Getting a buzz

If there is one thing which Rhiannon Hill (above) enjoys about her job, it is the fact many of her customers know how they like their coffee.

IF THERE is one thing which Rhiannon Hill really enjoys about her job, it is the fact so many of her customers know exactly how they like their coffee.

The barista and manager of Cruze Coffee’s Cairns Central outlet has been in the retail game for about 10 years.

“My sister worked in a coffee shop so I followed her in and I liked the fast pace and meeting lots of different people,” Ms Hill said.

“Coffee culture has definitely changed a lot in the past five years. People know a lot more about coffee.”

“It used to be really difficult letting people know about coffee but, now, customers know if they want it smoother or stronger. Everyone’s got more of an idea than they ever had before.”

Ms Hill is up before most of the city each day, arriving at work to do all the preparations for the coffee-craving hordes.

She loves her job and recommends the position to anyone who is genuinely a peopleperson.

“It’s a good job to be in,” Ms Hill said.

“There is not really a downside. If customers come in and they’re not happy, they won’t come back. If they’re polite and happy, they’ll come back, you just have to remain the same.

“I like explaining the coffeemaking process to people.

“At Cruze Coffee we spec- ialise in crafting a coffee that’s perfect to drink.

“We can change the coffee to suit any order and do it exactly how you want.

“Our customers aren’t embarrassed to order a quarter strength cappuccino.”

Ms Hill has conducted hours of in-house training and gained experience with other coffee retailers.

She warned, however, that each coffee business had their own house rules which baristas were expected to conform to.