenting employees. Employees of color are often treated worse or left to handle the hardest shifts alone. - High turnover. People quit constantly. When I left, multiple coworkers left with me — that alone should say enough about how bad it’s gotten. I know of 3 other coworkers who have left since then.

Some amazing coworkers. Unfortunately, most are in branches located in different zones. Some of the older salespeople understand teamwork. Free Coffee.

Toxic environment, no teamwork and selfish coworkers. Service technicians are not part of the D’Arte “family.” Some employees are given preferred treatment and allowed to do whatever they want. Trainers are constantly removing duties from themselves by claiming to be “too busy” or “uncomfortable” and throwing those duties onto the service technician. Yet most of the time there’s nothing to show what they have been so busy doing. You are left on your own to manage the entire service department. This includes repairs of coffee equipment on the field and in-house. Ordering and shipping parts and equipment, repairing production equipment at the warehouse (roasters, packaging, grinders, hand trucks, pallet jacks, electrical, vehicles). Over the phone customer service and always “on call,” with no pay. You will be referred to as the “service manager” but without the title, pay or recognition.