Starbucks wants customers to grab a drink, pull up a chair, and stay awhile. Along with new matcha updates and the return of pistachio, patrons now have access to new and returning amenities, which go into effect starting January 27. Starbucks reps say the changes aim to create a more welcoming, community-like feel and promote sustainability.
4 Main Changes to Starbucks’s ‘For Here’ Experience
From ceramic mugs to personalizing your creamer, here’s what you can expect the next time you visit a cafe.
1. The Return of Mugs
Customers will be asked whether their order is for here or to go. All for here orders will be served in a glass, a ceramic mug, or a customer’s reusable cup brought from home—a move to reduce waste and encourage gathering.
Starbucks moved away from in-store drinkware during the COVID-19 pandemic but reintroduced personal reusable cups using a contactless method in late 2020. This marks the first time in five years that in-store orders will be served in a ceramic mug or glass.
2. Free Refills
If you enjoy your drink in the cafe, you’ll have access to unlimited refills on coffee and tea, either iced or hot. The refill must be from the same visit and excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Tea Lemonade, flavored Iced Tea, and Starbucks Refreshers. Drinks are only available for a customer’s reusable cup or for here drinkware—meaning, you won’t be able to refill plastic to-go cups.
3. Condiment Bar
Back by popular demand, Starbucks will now allow customers to add their own creamer, milk, and sweeteners to their drinks at its condiment bar. Starbucks encourages you to ask your barista if you don’t see the type of milk or syrup you want. This step helps eliminate waste and gives customers the opportunity to experiment with add-ons.
4. Clean, Safe Environment
The coffeehouse is responding to feedback from customers and employees, who said that comfortable seating and a clean, safe space were of top priority to them. As such, Starbucks implemented a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct: This change prohibits non-customers from loitering in communal spaces like the cafe, patio, or restrooms. The rules also prohibit smoking, vaping, alcohol use, and any type of harassment.
