Starbucks is bringing back free refills for its customers who stay in its cafes, following a public protest over the company's decision to end the customer favorite perk.
Starting from Monday, buyers purchasing brewed coffee or tea for consumption on the premises at partner cafes will be offered the option to have their drinks served in ceramic cups or glasses with complimentary refills available.
This policy also applies to individuals using personal cups they bring from home and covers both hot and iced beverages, such as coffee or tea.
In addition to this, Starbucks has announced the return of condiment bars, where customers can customise their beverages by pouring their own creamer, milk and sweeteners.
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We have been informed by our partners that it is necessary to redefine customer expectations in order to create a warm, inviting atmosphere and be successful in doing so.
'To introduce this we'll be implementing a fresh coffeehouse code of conduct, to provide transparency that our spaces are restricted to customers and partners only.'
Would you like to converse or to sit and chat.
A turn marks the end of a seven-year experiment in open-door inclusivity and comes as the coffee giant struggles to address declining sales and safety concerns across its North American stores.
Entry is restricted by rules that prohibit harassment, smoking, consumption of alcohol outside, and substance abuse. Individuals using these substances or engaging in prohibited behavior will be politely asked to depart, and further measures including law enforcement intervention may be required if necessary.
By establishing clear guidelines for conduct and appropriate use of our shared areas, we can cultivate a better atmosphere for all users.
We intend to provide training for our employees to enforce this new rule.
They had gone there for a business meeting.
The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn't made any purchases. However, the arrest, which was captured on video, proved to be a major public relations embarrassment for the company.
It triggered widespread nationwide condemnation, prompting a temporary shutdown of all US locations for diversity and cultural awareness workshops.
At the time, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz stated that he didn't want customers to feel 'less than' if they were declined service.
"We don't want our bathrooms to become a public space, but we'll make the right decision every time and provide key access," Schultz said during the crisis.
However, the repercussions of that decision have been tough for both Starbucks staff and customers.
Since then, numerous baristas have reported encountering instances of loitering, unsuitable behavior, and occasionally even perilous situations.
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The company aims to establish clear guidelines for both staff and clientele, in an effort to revitalise the coffeehouse's welcoming environment.
New directions unveiled under the helm of Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol, coinciding with the aim to revitalize the brand and recover sales trends marked by a three-quarter decline.
As part of a deliberate effort, Niccol aimed to restore Starbucks' image as a vibrant community center by reintroducing functional sofas, clay tableware, and condiment stations - elements that had been removed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Niccol said he wants Starbucks to recapture the community coffeehouse atmosphere it once had, before long drive-thru lines, mobile order wait times, and other issues made visiting a less enjoyable experience.
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