There are a few caveats.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Starbuck-Refills-and-Condiment-Bars-FT-BLOG0125-Cup-acffc2c11e294b6894b989ba814a4b71.jpg "A Starbucks employee in a green apron holding a Starbucks to-go cup with")
Courtesy of Joshua Trujillo / Starbucks
Want another coffee? Then you're in luck. Starting today, Starbucks will give you another one for free — so long as you drink it in-store.
On Monday, the Seattle-based coffee giant reiterated its plans to allow customers who order any beverage "for here" to get free refills on hot brewed or iced coffee or hot or iced tea during their cafe visit. They'll also be served that beverage in a ceramic mug, glass, or in their own personal cup brought from home. This tiny act, Starbucks added, is a more "sustainable choice" and, frankly, a more relaxing one at that.
But that's not all. Starting today, Starbucks guests will also see a familiar sight from the pre-pandemic era: the condiment bar.
"You 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," Starbucks noted on its website. "If you don’t see the milk or sweetener you prefer, don’t hesitate to ask a barista."
Courtesy of Joshua Trujillo / Starbucks
Starbucks customers can now get free refills on select drinks, provided that they are ordered for consumption in the cafe. The best part? It's all sustainable. Only ceramic mugs, glasses, or personal cups will get free refills.These changes are in conjunction with Starbucks' new Code of Conduct, which Food & Wine reported on in mid-January. The Code of Conduct, the coffee chain explained, is "something most retailers already have and is a practical step that helps us prioritize our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit. This means our cafes, patios, and restrooms are for customers and partners."
“By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone," the company added. "These updates are part of a broader set of changes we are making to enhance the cafe experience as we work to get back to Starbucks.”
The new code states that no "misuse or disruption of our spaces" will be tolerated and outlines a zero-tolerance policy for "discrimination or harassment, violence or abusive/threatening language, consuming outside alcohol, smoking/vaping or drug use. " It also bans panhandling in stores. Most notably, it bans non-paying customers from using the bathroom, reversing a previous "open door" policy that allowed anyone to access it for free.
"We’re committed to elevating the in-store experience — ensuring our spaces reflect the sights, smells, and sounds that define Starbucks," Brian Niccol, the company's CEO, shared in an open letter in September about his hopes for the future of the brand. "Our stores will be inviting places to linger, with comfortable seating, thoughtful design, and a clear distinction between 'to-go' and 'for-here' service."
And Starbucks really does seem to be leaning all the way into being a full-on coffee house once again. As it added in its refill announcement, "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."
