Before I became a Time & Productivity Coach, I spent 12 years in the specialty coffee industry here in the Hickory area and beyond, working my way up from barista to cafe manager, opening shops for others, and eventually owning and operating two coffee drive-thrus. I even ran a coffee blog for fellow baristas back in the day. These days, I work from home but still love heading to our local coffee shops around Hickory, Newton, and the surrounding Catawba Valley for a change of scenery and some caffeine-fueled productivity.
Here’s the thing. Some days I get a ton of work done at our local spots, and other days… well, let’s just say certain customer behaviors can make it challenging for everyone. After years behind the counter and now as a regular customer at places throughout the area, I’ve noticed the same etiquette issues popping up again and again.
So here are 9 coffee shop etiquette tips from someone who’s seen it all in our community. Trust me, following these will make you a favorite customer and help everyone have a better experience at your local coffee spot.
This also means you’ll respect everyone’s time.
1. Wear Your Headphones (Seriously, Please)
This is the biggest issue I see at coffee shops around Hickory. Your phone calls, TikTok videos, and Zoom meetings aren’t background music for the rest of us. I’ve watched customers take entire speaker phone calls about everything from doctor appointments to family drama while others are trying to work or enjoy a quiet moment with their coffee.
The acoustic design of most coffee shops means sound carries more than you think. That cozy atmosphere you love? It also means your phone conversation about your weekend plans is now everyone’s business. I’ve seen people pack up and leave because someone was having a loud video call at the next table.
If you absolutely must take a call, step outside for a moment. Most of our local shops have outdoor seating or at least a sidewalk where you can chat without disturbing others. For any media you’re watching, headphones or earbuds are non-negotiable. Even if you think your volume is low, those little speakers on your devices are surprisingly loud in a quiet coffee shop environment.
Remember, many people come to coffee shops specifically for the ambient noise and peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t be the reason they can’t enjoy it.
2. Know What You Want Before You Get to the Counter
Our local coffee scene has really grown over the years, and with that comes more complex menus. I totally understand feeling overwhelmed by choices between pour-overs, espresso drinks, and seasonal specials. But please don’t hold up the line while you debate your options for ten minutes during the morning rush.
Here in the South, we’re naturally chatty and like to take our time, but there’s a time and place for everything. When there are five people behind you checking their watches before work, it’s not the time to learn about the difference between a macchiato and a cortado.
Take a look at the menu while you’re waiting in line, or better yet, check it out online beforehand if you’re trying somewhere new. Most of our local shops post their menus on social media or their websites. If you have questions about drinks, ask them to recommend something based on what you typically like, or step aside after ordering to let others go ahead while you decide on food items.
The baristas at our local shops are incredibly knowledgeable and love talking coffee, but they appreciate when you’re considerate of busy times. During slower periods, they’re usually more than happy to explain their brewing methods or recommend something new.
3. Keep Line Conversations Brief
This one’s tricky because Southern hospitality is part of who we are here in North Carolina. We love catching up and being friendly, and that’s one of the things that makes our local coffee culture so special. The baristas often know regular customers by drink (and name) and genuinely care about how you’re doing.
But there’s a difference between friendly chitchat and holding up the line.
A quick “How’s your morning going?” or “Thanks, see you tomorrow!” keeps things moving while still being personable. Save the longer conversations about your weekend plans, your kids’ soccer games, or local events for when there isn’t a line of people behind you.
I’ve seen this happen a lot during the morning rush when people are trying to get their coffee before work. Someone starts telling the barista about their vacation while six people are tapping their feet, checking phones, and glancing at the clock. The barista is stuck being polite while internally stressing about the growing line.
If you want to have a real conversation with your favorite barista, come back during a slower time. They’ll appreciate it more, you’ll get more attention, and you won’t be inadvertently making enemies of your fellow coffee and match lovers.
4. Have Your Payment Ready
This should be common sense, but I’m amazed how often I see people act surprised when it’s time to pay. Don’t wait until you’re ordering to start digging through your purse for your wallet or fumbling around for your phone to open your payment app.
We live in a pretty tech-savvy area, and most of our local shops accept various payment methods from cash to card to mobile payments. But whatever method you’re using, have it ready when you place your order. This is especially important during busy times when every extra minute adds up.
I’ve watched lines back up because someone couldn’t remember their phone passcode, had to dig through three different bags for their wallet, needed to transfer money, or needed to call their bank because their card wasn’t working. These situations are frustrating for everyone involved, including the person having payment issues.
If you’re using a mobile payment app, have it open and ready. If you’re paying with cash, don’t hand over a $20 bill for a $3 coffee without asking if they can make change first. Most places can, but it’s courteous to check, especially early in the morning when they might not have had many cash transactions yet.
5. Remember, It’s Not a Daycare
I love that our local coffee shops are family-friendly spaces where parents can bring their children. It’s part of what makes our community feel welcoming and inclusive. But coffee shops also have hot equipment, breakable items, and other customers trying to work or relax.
The safety issue is real. I’ve seen kids running around behind the counter near espresso machines, getting too close to other customers carrying hot drinks, and even pulling on cords connected to expensive equipment. Beyond safety, there’s the noise factor. While most people understand that some kid noise comes with the territory, screaming or sustained crying can really disrupt the atmosphere.
I’m not saying kids should be seen and not heard. They should be supervised and kept reasonably calm. If your child is having a meltdown, it’s perfectly okay to step outside for a few minutes until they settle down. Most parents in our area are pretty good about this, and other customers appreciate the consideration.
Remember that many people come to coffee shops to work, study, or have quiet conversations. A little kid noise is expected and tolerated, but when children are treating the space like a playground, it affects everyone’s experience. Plus, our local shop owners have invested a lot in creating comfortable spaces, and they need to maintain a balance that works for all customers.
6. Don’t Hog Tables If You’re Flying Solo
Space is often at a premium in our local coffee shops, especially the cozy independent spots that make our area’s coffee scene so special. Many of these places have limited seating, making every table valuable real estate.
If you’re by yourself, don’t automatically grab the largest table available, especially during busy periods. That four-person table you’re camping at might be perfect for the family that just walked in or the group of friends meeting for their weekly catch-up. Meanwhile, you’d be just as comfortable at a two-person table or even at the counter.
This is particularly important in the mornings, at lunch, during finals, on weekends, when our local shops get busier with people meeting friends, families having outings, and students studying. Being aware of space and choosing appropriately shows consideration for other customers and helps the business serve more people.
If you do end up at a larger table because that’s all that was available when you arrived, be willing to move if smaller spots open up and you see people waiting. Most customers appreciate the gesture, and it’s just good community spirit. At minimum invite others to join your at the table. You may even make a new friend!
7. Share the Power (Outlets)
In our digital age, everyone’s device seems to die at the most inconvenient times. Outlet access has become almost as important as good coffee, especially for those of us who work remotely and use coffee shops as our temporary office.
Don’t camp out at the only outlet-adjacent table all day, especially if your device is already well-charged. I’ve seen people sit at these prime spots for hours with laptops at 90% battery while others are desperately searching for a place to plug in their dying phones.
If you’re planning to stay a while and your battery is good, consider choosing a table away from outlets so they’re available for people who really need them. If you are using an outlet and someone else clearly needs one, offering to share the space or the outlet itself (many tables have multiple plugs) goes a long way.
This is especially considerate during busy periods or when students are studying. A little outlet awareness can make a big difference in everyone’s coffee shop experience. Plus, in our community, this kind of thoughtfulness is noticed and appreciated.
8. Call Ahead for Large Orders
Nothing disrupts the flow of a coffee shop quite like someone ordering drinks for their entire office during the morning rush. I’ve been on both sides of this scenario, and trust me, it’s stressful for everyone involved.
If you’re planning to order more than four drinks at once, especially blended drinks that take extra time to prepare, call ahead. Most of our local shops are happy to accommodate large orders, but they need some advance notice to prepare properly and avoid backing up the line for other customers.
This is particularly important in our area where many shops are independently owned with smaller staffs. Unlike chain locations that might have five baristas working during rush hour, many of our local favorites might have just two or three people handling everything from taking orders to making drinks to handling the register.
Most local shops will have your order ready when you arrive, or at least started, which makes the pickup process smoother for everyone. It’s a win-win that shows respect for the business, the staff, and your fellow neighbors.
9. Use Your Common Sense (And Southern Manners)
Some things shouldn’t need to be said, but after 12 years in the industry, I can tell you they definitely do. Coffee shops are shared community spaces, not your personal office, bedroom, or bathroom.
Don’t clip your nails (yes, this happens more than you’d think), have loud personal conversations about sensitive topics like medical issues or relationship problems, or take up residence for eight hours while only buying one small coffee. I’ve seen all of these scenarios, and they make other customers uncomfortable.
Personal grooming should happen at home. Private conversations should remain private, not broadcast to everyone within earshot. And if you’re going to use the coffee shop as your office for hours, buy something periodically (every 1-2 hours) to support the business that’s providing your workspace.
Also, remember basic cleanliness. Clean up after yourself, don’t leave trash on tables, and treat the furniture and equipment with respect. These local businesses work hard to maintain welcoming spaces, and they appreciate customers who help keep them that way.
In our North Carolina communities, we pride ourselves on good manners and consideration for others. These same principles apply in coffee shops. Treat the space and the people in it with the same respect you’d want in return.
The Bottom Line
Coffee shops are more than just places to get caffeine. They’re community gathering spots where people work, socialize, relax, and connect. Here in the Hickory area and throughout our region, our local coffee culture is something special, built on a foundation of good relationships between shop owners, baristas, and customers.
These etiquette guidelines aren’t about being uptight or unfriendly. They’re about maintaining the positive atmosphere that makes our coffee shops such great places to spend time. When everyone’s considerate, these spaces can truly serve their role as community hubs where everyone feels welcome.
As someone who’s been on both sides of the counter, I can tell you that good coffee shop etiquette creates a ripple effect. Happy customers make for a better work environment for baristas, which leads to better service, which makes customers happier, and so on. It’s a cycle that benefits everyone.
Our local coffee scene has grown tremendously over the years, and I love seeing our shops thrive. By following these simple guidelines, we can all help ensure that growth continues and that our coffee culture remains something our community can be proud of.
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P.S. If you’re curious about my favorite Hickory coffee shops, here ya go. In no particular order:
- Waterbean
- Chapter Coffee Co (below My Chapterhouse Bookshop)
- Happy Sips
- Prism