23-year-old coffee shop manager stands up to an entitled Karen who falsely claims to be a loyal customer in an attempt to get a free drink: ‘[I’ve] never seen her before in the 2 years [I’ve] worked here’ – FAIL Blog

One of my first jobs ever was as a barista. I learned how to make boiling hot coffee for ungrateful customers, I mopped the floors, I ate free bagels, and generally, my time at the cafe was pretty cool. Back then, I was making about $8/hour, which seemed hunky-dory until the weekly Karen showed up. 

My coworkers all knew her and had dealt with her, but someone pleasing and placating the regular Customerzilla was more important than standing up to the meanest beast that walked into the shop. One day, one of my coworkers had the gusto to tell her off, and it was an epic moment for all of us. It may have seemed like nothing to correct her on her exact drink order, but for a woman who constantly undermined and gaslit our team of baristas, this small victory was enough to give everyone the confidence boost we needed to keep going. Thanks to this one, seemingly benign act, we all became more empowered to stand up to customers, especially when they were clearly in the wrong. 

Trust me, it’s worth the loss of a $1 tip. The company will survive with one less Karen customer on their regulars roster.