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Customers are exploiting a loophole by ordering a “ghetto latte” or “poor man’s latte” – a cheap selection from the menu with no added milk, then adding free milk from the condiment bar. While not illegal, it is considered exploiting the system and could cause coffee shops to lose money.
Regulars of specialty coffee shops like Starbucks or Joe Muggs often note that add-ons like syrup shots and steamed dairy can significantly add to the cost of a beverage. A tall cup of basic Americano can easily cost over $5 USD if the customer selects, for example, additional shots of espresso and steamed milk. Some experts, or some might argue cheap, customers exploit a loophole by ordering what is known as a ghetto latte or poor man’s latte.
A ghetto latte starts out as one of the cheaper selections on the menu, like a basic Americano espresso with no additional milk or an iced coffee with no added water. The result is a larger sized cup with a relatively small coffee product. Once the customer receives this less expensive drink, they proceed directly to a free condiment bar and stock up on half cream and half free or pour a large batch of cream or milk directly from a jug. This is considered a ghetto by frustrated bartenders and shop managers.
While the act of concocting a latte ghetto isn’t technically illegal, it could be considered exploiting the system. The condiment bar in most coffee shops is designed to provide paying customers with ancillary supplies such as sweeteners, spreads, and spices. Individual creamers or refrigerated pitchers of half-and-half are not intended as complimentary alternatives to the milk add-ons that define a dairy beverage.
Some customers trying to create a latte ghetto actually take offense if the store’s supply of free creamers isn’t available. Others may order a basic cup of iced coffee and request an exceptionally large amount of creamer and crushed ice. Many experienced baristas are aware of the practice of ghetto lattes, but some feel they’ve already made a legitimate sale of the original drink, so they haven’t been duped themselves.
The store itself could lose money from the practice, however, and future customers may have to make up for the loss at higher prices if too many customers persist in making cans of ghetto instead of ordering smaller or more affordable drinks.
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