Starbucks Makes 2 Welcome Changes For In-Store Customers
As January draws to a close, Starbucks is making some changes to its dine-in experience for customers. For those who need a visit to the siren — no, the logo mascot is not a mermaid! — to start their day off right, news of potential free refills and easier drink customization will be music to the ears.
In an email to Foodie, Starbucks divulged that, beginning today (January 27), customers who placed orders at the counter in cafes would be asked if they'd be enjoying their drinks "here, or to-go." Those who ask for in-house beverages will have their Starbucks handcrafted drinks served to them in a "ceramic mug, glass, or clean personal cup." Additionally, savoring your drink in-house will entitle you to gratis refills of either hot or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea during your same visit.
But that wasn't all the good news. Starbucks also shared that it was once again rolling out its condiment bar for customers who like to customize the amount of dairy or sweeteners in their drinks.
Sustainability and customer satisfaction are fueling the changes
Starbucks making the switch to washable drinkware inside its cafes isn't all that surprising, considering some other moves made by the coffee giant. Last year, the company unveiled new cup designs meant to further increase sustainability. Utilizing reusable cups and mugs is part of that same commitment to reducing waste. Plus, customers now get the extra perk of free refills, which was formerly only available to Starbucks Rewards members. Note that free refills are limited only to the drinks mentioned on its website and don't currently include Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Tea Lemonades, or Refreshers.
The condiment bar coming back is also guaranteed to please consumers, who can now make drinks their own with creamer or milk, along with an array of sweeteners. No doubt, new and returning Starbucks lovers will be enticed to linger a while with these changes.