Starbucks temporarily adopts the go-to model

Starbucks Corp. is doing its best to encourage social distance. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the coffee giant announced a series of measures.  Starbucks is moving to a "to go" model in all U.S. and Canadian stores until at least Sunday, March 29, 2020.

In all U.S. and Canadian outlets, Starbucks is moving towards a "to go" model, which involves a temporary phase-out of all in-store and patio seating. The retailer is also shutting company-operated stores temporarily in high-traffic areas such as shopping centers or university campuses.

Besides, Starbucks will temporarily close or reduce operating hours of stores in areas with high clusters of COVID-19, such as New York and Seattle. Other adaptations in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic include changes to how mobile orders are handed off on a store-by-store basis and a modified condiment bar in all stores. For handling of cash, a designated employee will handle all cash transactions at the POS terminal and drive-thru window, with gloves allowed but not required.

Customers will, however, be able to order at and walk up the counter, through the "order ahead" feature in the Starbucks app, via the drive-thru, and use the Starbucks Delivers on-demand delivery service in available markets.

Rossann Williams, Starbucks executive V.P. and President, U.S. company-operated business and Canada, said in a letter sent to all Starbucks stores in the U.S. and Canada that as it is clear, the situation with COVID-19 is exceptionally dynamic, the company will continue to review the facts and science and make the proactive decisions necessary to protect the company's partners, customers, and communities. Every community's needs are incredibly different, and the company is prepared to adjust as needed. It is therefore ensured by the company to play a constructive role by taking responsible actions, in partnership with the CDC and local public health authorities, to continue doing what's right for the partners and customers.

For employees, Starbucks will invest up to USD 10 million in its Caring Unites Partners (CUP) Fund and other global resources to support virus-related employee needs beyond pay. The company is also tentatively expanding its Care@Work childcare support program with an extension in backup care days from 10 to 20 and reimbursement of up to USD 125 per day for the use of backup caregivers and centers not included in the Care@Work provider network.

Other recent actions Starbucks has taken in response to COVID-19 include giving catastrophic pay to employees exposed to the virus, upping store cleaning regimens, and discontinuing the use of reusable cups. Starbucks temporarily closed its almost 4,300 stores in China earlier this year, but as of February 27, 2020, it had reopened about 85% of them.