Coffee giant Starbucks has announced that it will begin the “phased reopening” of 150 UK stores this week.
The stores – which will reopen their doors on May 14 – will largely be made up of the brand’s drive-thru locations, joined by a “handful” of cafes offering takeaway, with delivery services expected to be introduced shortly.
There will be no eat-in option at the stores, in line with the government’s self distancing guidelines. The move comes after Starbucks announced the closure of all its UK stores in March.
Starbucks has said that the reopened locations will offer a “near-complete beverage menu”, but the food menu is to be “slightly restricted” and will “focus on more popular items”. The company will also be offering all NHS workers free beverages – in Tall size only, but in any variety – on the house.
The company has said it will introduce enhanced health and safety measures to the stores, including Plexiglass screens, contactless payments, social distancing measures and new cleaning protocols and increased hand-washing guidelines.
Starbucks cited the “easing of restrictions allowing more travel on roads” as the reason for its focus on drive-thru locations. In his speech last night, prime minister Boris Johnson said people who cannot work at home would be “actively encouraged” to return from work, but discouraged from using public transport.
In a letter to the company’s partners, UK general manager Alex Rayner said that the goal was to “be fully open by the end of June”.
“Every decision we make as an organisation puts your health and well-being – and that of our customers – first. The temporary closures of our stores in March was a difficult decision but the right one,” said Rayner.
“We have been learning, testing and refining these operational standards every day and have tailored to the specific needs of our Government and healthcare officials. You will be able to work safely in our stores.”
