5 days ago
Starbucks Just Announced a Major Store Shake-Up—Here's What To Know
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Starbucks is shutting down all 96 of its Pick Up–only shops across the country by 2026.
Some locations will reopen as full coffeehouses with upgraded seating and "layered design" through its Coffeehouse Uplift Program.
It's part of the chain's effort to revive a warmer, in-store atmosphere.
If you've ever skipped the Starbucks line in favor of a lightning-fast mobile order pick-up, brace yourself for a big change. The coffee giant just announced it's phasing out all 96 of its Pick Up–only locations by the end of its 2026 fiscal year.
These shops—which first popped up in New York in 2019—were designed for ultimate efficiency. Some had only exterior windows, while others had small counters inside; however, all of them skipped the cozy chairs, ceramic mugs, and warm café vibes in favor of The Flash-level speed. Now, Starbucks is ready to find that Central Perk coziness and bring it back for good.
'We found the [Pick Up Store] format to be overly transactional and lacking the warmth and human connection that defines our brand,' CEO Brian Niccol said during the company's July 29 earnings call. His solution? Shift that convenience back into traditional Starbucks cafés, where you can still mobile order, but also maybe linger over a piping hot Pumpkin Spice Latte in an actual seat (just make sure they're near outlets, Brian—this guy's got Delish articles to write).
The closures are part of Starbucks' 'Back to Starbucks' initiative, which is basically a homecoming tour for the brand's coffeehouse roots. Along with retiring Pick Up stores, Starbucks is investing $150,000 per location to add more seating, softer textures, and an overall 'layered design' through its Coffeehouse Uplift Program. The goal: make people slow down. If things go as planned, those abrupt coffee runs will feel more like coffee breaks again.
But don't panic—your mobile order habit isn't going anywhere. Starbucks says 31 percent of its transactions still come through the app, and you'll still be able to pick up your Venti Iced Raspberry Cream Cold Breweven though you're incredibly late to the office. You might just have to scoot past a few more chairs and frapp-happy customers on the way to the counter.
The brand's 'Back to Starbucks' push is also bringing menu changes: protein-packed cold foam (with no added sugar) is coming soon, along with a new artisanal pastry case, a 1971 dark roast, and even coconut water–based drinks in select test markets.
So, yes, the grab-and-go era is coming to an end. But if it means more comfy spots to sip and maybe an overeager 'your order's ready' from an actual barista to brighten up your day, we can't be too mad about it.
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