Bread Garden
Located on South Linn Street in downtown Iowa City, Bread Garden, a medium sized market attracts the people of Iowa City. There, you will find with a coffee bar, hot bar, grill, and many more sections. I have worked there for a couple of months, and it has become one of my favorite places to study, eat, shop, or get to know other people in the community in Iowa City.
I work behind the coffee bar, which sells baked goods from a local bakery, weekly new flavors of gelato, and a countless amount of drinks, including seasonal drinks. I have learned how to make different coffees, smoothies, teas, and more. Bread Garden has prepared me well for future jobs as a barista, and has taught me many skills such as patience, cooperativeness, discipline, and consistency.
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However, my favorite thing about Bread Garden is my connections to both the staff and the customers. I have made many coworkers into that go to the University of Iowa into close friends. Additionally, they make it a fun and inclusive environment.
There are also certain “regulars” that come in everyone so often that I love to see. For example, an older gentleman with a thick New York accent always comes in to ask for an iced coffee in a mug, which allows for a free refill. Sometimes he comes in with a content attitude, and other times not. I can usually tell how he is feeling that day based on his tone when he orders his drink. Another older woman always comes in asking for an Assam tea, with no room for milk. She always seems to be surprised that I remember her order, but continues to be kind. A British woman always comes in with her son to order a chocolate chip cookie. Sometimes they order one, sometimes they order two, depending on the day. Lastly, there is a young Russian athlete that always comes in around 8 p.m. to buy a smoothie. Despite her order being a little unusal (she orders a smoothie containing turmeric and mint) her consistency is refreshing.
Being a barista at Bread Garden has made me into a people watcher. I am able to recognise patterns and consistencies, and appreciate them to connect to so many different people. I value what Bread Garden has taught me and hope to carry those skills into other aspects of my life.
