Starbucks changes free refill policy, brings back condiment bars
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Changes at Starbucks locations across the country begin Jan. 27. Photo: Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
Changes arrive at Starbucks US. cafés on Monday, including a new code of conduct, free refills and the return of condiment bars.
Why it matters: The coffee giant has been trying to reverse a decline in foot traffic and go back to its roots under a plan Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol outlined in September.
- As part of the plan, Starbucks executives have said the company will simplify its offerings.
- The chain got rid of its Oleato olive oil drinks and stopped charging a nondairy milk fee in early November.
Starbucks code of conduct
The big picture: The new Coffeehouse Code of Conduct "is designed to provide clarity that our spaces — including our cafes, patios and restrooms —are for use by customers and partners," Starbucks said.
- The code of conduct is displayed in stores and bans discrimination and harassment, violence or abusive language, outside alcohol, panhandling, drug use, and other disruptive behavior.
Flashback: The new code of conduct replaces the company's former policy that allowed people to hang out there or use the bathroom without buying anything.
- The chain implemented the policy in 2018, following a national uproar when two Black men who hadn't purchased anything were arrested at a Starbucks in Philadelphia.
- Starbucks later apologized, reached a settlement with them and trained its workers on racial biases.
Starbucks refill policy
How it works: All customers who order any beverage "for here" will be able to enjoy free refills of hot brewed or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea during their same visit in that café, a Starbucks spokesperson told Axios.
- To receive free refills, customers must have their first beverage served in a ceramic mug, glass or a clean personal cup that the customer brings in.
- "Offering customers who enjoy their beverages at the store in ceramic mugs and glassware is one way we're returning our cafes to warm welcoming coffeehouses," the company shared with Axios. "It's also another way that Starbucks is reducing waste and making each visit a more sustainable choice."
Yes, but: If you buy a cold brew, latte, Starbucks Refresher, Iced Tea Lemonade and many other drinks you can not get the same drink as your free refill.
Starbucks Rewards free refill changes
Between the lines: Starbucks Rewards' program has offered loyalty members free refills for years during same store visits.
- Starbucks rewards its loyalty members who bring and use clean reusable cups with a discount of 10 cents off a drink and they also earn 25 stars.
- Customers can earn 25 stars up to three times per day for using their own cups at participating locations.
- Loyalty members will also have to use reusable cups or Starbucks mugs or glasses in order to get free refills.
Target Starbucks free refills, licensed stores
Starbucks free refills are available at all Starbucks locations in the North America including in licensed locations like in Target, Starbucks confirmed to Axios.
- Some licensed locations may not have mugs and glasses to use in-store but customers can get the free refill benefit by using a clean personal cup.
Condiment bars return to Starbucks
State of play: Condiment bars are back at all Starbucks, including licensed locations Monday after the milk and sugar moved behind the counter during the pandemic.
- Starbucks said consumers can "now add the finishing touches to your beverage with the return of creamer and milk, along with a variety of sweeteners to the condiment bar."
- "It's a great customer experience and will help with speed of service," Niccol said last fall.
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