Starbucks Plans to Close Up to 400 Stores to Focus on Pickup and Drive-Thru Business
Updated: Jun. 19, 2020
The closed stores may be replaced by Starbucks drive-thrus.
To say COVID-19 has changed the way we shop and eat would be a vast understatement. Just one year ago, “curbside pickup” and “social distancing” were rarely, if ever, used in conversation. In 2020, they’re essential considerations—and businesses have to adapt or face the consequences (we’ll miss you, Pier 1).
Starbucks is ready to make a change. They’ll be closing up to 400 stores in the aftermath of COVID-19; but there’s some good news here, too.
Why Is Starbucks Closing Stores?
The main reason Starbucks is closing stores is so that it can focus on what it calls “innovative store formats,” which prioritize to-go menu options. They’ll be adding 300 locations with features like double-lane drive-thrus, walk-up windows and curbside pickup. In areas like New York City and Chicago, customers will see more Starbucks Pickup stores, aka locations where you order and pay exclusively through the Starbucks app.
Apparently, the chain was considering this move before the pandemic. In fact, Starbucks says 80% of its sales were already to-go purchases. Now, given the way we’ve all settled into minimal-contact dining and shopping (six feet apart, please!), Starbucks figured it’s right right time to make a move.
We’re not totally sold on the Starbucks drive-thru (it’s often a longer wait than going inside), but as long as we’re able to order a Frappuccino, we’ll be happy!
When Will the Closures Happen?
Starbucks will shut its contact-heavy stores down sometime within the next 18 months. There’s no word yet on which ones will close, but if your favorite shop is a sit-down cafe, it’s not an automatic cause for concern. Starbucks doesn’t plan to shutter every store without a drive-thru.
Ideally, the chain wants to have a mix of sit-down cafe and pickup locations, which sounds just fine to us. And you can always create that coffee-shop atmosphere at home with these Starbucks copycat recipes—including a copycat Pink Drink, which is perfect for summer.
Frothy Cafe Bombon
I discovered this layered java beverage during my honeymoon in Spain. —Keri Hesemann, St. Charles, Missouri
Easy Spiced Morning Mocha
This recipe is a delicious morning pick-me-up and still tastes great when made with low-fat milk.—Vicki Wright, Omaha, Nebraska
Coffee with Cinnamon and Cloves
A quick-and-easy, fall-flavored coffee made with instant granules. What's not to love about this special beverage? —Jill Garn, Charlotte, Michigan
Creamy Caramel Mocha
You can easily indulge in a coffeehouse-quality drink at home anytime. With whipped cream and a butterscotch drizzle, this mocha treat will perk up even the sleepiest person at the table. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Comforting Coffee Milk
This recipe is special to me because the delicious ingredients and flavors speak for themselves without those extra preservatives. Now that’s refreshing! —Brenda Schrag, Farmington, New Mexico
Holiday Peppermint Mocha
Make spirits bright with a minty mocha to share under the mistletoe or around the piano. I’ve also stirred in coffee liqueur instead of peppermint. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
Creamy Irish Coffee
My maternal grandma seldom drank more than a glass of champagne at Christmas, but she couldn't resist my Creamy Irish Coffee. —Rebecca Little, Park Ridge, Illinois
Mocha Morning Drink
When I'm sipping this delicious coffee, I almost feel like I'm visiting my favorite coffeehouse. —Jill Rodriguez, Gonzales, Louisiana
Caramel-Chai Tea Latte
Inspired by the spicy chai drinks served at coffee shops, I whipped up a caramel-drizzled latte I can enjoy at home anytime. —Katelyn Kelly, Perryville, Maryland
Viennese Coffee
This isn't your regular cup of Joe! Dress it up with chocolate, whipped cream and more, making it a drink to savor! —Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hazelnut Mocha Smoothies
This smooth blend of coffee, cocoa and nutty flavors is better than any coffeehouse version we've tried. Try it, and we're sure you will agree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Iced Coffee Latte
This amazing alternative to regular hot coffee is much more economical than store-bought coffee drinks. Sweetened condensed milk and a hint of chocolate lend a special touch. —Heather Nandell, Johnston, Iowa
Coconut Lover's Frappe
I love frozen beverages, so I wanted to create one similar to those in coffee shops but without coffee as an ingredient. When I drink this frosty treat it's as good as any specialty shop drink but without the hassle or the cost. —Emily Semmelrock, Jewett City, Connecticut
Sweet Kahlua Coffee
I have this beverage brewing in my slow cooker at my annual Christmas open house. I set out the whipped cream and grated chocolate in festive dishes so guests can help themselves to as much Kahlua-flavored coffee as they'd like.—Ruth Gruchow, Yorba Linda, California
Frosty Caramel Cappuccino
This frothy iced cappuccino is positively delicious for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert. It's also a great quick treat to serve with a plate of cookies for the holidays. To make the ice cream topping easier to drizzle, put it in a squeeze bottle, take the cap off and microwave for a few seconds. —Carol Mann, Summerfield, Florida
Honey Spiced Latte
We combine rich molasses, golden honey and a host of spices to create this warm and comforting beverage.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hazelnut Coffee
The blend of flavors—coffee, hazelnut and a bit of chocolate—makes this drink absolutely sensational. It is delightful for breakfast or brunch, or serve it as one of your beverage offerings at a cocktail or dinner party. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Irish Cream Coffee
A steaming cup of this Irish cream coffee makes the perfect pick-me-up any time of day. Try experimenting with other liqueurs or creamers to give each cup new life. —Carol Fate, Waverly, Illinois
Hot Ginger Coffee
I like to sit by the fire and sip this coffee on a cold winter day. It's a wonderful warmup after shoveling snow, skiing, skating or snowmobiling. —Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
Iced Coffee
When my sister introduced me to iced coffee, I wasn’t sure I’d like it. Not only did I love it, but I decided to start making my own iced coffee recipe. This easy version is a refreshing alternative to hot coffee. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Cinnamon Mocha Coffee
Most store-bought flavored coffees are expensive. Here's a special early-morning beverage you can make at home. The aroma of cinnamon and cocoa makes this mocha coffee hard to resist. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cappuccino Punch
When I tried this punch at a friend's wedding shower, I had to have the recipe. Guests will eagerly gather around the punch bowl when you ladle out this frothy mocha ice cream drink. —Rose Reich, Nampa, Idaho
