Starbucks: the end of takeout-only cafes – a return to the warmth of hospitalit

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 07. 30. 11:03

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The world’s largest coffee chain is embarking on a radical strategic shift: the publicly traded Starbucks Corporation, worth more than $100 billion, has announced that it will gradually phase out its takeout-only stores, without seating. The reason for the decision is simple and human: “they lack the human touch and warmth,” the BBC quoted the company as saying.

The change will primarily affect stores in the United States that rely on mobile ordering and quick pickup. These stores gained ground during the pandemic, but sales figures for the last six quarters show a decline in this segment, emphasized CEO Brian Niccol, who also presented a transformation program called “Back to Starbucks.”

As part of the reform, the company promises a simplified menu, freshly baked food, personal handwritten messages and faster service. The goal is to have a coffee ready in four minutes or less, whether for on-site consumption or drive-thru delivery. Starbucks is investing more than half a billion dollars in increasing employee hours and will renovate at least 1,000 stores in North America by the end of 2026.

While the rapidly growing mobile ordering service – which currently accounts for a third of transactions – will not be discontinued, in the future these orders will also be available for pickup in classic coffee shops with a waiting area. The current delivery-only locations will be transformed, adding seating and a communal space – thus bringing back Starbucks’ original mission: the experience of a third home.