Starbucks to offer national delivery, plans new China facility and stores

Starbucks is ramping up delivery capabilities in the wake of its temporary “to go”-only store operations policy.

The coffee retailer will offer its Starbucks Delivers on-demand delivery service across the country by the end of April. Starbucks Delivers, which is provided in partnership with Uber Eats, will be available in all 48 states where both companies operate.

As of January 2020, Starbucks Delivers is available in 49 markets across 29 U.S. states. Through at least Sunday, March 29, Starbucks is shifting to a “to go” model in all U.S. and Canadian stores which phases out in-store and patio seating. During this period, customers can walk up and order at the counter, through the “order ahead” feature in the Starbucks app, via the drive-thru, and use Starbucks Delivers.

Starbucks made the announcement about its delivery service expansion during its March 18 annual shareholders meeting (held virtually this year). Another major initiative the retailer revealed is a plan to open what it calls a state-of-the-art Coffee Innovation Park (CIP) in China in 2022. The facility will incorporate a roasting plant, warehouse and distribution center the company says will help drive “smart and sustainable” coffee manufacturing. 

The $130 million investment in the CIP is Starbucks’ largest coffee manufacturing investment outside of the U.S., and its first in Asia. Starbucks says the facility will serve as a key component of its global roasting network and further deepens its multi-decade commitment to strengthen its presence China, where it aims to have 6,000 stores by 2022.

Starbucks also announced mental health training sessions for its store managers and field leadership will be available this summer. The sessions have been developed in conjunction with the National Council for Behavioral Health to help support franchisees with health issues, substance use problems or crisis moments, and provide them with resources for further support.

“As we are navigating this dynamic global environment together, we will continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our partners and customers while we support local health officials and governments in containing the virus,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Starbucks. “We are a resilient and enduring company by staying true to our mission and values with a purpose that goes beyond the pursuit of profit.”