In light of recent public health concerns, all company-owned Starbucks stores in the U.S. will be open for to-go and delivery orders only. This decision was made public on March 15th and, according to Starbucks representatives, will remain in effect for at least two weeks.
Though the high-traffic chain has shut down all indoor and outdoor seating, customers can still get their favorite drinks by walking up to the interior counter, placing “order ahead” orders using the Starbucks app, using the drive thru or ordering delivery through Uber Eats.
CEO of Starbucks Kevin Johnson wrote a letter on March 11th addressing these recent developments. “It is our intent to remain transparent,” he wrote. “Starbucks resilience is owed to our unwavering Mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”
In addition to putting protective measures in place for customers, Starbucks is also offering aid to their employees. According to Rossann Williams, EVP and President, partners will be offered catastrophe pay if diagnosed with, exposed to, or showing symptoms of COVID-19. This benefit will also be available to anyone over 60 or with underlying health conditions, and can be extended up to 26 weeks if the employee is still unable to return to work.
For updates every 90 minutes on your local store’s status, use the Starbucks store locator.
