Closed Starbucks locations to open next week under modified format

Starbucks locations that closed due to the coronavirus are expected to open next week.

While Starbucks locations are not expected to operate in their normal capacity, according to a representative for the company, locations that are currently closed will begin to open in their community in a modified format beginning May 4th.

Here are some of the changes that were outlined by the representative.

The company continues to observe elevated cleaning and sanitizing protocols that meet or exceed public health guidelines and can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. All stores use the “Clean, Safe and Ready” system to ensure the well-being of partners and customers, cleaning high touch surface areas as frequently.

Prior to beginning every shift, all partners complete a pre-check, including safety precautions such as taking their temperature, to ensure they are ready and able to work. Partners are also required to wear facial coverings during their shifts and continue to frequently wash their hands. They also have the option to wear gloves.

Since March 16, many Starbucks locations have been serving at the drive-thru. While some locations may continue to operate only at the drive-thru, others will expand their service to include grab-and-go or entryway pickup. Using the Starbucks App, customers can locate a store, order ahead and pay. In most cases, customers who use the App can pick up their order from a barista at the door without entering the café, the drive-thru, or in cases where social distancing can be implemented, pick up may be available at a counter in a store.

At select locations where social distancing can be maintained, customers can place an order in the café and take their order to-go or use the “order ahead” feature in the Starbucks app to pick it up at the counter. Social distancing will be supported with floor markers in waiting areas, additional in-store signage, and by limiting the number of customers in the café at a single time. The seating area will not be open.

In many U.S. markets, customers can also use Starbucks Delivers to have Starbucks food and beverages brought to their door through Uber Eats. For their delivery, customers can enable a “contactless” handoff by adding a note for their delivery person to leave their order at the door. Nearly all food and beverages from the Starbucks menu are available to order through Starbucks Delivers and can be customized. Delivery fees on orders have been waived for the time being.

Finally, Starbucks has delayed the expiration of all Stars scheduled to expire between now and June 1, 2020.