Introduction:There was a time when a Manner caramel latte adorned with an exquisitely drawn Christmas tree latte art became a must-have photo op for coffee enthusiasts during the holiday season. However, recently many customers have reported a noticeable decline in the quality of Manner’s latte art service, with some even being outright refused by baristas. Is it due to understaffed stores, insufficient training, or the pressure of keeping up with order turnaround times that makes it difficult for baristas to accommodate such requests? This article delves into the underlying reasons and shares tips on how to more wisely enjoy a cup of coffee that is both aesthetically pleasing and flavorful.

In the past, Manner sparked a social media trend with its vividly crafted Christmas tree latte art on top of a hot latte. At that time, many customers would bring reference images from the internet to specific stores, requesting the exact same design. It not only enhanced the festive atmosphere but also allowed people to feel the craftsmanship and warmth of the barista.

However, this year the situation has changed dramatically. Numerous online users have shared that even during off-peak hours, when they asked Manner staff for latte art — such as drawing a Christmas tree or other simple designs — they were directly turned down, often without any explanation. Compared to the previous attitude where baristas were generally happy to oblige, this shift has left many regulars surprised and disappointed.

Not only has the latte art service become more conservative, but some consumers have also noted a general decline in the overall quality of latte art in their recent drinks. Some photos reveal that the milk foam on hot beverages is not fine enough, with blurry patterns, or just a few simple lines — a far cry from the intricate designs of the past. This has led some to question whether it might be related to the technical training of the baristas.

In response, some netizens expressed understanding, believing that during peak order times when staff are busy, refusing additional time-consuming latte art requests in order to maintain service speed is somewhat understandable. However, there are also observations suggesting that apart from timing pressures, insufficient training for new employees may actually be the core issue.

According to an anonymous Manner insider, most stores are currently facing staffing shortages, and new employees often begin working independently after just three days. Without comprehensive training in steaming milk and latte art techniques, these novices may not even be able to master basic foam texture, let alone create detailed patterns. If there are no senior baristas around to guide them, many newcomers resort to simply pouring the milk straight in to speed up service.

The employee further explained that latte art not only requires technical skill but also precise control over details such as milk temperature, pouring speed, and the angle of the pitcher. Without systematic training, even those with the willingness may find it hard to meet customer expectations. Therefore, he suggests that customers who love latte art should try visiting during shifts when experienced baristas are on duty, which might increase the chances of getting beautifully crafted drinks.

Compared to the previous impression of Manner offering consistent quality and a wide variety of latte art patterns, many long-time customers lament that nowadays the common designs are mostly simple hearts, with only rare instances where skilled baristas are willing to attempt more complex patterns. While this shift is influenced by real operational factors, it still leaves coffee aesthetic enthusiasts feeling a bit disheartened.

In summary, the changes in Manner’s latte art service reflect the challenges faced by chain coffee shops in terms of staffing and employee training during rapid expansion. For consumers, understanding the background of these issues may allow for a more forgiving attitude toward each coffee experience, while also learning how to choose the best coffee options at the right time.

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.