Straw Code

Do your baristas know the code?

Handing out hotness - one straw at a time, or so you thought. Dutch Bros., a local coffee drive through, has been surrounded by rumors about color coordinating customer attractiveness using different colored straws.

The straw code isn’t just word of mouth, it has turned to social media for a kick start for conversations.

A simple search on Facebook and you can find the straw code page by typing “straw code,” and you will be amazed at what comes up in the search.

A North Albany Middle School student, Tawni Schulze, heard of the straw code from a friend at school.

Schulze said, “People get upset because of the color they get.”

When questioned regarding this straw “hotness code,” baristas denied it. Baristas mentioned it being a “myth” or a “joke.”

OSU student Nathan Rust and LBCC student Cassidy Muller work at the Dutch Bros. off of Ninth Street, referred to as Albany Two. On Saturday, March 14, Rust and Muller blended, mixed, and steamed coffee concoctions during their late night shift.

The straws come already packaged and ready for use with pink, orange, yellow, green, and blue. The baristas just replenish the straw container and wait for the next customer order.

“Honestly, I don’t look at the straws,” said Muller.

During the March 14 shift a customer happened to drive up and put in her order. She ordered a 32 ounce green tea with grape fruit and half sweet. After placing her order, she had a specific request. “Can I get a blue straw please?” asked Madison Wasson.

Rust inquired as to why she requested a blue straw.

Wasson said, “I don’t want my straw to clash with my lipstick.”

Customers will come to the coffee drive through and request straws simply because they prefer a color more than others. Occasionally customers will even grab their own straw.

Rust said, “Two girls came in last night and asked for pink straws.”

Nicole Jacobson, a barista at the Albany Three location talked about male customers and the straw code.

Jacobson said, “Guys get offended when they get a pink or orange straw.”

She refrains from giving male customers these colors as to not offend. However, it cannot be helped in a rush.

Kamira Pullam, a barista at the Albany One location uses the colored straws to help coordinate for the drinks prepared.

“I like to color coordinate with a customers outfit sometimes,” said Pullam.

Another barista Andrew Bell-Morgan, uses the straws in a similar way as Pullam. Instead of the clothes, he coordinates sometimes with the customers vehicle.

The straw “hotness code” may be a myth to some, however, it is alive and appears to be thriving among a younger generation.

“All people are attractive, but we're not all attractive in the same way,” said Leslie Hammond, dean of student affairs.