Starbucks Temporarily Changes to a “To Go” Model in US and Canada

Many companies are having to either temporarily close or adjust their hours. Starbucks announced in a letter to their US partners that they would be making changes to encourage social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Starting now, they will strictly provide their menu options to-go in all company-owned stores in the US and Canada for at least the next two weeks. 

“As we all know, the situation with COVID-19 is extremely dynamic and we will continue to review the facts and science and make the proactive decisions necessary to protect our partners, customers and communities,” wrote Rossann Williams, executive vice president and president, U.S. company-operated business and Canada.

Customers can still walk up and order at the counter, use the “order ahead” feature in the Starbucks app or utilize the drive thru. There will be a modified condiment bar in all stores. There will be temporary closures for company-owned stores in high-social gathering locations, such as malls and university campuses. There will also be temporary store closures or reduced operating hours in communities with high clusters of COVID-19 cases. 

Williams said, “Every community’s needs are incredibly different. We want to make sure we play a constructive role by taking responsible actions, in partnership with the CDC and local public health authorities, so we can continue to do what’s right for our partners and customers.