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Changes are brewing at Starbucks.
The coffee giant announced that it is bringing back some of its pre-COVID methods, including free refills — but there’s a catch.
Customers who are ordering in-store will now be asked if they would like their drink “for here” or “to go.”
Starting today, Jan. 27, those who order “for here” will get their drink served in a ceramic mug, glass or a personal cup. These people will be able to get free refills during their visit on hot brewed or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea.
Customers must have their first drink served in one of these reusable cups in order to receive free refills, according to Starbucks.
No disposable or plastic vessels will be able to get the free refills. Additionally, if you purchase a cold brew, latte, Starbucks Refresher, Iced Tea Lemonade and many other drinks, you won’t be able to get the same drink for your free refill.
“Offering customers who enjoy their beverages at the store in ceramic mugs and glassware is one way we’re returning our cafes to warm welcoming coffeehouses,” the company told Axios. “It’s also another way that Starbucks is reducing waste and making each visit a more sustainable choice.”
Additionally, patrons will once again be able to use the old-school self-serve stations, where they can find milk, sugar, sweeteners, spices and stirrers.
Starbucks scrapped the stations during the COVID pandemic, leaving extra labor for busy baristas and slowing down service time.
Now, new CEO Brian Niccol — who took the helm back in September — is reimplementing the self-service stations that customers have been wanting back for years.
Starbucks also recently changed their code of conduct, reversing their open-door policy which allowed anyone to hang out at the cafes or use its restrooms without a purchase.
“We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers,” Starbucks’ website says. “Our Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers have and is designed to provide clarity that our spaces – including our cafes, patios and restrooms – are for use by customers and partners.”
These aren’t the only changes that Niccol has made since taking over the chain.
When he started, he noted that one of his priorities to accelerate growth at the company is to simplify the “overly complex” menu so baristas can speed up service.
Menu items being booted include Starbucks’ olive oil-infused drinks, which were only around for one year. These controversial drinks left the menu officially on Nov. 7.
The company is also bringing back Sharpies, having baristas handwrite customers’ names on their drinks.
They’ll also bring back comfy chairs to some of its stores, further giving some Starbucks outlets an old-school vibe, where customers can sit for hours relaxing or doing remote work.
