Starbucks Reinstates 'for Here' Orders with Drinks Served in Mugs — and Free in-Store Refills
The cafe chain just announced that it is bringing back some of its fan-favorite coffeehouse amenities, including the choice to order a beverage 'for here,' which includes the ability to refill some drinks free of charge.
Starting Monday, Jan. 27, at participating Starbucks locations, baristas will ask every customer whether they would like to take their food and beverages to go or to enjoy them in stores. Those who choose the latter will receive their drink in a ceramic mug, glass or clean personal cup brought from home.
Starbucks patrons who opt to stick around and enjoy their beverages in mugs (or any of the other reusable cup options) can also enjoy free refills of brewed coffee and tea — either hot or iced — during the same cafe visit.
Related: Starbucks Adds Cortados and Falafel to the Menu and Brings Back Beloved Pistachio Lattes — and We Tried Them All
Some of the brand's beverages (including Nitro Cold Brew, regular cold brew, iced tea lemonade, flavored iced teas and Starbucks Refreshers) are excluded from the refill deal. And, the brand notes, refills are only available for customers whose initial purchase was made in a 'for here' cups.
Jan. 27 also marks the return of some condiment bar classics. Customers can now add creamer, milk and sweeteners to their drinks.
Starbucks' new 'for here' option and refill news follows several other changes the iconic coffee chain has recently made to its restaurants.
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Earlier this month, the company announced a new step in its 'Back to Starbucks' strategy (which aims to make their cafes more 'welcoming') that kicks in the same day as its other new changes. Starting Jan. 27, a purchase has to be made — and a new code of conduct followed — for people to be able to use the cafe's bathrooms or sit and have a chat.
Other parts of the initiative are listed on signs in stores, stating that smoking, vaping and alcohol are all forbidden in Starbucks. Starbucks baristas have been instructed to ask anyone refusing to follow the new rules to leave and call the police if necessary.
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