Sabrina Carpenter took on a new role as a barista at a London coffee shop on Monday to promote her hit single “Espresso,” writes Emily Bloch for The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

The pop star, originally from Quakertown, surprised fans at Blank Street Coffee by serving drinks and greeting customers. This promotional stunt is part of the lead-up to her highly anticipated album, Short n’ Sweet, set to release in August. 

Carpenter’s appearance in head-to-toe Fendi drew mixed reactions. Some fans found the gesture cute and relatable, while critics labeled it pandering and out of touch with labor issues. One X (formerly Twitter) user’s criticism garnered over 280,000 likes, stating, “[It’s] the worst gimmick a celebrity can possibly do.” 

Despite the backlash, Carpenter’s promotional efforts for her upcoming album have been successful, with her singles “Espresso” and “Please, Please, Please” gaining traction, alongside her performances at major festivals like Gov Ball and Coachella. 

Carpenter isn’t the first celebrity to try their hand at a customer service job. Previous stunts include Prince William at a food truck, Ed Sheeran serving cheesesteaks in Philly, and Lana Del Rey working at a Waffle House in Alabama.  

Read more about Quakertown-raised Sabrina Carpenter in The Philadelphia Inquirer.  

Sabrina Carpenter – Good Luck, Babe! (Chappell Roan cover) in the Live Lounge