Big changes are brewing at Starbucks. The coffee giant has announced a mix of new and returning policies that could impact consumers' daily caffeine run.
This change comes as sustainability remains a growing concern. A recent CBS investigation revealed that many Starbucks plastic cups tossed into recycling bins end up in the trash. Out of 36 cups followed with embedded trackers, only four reached a recycling facility.
Starbucks is also reintroducing handwritten names and notes on cups. Baristas stopped the practice during the COVID pandemic to minimize contact, replacing handwritten names with printed stickers.
The coffee chain even released an ad on Monday, Jan. Another fan-favorite feature making its return is the condiment bar. Customers can now once again customize their drinks with creamer, milk and a variety of sweeteners. The company is also prioritizing employee safety with new panic buttons in certain locations. According to Fortune , a Starbucks barista said their store installed a panic button discreetly under the counter.
The button allows staff to quickly alert internal security. Starbucks reported its third straight quarter of declining sales during an earnings call in October With these new and returning policies, the coffee chain hopes to reconnect with loyal customers and boost in-store traffic.
