Starbucks to welcome customers in some stores starting Monday

SEATTLE — Starbucks will welcome customers in some of its stores starting Monday under guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities.

The customer experience will look a little different depending on the location, officials with Starbucks said.

At some locations, grab-and-go will be available because social distancing can be accommodated, allowing customers to place an order in a café and take it to-go, but the seating area will remain closed. Customers can use the Starbucks app to order ahead and pick up at the counter.

A limited number of customers will be allowed inside a store at one time and floor markers and signs will promote social distancing, Starbucks said.

Starbucks said, “Customers may see store partners (employees) wearing protective equipment (including facial coverings and gloves), maintaining elevated cleaning and sanitation procedures throughout the day, and conducting pre-checks before their shifts (including a temperature check).”

The coffee giant said customers who use their app can pick up their orders at the drive-thru or at the door without entering a store in most cases.

The majority of Starbucks locations will continue with drive-thru service only.

Starbucks said delivery service is available through an app service in many U.S. markets.

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