Starbucks bringing back and introducing amenities

Starbucks is bringing back and introducing new amenities to its cafés in North America, starting today.

“The changes come as part of a plan to refocus on what has always made Starbucks special — creating a welcoming coffeehouse where people want to gather and relax, and where skilled baristas serve the finest handcrafted coffee,” said the coffee giant.

Here’s what Canadian customers can expect, says Starbucks:

• Free Refills for all customers: Beginning today, all customers who order any beverage “for here” will be able to enjoy free refills of hot brewed or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea during their same visit in that café.
  • To receive free refills, customers must have their first beverage served in a ceramic mug, glass, or clean personal cup that the customer brings in. 
  • For current Starbucks Rewards members in Canada, any changes to terms and conditions on free refills will take effect beginning February 12.

• “For Here” or “To Go”?: To ensure customers feel an elevated and personal touch, Starbucks baristas will ask each customer if they would like their beverages and food “for here” or “to go.” Customers deciding to stay a while and enjoy the coffeehouse vibes can sip their favourite beverage out of the store’s ceramic mugs or glassware. 

• The Condiment Bar is back: The condiment bar is returning to Canadian cafés, including creamers, milks and sweeteners, so that customers can easily customize their coffee exactly to their liking. If a customer doesn’t see the milk, including non-dairy options, or sweetener they want, they can ask a barista for their preferred condiments.

• Coffeehouse Code of Conduct: We’ve also heard from customers and partners (employees) that access to comfortable seating and a clean, safe environment is critical to getting back to the Starbucks they know and love. To do this, we’ll be implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct to provide clarity that our spaces are for use by customers and partners.

Related Retail Insider stories:

• Starbucks launching new paid parental leave initiative for employees
• Starbucks announces removal of extra charge for nondairy starting Nov. 7