Welcome, Brewista! 👋
This is your Maple Blues training guide. Work through all 3 levels to become a Certified Brewista. Tap a level below to get started.
Your Progress
Level 1
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Level 2
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Level 3
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Kitchen
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Level 1 — Brewista Trainee
Orientation, culture, POS basics, greetings
0 of 9 complete
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Level 2 — Brewista
Menu mastery, drink builds, upselling
0 of 9 complete
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Level 3 — Certified Brewista
Speed, leadership, bar ownership
0 of 7 complete
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Kitchen Training
Food prep, safety, bowls, sandwiches, side work
0 of 30 complete
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Level 1 — Brewista Trainee
Complete all items to advance to Level 2
Timeline
Typically completed in your first 3–5 shifts with your trainer.
📋 Day 1 Priorities
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✓Shadow my trainer — watched before touching anything
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✓Learned where everything lives: cups, lids, syrups, toppings, ice, blenders
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✓Learned how to log in to the POS and navigate the screen
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✓Practiced greeting customers with trainer present
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✓Learned opening and closing side work for my position
👋 The Maple Blues Greeting
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The Maple Blues Moment
Every customer should leave feeling like they mattered — not just like they got a drink. That feeling starts the second they walk up. You set the tone. Own it.
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✓Acknowledge every customer within 5 seconds — even if you’re in the middle of something. Eye contact and a quick “Hey, I’ll be right with you!” goes a long way.
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✓Open with energy and warmth: “Hey! Welcome to Maple Blues — how’s your day going?” Then actually listen to their answer.
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✓Never lead with “What can I get you?” — build the moment first. A 5-second connection makes the whole transaction feel different.
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✓Use the customer’s name whenever you can. If you don’t know it, ask. If they give it for the order, use it when you hand off.
Make It Personal
Regulars are the backbone of this business. Remember faces. Remember orders. Say “the usual?” — that one question tells a customer they belong here.
When It’s Busy
Busy is not an excuse for cold service. A smile and a quick “We’re moving fast today, hang tight — you’re next!” keeps people patient and feeling cared for. Never let a customer feel invisible.
Handling Complaints & Mistakes
If something is wrong — own it immediately. Don’t explain, don’t deflect. Say “I’m sorry about that, let me fix it right now.” Remake it without hesitation. A customer who had a problem and got it fixed fast is often more loyal than one who never had an issue at all.
The Send-Off
Every customer deserves a real goodbye — not just a mumbled “have a good one” while you’re already looking away. Make eye contact, smile, and mean it: “Thanks for coming in — see you next time!” That last impression is what they take with them.
⭐ Our Signature: “Absolutely!”
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The Maple Blues Answer
When a customer says “thank you” — you say “Absolutely!”
When they say “you’re amazing” — “Absolutely! That’s what we’re here for.”
When they say “I appreciate it” — “Absolutely — we love seeing you!”
This is our version of Chick-fil-A’s “My pleasure.” It’s confident, warm, and it tells every customer: we’d do this for you every single time. It never gets old. It never sounds robotic. Use it every time.
When they say “you’re amazing” — “Absolutely! That’s what we’re here for.”
When they say “I appreciate it” — “Absolutely — we love seeing you!”
This is our version of Chick-fil-A’s “My pleasure.” It’s confident, warm, and it tells every customer: we’d do this for you every single time. It never gets old. It never sounds robotic. Use it every time.
Say This Instead
Replace “No problem” → “Absolutely!”
Replace “You’re welcome” → “Absolutely!” or “Of course!”
Replace “Sure / Yeah” → “Absolutely!”
Replace “I don’t know” → “Great question — let me find out for you right now.”
Replace “We’re out of that” → “We’re actually out of that today — but here’s something you’d love just as much…”
Replace “You’re welcome” → “Absolutely!” or “Of course!”
Replace “Sure / Yeah” → “Absolutely!”
Replace “I don’t know” → “Great question — let me find out for you right now.”
Replace “We’re out of that” → “We’re actually out of that today — but here’s something you’d love just as much…”
Never Say
❌ “No problem” — it implies it could have been a problem
❌ “I can’t do that” — say what you CAN do
❌ “That’s not my job” — everything is your job when a customer needs help
❌ “I don’t know” without a follow-up — always follow it with action
❌ “You have to…” — say “What I can do is…”
❌ “I can’t do that” — say what you CAN do
❌ “That’s not my job” — everything is your job when a customer needs help
❌ “I don’t know” without a follow-up — always follow it with action
❌ “You have to…” — say “What I can do is…”
🎯 Making Recommendations
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The 3-Question Approach
Don’t just rattle off the menu. Ask 3 quick questions and land them on something perfect. Customers who get a great recommendation come back.
Q1 — Coffee or No Coffee?
“Are you more of a coffee person today, or would you rather do something fruity and refreshing?”
☕ Coffee → Go to Q2
🍓 Fruity/No coffee → Steer toward Energy Drinks, Acai Bowls, or Chai
☕ Coffee → Go to Q2
🍓 Fruity/No coffee → Steer toward Energy Drinks, Acai Bowls, or Chai
Q2 — Hot or Cold?
“Hot or cold today?”
🔥 Hot → Latte, Mocha, Americano, Chai, Matcha
🧊 Cold → Iced Latte, Cold Brew, Frappe, Iced Chai, Iced Matcha
🔥 Hot → Latte, Mocha, Americano, Chai, Matcha
🧊 Cold → Iced Latte, Cold Brew, Frappe, Iced Chai, Iced Matcha
Q3 — Sweet, Strong, or Balanced?
“Do you like things sweeter, more bold and strong, or kind of balanced in the middle?”
🍬 Sweet → White Mocha, Brown Sugar, Caramel, Vanilla, Frappe
💪 Strong/Bold → Americano, Cold Brew, extra shot, dark espresso
⚖️ Balanced → Classic Latte, Dirty Chai, Matcha, Oat Milk Latte
🍬 Sweet → White Mocha, Brown Sugar, Caramel, Vanilla, Frappe
💪 Strong/Bold → Americano, Cold Brew, extra shot, dark espresso
⚖️ Balanced → Classic Latte, Dirty Chai, Matcha, Oat Milk Latte
Energy Drink Recommendation Script
“Have you tried our energy drinks? They’re one of our most popular things — we make them in-house with energy base and real syrups, not just a can. What kind of flavors do you usually go for?”
🍑 Tropical/Fruity → Western Sky (Watermelon + Peach + OJ float)
�am Blueberry/Berry → Storm Cloud or Harvest Moon
🍋 Tart/Citrus → Cherry Limeade or Mermaid
🍓 Sweet/Fun → Pink Flamingo or Pink Starburst
🍑 Tropical/Fruity → Western Sky (Watermelon + Peach + OJ float)
�am Blueberry/Berry → Storm Cloud or Harvest Moon
🍋 Tart/Citrus → Cherry Limeade or Mermaid
🍓 Sweet/Fun → Pink Flamingo or Pink Starburst
Food Recommendation Script
“Are you grabbing anything to eat? Our bagel sandwiches are made fresh — if you haven’t tried the French Maple, it’s a fan favorite.”
Hearty → Southwest or Plane Jane
Lighter → Cold Turkey BLT
Sweet → French Maple (French Toast bagel + maple syrup)
Bowl → Acai Sunrise or Yogi
Hearty → Southwest or Plane Jane
Lighter → Cold Turkey BLT
Sweet → French Maple (French Toast bagel + maple syrup)
Bowl → Acai Sunrise or Yogi
When You Don’t Know
Never guess about ingredients or allergens. Say: “That’s a great question — give me just one second and I’ll get you the right answer.”
🧑🤝🧑 Every Customer Type — What To Do
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The First-Timer
Signs: Looking around, hesitating, asks “what’s good here?”
✅ “First time? Awesome — you picked a good day. Let me help you find something you’ll love.”
✅ Walk them through it briefly — don’t overwhelm. Pick one category, ask preferences, make a confident pick.
✅ Send-off: “You’re going to love that. Come back and let us know!”
❌ Don’t rush them. Give them 30 extra seconds.
Signs: Looking around, hesitating, asks “what’s good here?”
✅ “First time? Awesome — you picked a good day. Let me help you find something you’ll love.”
✅ Walk them through it briefly — don’t overwhelm. Pick one category, ask preferences, make a confident pick.
✅ Send-off: “You’re going to love that. Come back and let us know!”
❌ Don’t rush them. Give them 30 extra seconds.
The Regular
Signs: You recognize them. Same order every time.
✅ Greet by name. Always.
✅ “The usual?” — these two words mean everything to a regular.
✅ If you’re new: “I’m still learning faces — remind me what you usually get and I’ll remember from here on.”
✅ Remember what they told you last time — their dog, their job, their kid’s game.
❌ Never make a regular feel like a stranger.
Signs: You recognize them. Same order every time.
✅ Greet by name. Always.
✅ “The usual?” — these two words mean everything to a regular.
✅ If you’re new: “I’m still learning faces — remind me what you usually get and I’ll remember from here on.”
✅ Remember what they told you last time — their dog, their job, their kid’s game.
❌ Never make a regular feel like a stranger.
The Indecisive Customer
Signs: “I don’t know what I want,” staring at menu, lots of questions.
✅ Take control warmly: “No worries — I’ve got you. Do you like coffee or something fruitier?”
✅ Narrow with 2–3 questions, then commit: “I think you’d love the [drink]. Trust me on this one.”
✅ Be confident — they want to be led.
❌ Never offer more than 2 options at once.
Signs: “I don’t know what I want,” staring at menu, lots of questions.
✅ Take control warmly: “No worries — I’ve got you. Do you like coffee or something fruitier?”
✅ Narrow with 2–3 questions, then commit: “I think you’d love the [drink]. Trust me on this one.”
✅ Be confident — they want to be led.
❌ Never offer more than 2 options at once.
The Rushed / Impatient Customer
Signs: Checking phone, sighing, “I’m in a hurry.”
✅ Match urgency: “I’ve got you — what can I grab for you right now?”
✅ Move with intention. Let them see you’re moving fast for them.
✅ Skip small talk unless they start it.
✅ If there’s a wait: “About [X] minutes — I’ll make sure yours comes out fast.”
❌ Don’t apologize in a way that sounds like an excuse. Fix it and move.
Signs: Checking phone, sighing, “I’m in a hurry.”
✅ Match urgency: “I’ve got you — what can I grab for you right now?”
✅ Move with intention. Let them see you’re moving fast for them.
✅ Skip small talk unless they start it.
✅ If there’s a wait: “About [X] minutes — I’ll make sure yours comes out fast.”
❌ Don’t apologize in a way that sounds like an excuse. Fix it and move.
The Upset or Complaining Customer
Signs: Frustrated, raising voice, says the order is wrong.
✅ Stay calm. Lower your voice slightly — it de-escalates.
✅ First words: “I’m really sorry about that — let me fix it right now.” No explaining. Fix first.
✅ Repeat back: “So you’d like [X] instead — I’m on it.”
✅ Remake without hesitation. Hand off with a smile: “Here you go — thank you for telling us.”
✅ If it escalates: get a manager. Don’t argue.
❌ Never say “That’s not how it’s made” or “That’s what you ordered.”
❌ Never roll your eyes or make the customer feel like a burden.
Signs: Frustrated, raising voice, says the order is wrong.
✅ Stay calm. Lower your voice slightly — it de-escalates.
✅ First words: “I’m really sorry about that — let me fix it right now.” No explaining. Fix first.
✅ Repeat back: “So you’d like [X] instead — I’m on it.”
✅ Remake without hesitation. Hand off with a smile: “Here you go — thank you for telling us.”
✅ If it escalates: get a manager. Don’t argue.
❌ Never say “That’s not how it’s made” or “That’s what you ordered.”
❌ Never roll your eyes or make the customer feel like a burden.
The Allergy / Dietary Customer
Signs: “Does this have dairy?” “Is there gluten?” “I’m vegan.”
✅ Take every allergy seriously. Never guess.
✅ Dairy-free: oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk available.
✅ Gluten-free bagels available (+$3) — always use a separate board and knife.
✅ Nut alerts: almond flakes and peanut butter in acai bowls — always mention this.
❌ Never say “I think it’s fine.” If unsure, find out.
Signs: “Does this have dairy?” “Is there gluten?” “I’m vegan.”
✅ Take every allergy seriously. Never guess.
✅ Dairy-free: oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk available.
✅ Gluten-free bagels available (+$3) — always use a separate board and knife.
✅ Nut alerts: almond flakes and peanut butter in acai bowls — always mention this.
❌ Never say “I think it’s fine.” If unsure, find out.
The Large Group / Big Order
Signs: “I’m ordering for the office,” 5+ drinks.
✅ “Nice! Let’s take this one at a time — I’ll get everything right.”
✅ Write everything down. Read it back before charging.
✅ Label drinks clearly for easy hand-off.
❌ Don’t rush and make mistakes. One wrong drink on a big order costs the whole group.
Signs: “I’m ordering for the office,” 5+ drinks.
✅ “Nice! Let’s take this one at a time — I’ll get everything right.”
✅ Write everything down. Read it back before charging.
✅ Label drinks clearly for easy hand-off.
❌ Don’t rush and make mistakes. One wrong drink on a big order costs the whole group.
Kids & Families
Signs: Children present, parents ordering for multiple people.
✅ Acknowledge the kids directly — “Hey! You helping pick today?”
✅ Know non-caffeinated options: acai bowls, juice-based drinks.
✅ If there’s a spill: handle it without making anyone feel bad.
❌ Don’t ignore the kids. They’re customers too.
Signs: Children present, parents ordering for multiple people.
✅ Acknowledge the kids directly — “Hey! You helping pick today?”
✅ Know non-caffeinated options: acai bowls, juice-based drinks.
✅ If there’s a spill: handle it without making anyone feel bad.
❌ Don’t ignore the kids. They’re customers too.
The Price-Conscious Customer
Signs: Asks about pricing, hesitates at the total.
✅ Never make someone feel bad for asking about price.
✅ “Our [X] is one of our most popular and it’s [price] — a lot of people love it for the value.”
✅ Know which items are best value (larger sizes, combo options).
❌ Never make someone feel judged for their order size or budget.
Signs: Asks about pricing, hesitates at the total.
✅ Never make someone feel bad for asking about price.
✅ “Our [X] is one of our most popular and it’s [price] — a lot of people love it for the value.”
✅ Know which items are best value (larger sizes, combo options).
❌ Never make someone feel judged for their order size or budget.
🚗 Window Service Standards
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The 10-Second Rule
Every car gets acknowledged within 10 seconds of pulling up — even if you’re mid-order. A quick “Hey! Welcome to Maple Blues, I’ll be right with you!” through the window is enough. Silence feels like being ignored.
Taking the Order
✅ “Hey! Welcome to Maple Blues — what can we make for you today?”
✅ Always repeat the order back before charging: “So I’ve got [full order] — does that sound right?”
✅ Give the total clearly and warmly.
✅ If the line is long: “We’re moving through orders fast today — thanks for your patience!”
✅ Always repeat the order back before charging: “So I’ve got [full order] — does that sound right?”
✅ Give the total clearly and warmly.
✅ If the line is long: “We’re moving through orders fast today — thanks for your patience!”
The Hand-Off
✅ Make eye contact when handing through the window.
✅ Say the drink name: “Here’s your [drink]!”
✅ Close with: “Thanks so much — have an amazing day! Absolutely love seeing you!”
❌ Don’t close the window until the customer pulls away.
✅ Say the drink name: “Here’s your [drink]!”
✅ Close with: “Thanks so much — have an amazing day! Absolutely love seeing you!”
❌ Don’t close the window until the customer pulls away.
When the Wait is Long
✅ Acknowledge it proactively: “Hey, I know you’ve been waiting — we’re almost there. I really appreciate your patience.”
✅ Check with manager on comp/upgrade for very long waits.
❌ Never let a car sit with zero communication for more than 30 seconds.
✅ Check with manager on comp/upgrade for very long waits.
❌ Never let a car sit with zero communication for more than 30 seconds.
Wrong Order at the Window
“I’m so sorry about that — we’re going to fix this right now. Hang tight for just a minute.”
Remake it. No debate. Speed + kindness = fixed. A customer who gets a wrong order fixed fast will talk about the great service, not the mistake.
Remake it. No debate. Speed + kindness = fixed. A customer who gets a wrong order fixed fast will talk about the great service, not the mistake.
🔁 Service Recovery — Fixing It Right
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The Recovery Formula
Every service failure has a 3-step fix:
1. Acknowledge — “I’m really sorry about that.” No “but,” no explanation first.
2. Act — “Let me fix that right now.” Then do it. Fast.
3. Appreciate — “Thank you for telling us — it helps us get better.”
1. Acknowledge — “I’m really sorry about that.” No “but,” no explanation first.
2. Act — “Let me fix that right now.” Then do it. Fast.
3. Appreciate — “Thank you for telling us — it helps us get better.”
Wrong Drink
“I’m sorry about that — let me remake that right now.” No attitude. Hand off corrected drink: “Here you go — this one’s right. Thank you for your patience.”
Customer Doesn’t Like Their Drink
“I’m sorry it wasn’t what you expected! Can you tell me what you were looking for? I’d love to find you something you’ll actually enjoy.”
✅ Offer to modify or suggest something closer to what they wanted.
❌ Don’t argue that the drink is correct. Their experience matters more than being right.
✅ Offer to modify or suggest something closer to what they wanted.
❌ Don’t argue that the drink is correct. Their experience matters more than being right.
Long Wait / Forgotten Order
“I am so sorry — your order got delayed on our end and that’s on us. I’m making it right now.”
✅ Prioritize immediately. Flag to manager for possible comp on long waits.
❌ Don’t blame the kitchen, system, or a coworker. Just fix it.
✅ Prioritize immediately. Flag to manager for possible comp on long waits.
❌ Don’t blame the kitchen, system, or a coworker. Just fix it.
When to Get a Manager
Always involve a manager if:
• Customer is still upset after a remake
• Someone is raising their voice or being aggressive
• There’s a possible food allergy reaction
• A comp or refund is needed
• You’re unsure what to do
Getting a manager is not a failure — it’s the right call. Never let a situation escalate because you didn’t ask for help.
• Customer is still upset after a remake
• Someone is raising their voice or being aggressive
• There’s a possible food allergy reaction
• A comp or refund is needed
• You’re unsure what to do
Getting a manager is not a failure — it’s the right call. Never let a situation escalate because you didn’t ask for help.
✅ Level 1 Sign-Off Checklist
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- ✓Completed shop orientation — knows location of all supplies
- ✓Demonstrated correct customer greeting (trainer observed)
- ✓Can navigate POS and ring in a full order without help
- ✓Knows the names of all drink categories on the menu
- ✓Can identify every syrup and topping by name
- ✓Completed opening side work with trainer
- ✓Completed closing side work with trainer
- ✓Reviewed dress code, phone, and attendance policies
- ✓Read and signed the employee handbook acknowledgment
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TRAINER SIGN-OFF
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Level 2 — Brewista
Menu mastery, drink builds & upselling
Timeline
Typically 2–4 weeks. Pass the drink quiz and bar speed eval to advance.
☕ Espresso Builds
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- ✓Latte & Iced Latte — can build correctly without coaching
- ✓Macchiato & Iced Macchiato — layers are correct and clean
- ✓Americano — can build hot and iced, offers cream
- ✓Dirty Chai & Iced Dirty Chai — built correctly, dark or white espresso
⚡ Energy Drinks — 5 from memory
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- ✓Western Sky — Watermelon + Peach + OJ topper
- ✓Storm Cloud — Huckleberry + Blue Raspberry + Coconut
- ✓Mermaid — Lime + Blue Raspberry + Coconut Milk
- ✓Pink Flamingo — White Peach + Watermelon
- ✓Passion Water — Passion Fruit + Watermelon
✅ Level 2 Sign-Off Checklist
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- ✓Can name every drink on the menu from memory
- ✓Can build latte, iced latte, macchiato, americano without coaching
- ✓Can build 5 energy drinks correctly from recipe
- ✓Can build at least 3 dirty sodas correctly
- ✓Can build all frappe flavors correctly
- ✓Knows all acai bowl builds from memory
- ✓Knows bagel sandwich ingredients for all 8 sandwiches
- ✓Passed the written drink quiz (score 80% or higher)
- ✓Demonstrated correct upselling language during a live order
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TRAINER SIGN-OFF
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Level 3 — Certified Brewista
Speed, consistency & leadership
Speed Targets
Single espresso (hot): under 2 min · Iced drink: under 90 sec · Energy drink: under 60 sec · Frappe: under 3 min · Full order (3+ items): under 4 min
⚡ Bar Speed Habits
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- ✓Prep station before every rush — syrups, cups, lids, labels stocked
- ✓Always building the next drink before finishing the current one
- ✓Communicating out loud: "Pulling shots!" / "Blender going!" / "Order up!"
- ✓Cleaning as I go — never let the bar get messy during service
💬 Handling Tough Situations
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Rule #1
Stay calm. Never match an upset customer's energy.
- ✓Know the phrase: "I'm really sorry about that — let me fix it right now."
- ✓Never argue about what a customer ordered — just remake it
- ✓Know when to call a manager — escalation is wisdom, not weakness
✅ Level 3 Sign-Off Checklist
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- ✓Passed bar speed evaluation (10 consecutive orders at target speed)
- ✓Completed a full shift as primary bar lead without manager coaching
- ✓Demonstrated handling of an unhappy customer (manager observed)
- ✓Can train a Level 1 Trainee through their first shift
- ✓Can explain all 5 Maple Blues Core Values with examples
- ✓Completed a full opening OR closing shift as lead
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MANAGER FINAL SIGN-OFF
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Drink Recipes
Tap any drink to see how to build it
All
Espresso
Energy
Tea
Cold Brew
Frappe
Dirty Soda
Food
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Kitchen Training
Required for all Brewistas — bar and kitchen rotate
Everyone Works the Kitchen
At Maple Blues, every Brewista is cross-trained. You own the bar AND the kitchen. Knowing both makes you irreplaceable and keeps the team moving.
⚙️ Kitchen Equipment
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Turbo ChefOur primary cooking oven. Used for bacon, eggs, grilled onions, and more. Always press the correct preset button for each item. Never guess cook times — use the button.
Belt ToasterUsed for all bagel toasting. Feed bagels cut-side down. Never jam the belt or force thick items through.
MicrowaveUsed for crisping bacon after it comes out of the warmer, and reheating items as needed.
🧤 Food Safety & Hygiene
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Non-NegotiableFood safety is not optional. A single mistake can make a customer sick. When in doubt, throw it out.
- ✓Always wash hands for 20 seconds before handling food and after handling raw proteins
- ✓Wear gloves whenever directly handling ready-to-eat food (cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, toppings)
- ✓Change gloves between handling raw proteins and ready-to-eat food — never cross-contaminate
- ✓Know allergen risks: gluten (bagels), nuts (acai bowls — almond flakes, peanut butter), dairy
- ✓Gluten Free items must be handled separately — dedicated knife, board, and packaging
- ✓Keep hot foods hot (above 135°F) and cold foods cold (below 41°F) at all times
- ✓Label all prepped food containers using the label maker — find the correct label and print it. Labels auto-populate with name and date.
- ✓Sanitize all prep surfaces before and after each use
🔪 Daily Food Prep
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Prep StandardPrepped food should always look like it was just made. Never serve anything that looks tired or old.
- ✓Bacon — Line a tray with parchment paper. Lay approx. 3 rows of raw bacon on the tray. Place in the Turbo Chef and press the Raw Bacon button (40 min cook time). When done, pull from Turbo Chef and check internal temp. Transfer to the warmer. Before serving, microwave briefly to crisp. Label the container with the label maker.
- ✓Cream Cheeses — Portion into individual serving containers. Label each: Plain, Strawberry, Brown Sugar, Maple, Chive & Onion. Keep refrigerated below 41°F at all times.
- ✓Tomatoes — Slice fresh daily. Medium-thickness slices. Store in a covered container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Discard any unused at end of day.
- ✓Onions (Grilled) — Slice thin and place on a cooking tray. Cook in the Turbo Chef until golden and soft. For the Kicker sandwich. Store in a covered container, labeled with the label maker. Reheat to order.
- ✓Lettuce — Wash, dry thoroughly, and tear into sandwich-size portions. Store in a lined container. Never use wet or wilted lettuce.
- ✓Ham & Turkey — Transfer turkey into a container and label it using the label maker. Ham stays in original packaging until service. Fan slices neatly. Check dates daily.
- ✓Eggs — Start from raw whole eggs. Crack into an oiled egg tray and place in the Turbo Chef. Press the Egg button. Flip when the Turbo Chef cycle is done. Cook fully through — no runny eggs served.
- ✓Acai base — The acai base stays in the freezer the entire time. Scoop directly from frozen as needed. Do not pull it out to thaw or leave it at room temperature.
🫙 Acai Bowl Assembly
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Presentation MattersAcai bowls are a visual product. Customers photograph them. Make every bowl look like it belongs on Instagram.
- ✓Scoop correct portion of acai base — firm, not too loose. Fill to ¾ of bowl.
- ✓Add granola as the first layer over the base (unless GF — use GF granola on a clean surface)
- ✓Sunrise: Arrange Strawberry, Pineapple, Banana neatly. Drizzle Chia Pudding last.
- ✓Coconut Breeze: Coconut Flakes, Almond Flakes, drizzle Coconut Cream, sprinkle Chocolate Chips.
- ✓Yogi: Banana slices, Peanut Butter drizzle, Yogurt dollop, Chocolate Chips scattered.
- ✓Classic: Banana, Strawberry halves, Blueberries — clean and colorful layout.
- ✓Every bowl goes out covered with a lid or wrap. Call "Bowl up!" to the front.
🥯 Bagel Sandwich Assembly
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Build OrderToast → Cream Cheese → Bottom fillings → Top fillings → Wrap. Always confirm the bagel type and cream cheese before building.
- ✓Southwest: Jalapeño Cheddar bagel, Chive & Onion CC, Bacon, Egg, Cheddar — toast bagel first
- ✓Ham Egg & Cheddar: Plain bagel, Plain CC, Ham, Egg, Cheddar — simple classic
- ✓Everything BLT: Everything bagel, Plain CC, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato — cold build, no egg
- ✓French Maple: French Toast bagel, Maple CC, Bacon, Egg, drizzle Maple Syrup last
- ✓Kicker: Jalapeño Cheddar bagel, Chive & Onion CC, Ham, Pepper Jack, Grilled Onions
- ✓Cold Turkey: Plain bagel, Plain CC, Deli Turkey, Cheddar, Lettuce, Tomato — cold build
- ✓Plane Jane: Plain bagel, Bacon, Egg, Cheddar — no cream cheese, keep it simple
- ✓Crispy Chicken: Jalapeño Cheddar bagel, Chive & Onion CC, Crispy Chicken, Lettuce, Tomato
- ✓Gluten Free bagels: Always use separate board, knife, and handling. Charge +$3.00 and note on ticket.
🗂️ Kitchen Opening Side Work
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- ✓Wash hands. Put on apron and gloves before touching anything.
- ✓Check all prepped containers from previous day — discard anything past date or quality.
- ✓Cook opening bacon batch. Slice tomatoes. Portion cream cheeses if needed.
- ✓Wash and dry lettuce. Stock sandwich station with all ingredients.
- ✓Check acai base stock level in the freezer — notify manager if low. Leave it frozen.
- ✓Sanitize all prep surfaces and cutting boards. Power on Turbo Chef and belt toaster.
- ✓Restock to-go containers, bowls, wrapping paper, and napkins at the kitchen window.
🌙 Kitchen Closing Side Work
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- ✓Label and date all remaining prepped containers. Store properly in fridge.
- ✓Discard any prepped items that cannot safely carry over (sliced tomatoes, cooked bacon over 4 hrs).
- ✓Wipe down interior and trays of the Turbo Chef. Remove and clean egg trays and bacon trays.
- ✓Sanitize all cutting boards, knives, and prep surfaces. Let air dry.
- ✓Sweep and mop kitchen floor. Clean the inside of the belt toaster and microwave.
- ✓Empty and wipe out prep trash. Replace liner. Take out trash if full.
- ✓Report any low-stock items to manager for next-day order.
✅ Kitchen Sign-Off Checklist
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- ✓Passed food safety review — gloves, temps, labeling, allergens
- ✓Demonstrated correct bacon cook and storage
- ✓Demonstrated correct cream cheese portioning and labeling
- ✓Can build all 8 bagel sandwiches correctly from memory
- ✓Can build all 4 acai bowls correctly and presentably
- ✓Completed a full kitchen opening shift with trainer
- ✓Completed a full kitchen closing shift with trainer
- ✓Handled a real ticket during service without coaching (trainer observed)
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TRAINER SIGN-OFF
⭐
Our Culture
What Maple Blues is really about
The Maple Blues Moment
Every customer who walks up or drives through deserves an experience — not just a drink. That's what we build here, every shift, every order.
SPEED
We respect our customers' time. Every second counts. A fast drink with a great vibe is our signature.
QUALITY
Every drink is made with intention. No shortcuts. If it doesn't look right, remake it.
ENERGY
We bring the vibe. High energy is contagious — your attitude sets the tone for the whole line.
CONNECTION
We remember faces, names, and orders. Relationships with our regulars are what keep people coming back.
OWNERSHIP
We take pride in our station, our team, and our shop. See something that needs doing? Do it — don't wait.
👔 Policies & Expectations
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Dress CodeClean, solid-colored or neutral top — no logos, graphics, or offensive prints. Clean jeans or black pants (no rips). Closed-toe, non-slip shoes. Hair pulled back if longer than shoulder length. Minimal jewelry. Nails clean and short. You represent Maple Blues — look sharp and put together every shift.
AttendanceCall or text your manager at least 2 hours before your shift if you can't make it. No-call, no-shows are a step toward termination.
Phone PolicyPhones stay in your bag or pocket during your shift. Break time only.
Customer Greeting StandardGreet within 5 seconds. Make eye contact. Smile. Build the moment before taking the order. Use names. Give a real send-off. If something goes wrong, fix it immediately — no excuses. Every customer deserves to feel like the most important person at the window.