Starbucks announced on Sunday, March 15 that they would be moving their stores to a to-go-only business model in reaction to the international spread of the coronavirus.
“As we all know, the situation with COVID-19 is extremely dynamic and we will continue to review the facts and science and make the proactive decisions necessary to protect our partners, customers, and communities,”
ROSSANN WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND PRESIDENT, U.S. COMPANY-OPERATED BUSINESS AND CANADA
The company will “pause” all seating in both cafes and patios. Customers will still be able to order via walk-up counters, drive-thru, and the “order ahead” feature in the Starbucks app. Company-owned stores in high-trafficked gathering areas like malls and university campuses will be temporarily closed.
Operating hours for stores in communities with high clusters of COVID-19 cases will likely be reduced.