Starbucks has implemented new company policies worldwide to go back to its roots as a coffee shop. Their new ‘for-here’ policy includes glass cups, free refills and no more free water.
The root of these new changes is their commitment to “get back to Starbucks.” In recent years, especially after the pandemic, Starbucks drifted from its coffee shop roots and turned into a place where people grab their orders and leave. Starbucks’s new CEO, Brian Niccol, who was Chipotle’s CEO, hopes to make Starbucks shops a place for people to sit down, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee instead of a quick stop as people rush to work, school or wherever else they might be going.
Additionally, the company is also focusing on restoring a sense of tradition in comfort within their stores as they are introducing ceramic mugs and glass cups for in-store drinks, supporting sustainability efforts. The pandemic was the main reason for using disposable cups, now, the shift from disposable cups back to glass ones for in-store beverages ties into the CEO’s hope for customers to stay awhile.
Safety concerns are another reason for these new changes. Starbucks has reversed its old open-door policy as it is seen as a key cause for various safety issues. In an effort to ensure that paying customers receive the services they expect, the company has implemented a new rule that customers must make a purchase to use the restrooms or stay in the store. This change was made to prioritize paying customers and reduce disruptions that may arise from non-paying visitors. Though some customers may feel safer, some may avoid going altogether because they feel that it’s an unwelcoming environment.
This policy reversal may have lasting effects on students.
“I go to Starbucks frequently to study with friends and sometimes we don’t always buy something. It’s nice to know that it’s a safer environment since only paying customers can come in, but at the same time it might cause us to go somewhere else like Pete’s Coffee if none of us want to purchase anything,” sophomore Evan Wong said.
This change is expected to help Starbucks manage traffic efficiently and provide a better experience for those coming in to enjoy their coffee. While emphasizing that all customers are still welcome, the new policy is meant to create a balance between accommodating everyone and ensuring that the store is a comfortable place for those who are purchasing items.
The company is also emphasizing personalized interactions with customers. Baristas are encouraged to go back to writing customers’ names or a little note on cups to foster a strong relationship with the customer. While this change may seem minor, it reflects Starbucks’s commitment to customer service and enhancing the coffee experience by making it feel personal, which is something that many companies lost during the pandemic. The process of going to a restaurant or getting a cup of coffee has turned into a mechanic interaction, where people order, pay and leave. This social and comfortable environment ties into the company’s broader goal of “getting back to Starbucks” by making stores a place where people can connect with others and take a step back from their fast-paced lives.
Along with customer-focused initiatives, Starbucks is doubling down on cleanliness. Starbucks is maintaining strict cleaning protocols to ensure that customers and employees feel comfortable within the stores. Additionally, they’re focused on creating a clean and organized environment to further enhance the experience. This includes only allowing paying customers to use the restrooms. The new rules also ban smoking, vaping and panhandling.
As Starbucks evolves, its new policies reflect a hope to return to the brand’s roots of offering good coffee, creating a welcoming space and focusing on quality service. Their return to ceramic mugs and a more personalized experience with baristas showcase a shift to a traditional coffee shop setting where customers can relax and feel connected.
