Starbucks Makes Major Update to Its Drink Policy, Effective Today
On Monday, Jan. 27, the global chain of cafés' new approach to refills officially went into effect. With it, more customers are entitled to a free drink refill—but there are a few stipulations they need to adhere to before trying to score another cup.
Previously, only Starbucks Rewards members were eligible for the complimentary drink refill, but not anymore. Now, anyone who orders hot or iced coffee or tea to stay can ask for another cup during that same visit for no additional charge at participating locations.
To-go orders are not eligible for refills, and neither are specialty drinks; only hot brewed or iced coffee or hot or iced tea will be offered free refills, according to a statement shared directly with Parade. Starbucks will also only serve free refills to those whose first orders were served "in a ceramic mug, glass, or clean personal cup." Other items excluded from the free refills are its Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Tea Lemonade, flavored Iced Tea, and Starbucks Refreshers bases.
"Our green aprons are on, our playlists are ready, and our mugs are waiting to be filled—and refilled—with the finest Starbucks brewed coffee. So, pull up a chair, grab your favorite drink and stay awhile," the company said on Monday.
Jan. 27 also marked the official return of Starbucks' self-serve condiment bar and handwritten names on cups, two other amenities the new CEO had previously hinted at returning in an effort to beef up foot traffic.
The revised refill policy follows several other updates to Starbucks' code of conduct for its employees and customers, including a controversial walk-back on its "open-door" policy that now makes it so non-paying customers are no longer welcome to just hang out inside the store.
Other changes Starbucks recently rolled out include its decision to waive the fees associated with swapping out a dairy product for a non-dairy alternative when customizing a drink and more transparent mobile pricing and pickup. Additionally, the coffee stop overhauled its menus with the addition of several new and returning seasonal menu items—including a highly-requested unsweetened version of its matcha tea—and the removal of its divisive olive oil-based drinks.
New year, new Starbucks?
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