In mid-February, Starbucks introduced some policies that they would be implementing. Some of these policies are new and some of them are old. Some of the policies they are now enforcing at stores are reversing the open door policy, introducing drinks for here in glass cups and also encouraging baristas to write on customers’ drinks and food bag pouches.
The open door policy was introduced about seven years ago. Previously, people were allowed to come into stores and use the cafe as well as use the restroom without buying a drink. Customers are now forced to purchase a drink in order to use the sit down areas and to use the restroom. This policy has been supported by some people, but mainly opposed. Customers do not agree with this because people just coming in for the restroom is not bothering anyone.
The franchise also decided to bring in something new, which is for customers who want to drink their drink in the cafe. Customers who order inside are allowed to request their drink to be “for here” and they will receive a glass cup. Customers who want a plastic cup are still able to relieve that even if they are enjoying a drink in the cafe. With these glass cups come some perks. Customers will be able to get free refills on their drink as long as it is something simple like coffee or tea. The drink must be plain iced coffee or a latte or simple teas like iced tea. The refills will not work on some popular items like refreshers and frappuccinos because they are more sophisticated.
The last policy they implemented indicated baristas have to write on the customer’s cups and the food bags. The drawings on the cups are things like positive sayings and cute doodles. This policy may be a little bit time-consuming, but it is a way for the baristas to spread a little bit more positivity by writing cute, encouraging things on the cups.