Starbucks stirring things up with new and returning policies

23 hrs ago

Kennedy Felton Lifestyle Correspondent/Producer

By Kennedy Felton (Lifestyle Correspondent/Producer), Joey Nunez (Video Editor)

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.

Bias Distribution Powered by Ground News™

According to Starbucks, these updates aim to encourage customers to “stay awhile.” A key part of this initiative is the return of “For Here” drinks. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Starbucks allowed beverages to be served in personal cups.

Now, when you order any drink “for here,” it will be served in a ceramic mug, glass or even your clean personal cup, complete with free refills.

Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.

Point phone camera here

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.

Bringing back personal touches

Starbucks is also reintroducing handwritten names and notes on cups. Baristas stopped the practice during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize contact, replacing handwritten names with printed stickers. Now, the tradition is making a comeback as part of the company’s “Back to Starbucks” initiative, announced in late 2024.

The coffee chain even released an ad on Monday, Jan. 27, titled “Not My Name.” The ad’s description reads, “Every cup is crafted to brighten your day,” emphasizing the personal touch Starbucks hopes to bring back to customers.

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.

Employee safety takes priority

Starbucks isn’t just focusing on customers. 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. Pressing it triggers an immediate lockdown, though employees weren’t briefed on specific guidelines for its use.

The addition of panic buttons follows Starbucks’ decision to reverse its open-door policy earlier In 2025. Customers must now make a purchase to hang out or use restrooms, signaling a shift in how the company manages its café spaces.

Declining sales spark change

Starbucks reported its third straight quarter of declining sales during an earnings call in October 2024. With these new and returning policies, the coffee chain hopes to reconnect with loyal customers and boost in-store traffic.

Tags: Coffee, COVID-19, Pandemic, Starbucks

[KENNEDY FELTON]

Big changes are brewing at Starbucks—as the coffee giant has unveiled a mix of new and returning policies that could impact your daily caffeine run.

According to their website, these updates are designed to encourage customers to “stay awhile.”

First up is the return on “for here” drinks. They previously allowed drinks in personal cups before the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, when you order any drink “for here,” it will be served in a ceramic coffee mug, glass, or even your own clean personal cup—complete with free refills.

This move comes as sustainability becomes a growing concern. A recent investigation by CBS reveals that many Starbucks plastic cups tossed into recycling bins ultimately end up in the trash. Out of 36 cups tracked that provided reliable data, only four reached a recycling facility.

And speaking of cups—baristas are bringing back handwritten names and notes on them as part of their “Back to Starbucks” initiative, as they announced at the end of last year.

Starbucks released an ad Monday called “Not My Name…” with the video description reading “Every cup is crafted to brighten your day.”

Baristas also stopped writing on cups and replaced names with printed out stickers during the pandemic as part of contact minimizing measures. Now, the tradition is making its return.

Another customer favorite—the condiment bar—is back. The return allows customers to customize their beverages with creamer, milk, and a variety of sweeteners.

It’s not just about improving the customer experience. Starbucks is also focusing on safety for its employees.

A barista tells Fortune his store installed a panic button discreetly placed underneath counters to enhance safety, allowing staff to quickly alert internal security. Although no formal guidelines were provided on when to use it, he says pressing the button triggers an immediate lockdown.

This safety measure follows Starbucks’ decision to reverse its open door policy earlier this year. Now, customers must make a purchase to hang out or use the restrooms.

In an earnings call last October, the coffee chain reported a third straight quarter of declining sales. With these new and returning changes, Starbucks hopes to win back the hearts of loyal customers.