Starbucks Shifts to a To-Go Model in U.S., Canada

In an effort to help contain COVID-19, Starbucks is temporarily pausing the use of all café seating in its U.S. and Canadian stores and switching to a to-go only model for at least the next two weeks.

“As we all know, the situation with COVID-19 is extremely dynamic and we will continue to review the facts and science and make the proactive decisions necessary to protect our partners, customers and communities,” wrote Rossann Williams, executive vice president and president, U.S. company-operated business and Canada.

Starbucks is moving to a “to go” model in all company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada for at least two weeks. Customers can still walk up and order at the counter, through the order ahead feature in the Starbucks app, via the drive thru and use delivery.

Stores in “high-social gathering locations, such as malls and university campuses” are temporarily closed.

“Every community’s needs are incredibly different,” said Williams. “We want to make sure we play a constructive role by taking responsible actions, in partnership with the CDC and local public health authorities, so we can continue to do what’s right for our partners and customers.”