Starbucks tackles coronavirus outbreak with US and Canada ‘to go’ move

Starbucks is green lighting a temporary “to go” model for all of its locations in the US and Canada, in an effort to help contain the COVID-19 virus.  

This will see the retailer closing down seating in its cafe and patio areas and will be in place for at least two weeks. Starbucks will instead rely on its app for ordering ahead, drive thru in certain locations, walk up counter and delivery.

Locations in “high-social gathering locations” like schools and malls will temporarily be closed. The same applied to communities that have been hit with large clusters of COVID-19 cases.

“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,” says Rossann Williams, Executive Vice President and President, US company-operated business and Canada.

“Every community’s needs are incredibly different. We want to make sure we play a constructive role by taking responsible actions, in partnership with the CDC and local public health authorities, so we can continue to do what’s right for our partners and customers.”

Further details here.

Sign up for our free retail technology newsletter here.