Yellowknife (Sep 27/06) - Most of us admit we're not at our best in the morning. In fact, some of us can be downright crabby.

And what stories those brave souls serving the public coffee have.

"Customers say snarky things all the time," said April Lau, an employee at the Javaroma located on the first floor of the Northwestel building.

Krysta Thiem, a Centre Square Mall Javaroma employee, holds coffee she serves to the many customers who come her way each day. Some are a lot of fun, while others just need their caffeine to get the day started. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo

"All they want is their coffee," said Lau, referring to some of the less polite customers.

She said her job can be tough, especially first thing in the morning.

Open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the rushes come at 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., between 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., lunch, and again between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and it comes in the form of regular customers, said Lau.

"We go out of our way to make their drinks as soon as they walk in the door," she said.

Lau said her favourite customers are always polite and don't let long lines or hectic mornings get them down or grumpy.

They also leave the best tips, said Lau.

Centre Square Mall Javaroma employee Krysta Thiem said for the most part, she gets great customers, but some take the cake.

"I was soaking my hands in water with bleach and soap in it, then turned around, and the customer asked me to wash my hands again," she said.

"We have a lot of good regulars with smiles," Thiem added.

Tim Horton's owner Deborah Barton said she's thankful to all her customers who make her business on Old Airport Road possible.

"They take good care of us," she said.

As for Lau, she said she enjoys her job for the people she works with and all the new people she meets everyday, but adds not every encounter is a good one.

"I love it for the people, and I hate it for the people," Lau laughed.