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Food

Starbucks Just Announced MAJOR Changes To Its Drive-Thru For COVID--It's Unreal!

March 16, 2021 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
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Starbucks is joining fellow chain restaurants such as Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s in reinventing their drive-thrus for Covid-19!

Yes, you can expect major changes to their drive-through food and drink service as the Seattle-based company join pioneers new ways to order food in the coronavirus climate. This is huge!

READ MORE: Starbucks Just Announced The Most Insane Changes To Their Menu–WHAT Is Happening!

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Starbucks drive-thru with customers ordering coffee.

Business Insider reports that the coffee chain is using video ordering and furnishing workers with tablets to keep up with the new Covid-related demands.

Though the company began rolling these initiatives out before the pandemic--in 2015--the company told BI that drive-thru and pick-up orders have increased more than 10% over pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2021. Wow!

READ MORE: Burger King Is Making Some Major Changes To Their Menu--Are They Serious?!

Multiple drive-thru lanes at a Starbucks location.

In order to keep wait times down, the company has announced that baristas can take orders through digital drive-thru screens which are installed at about 3,800 stores currently.

Additionally, a company rep told the website that they use an AI called "Deep Brew" to serve up food and drink recommendations to customers based off such factors as the weather or time of day.

Starbucks mobile pickup area for convenient orders.

READ MORE: McDonald’s Is Making A Major Change To Its Drive-Thru--We're In Shock!

The video ordering, Starbucks says, is "facilitating the barista-customer personal connection.

The company also rolled out handheld devices for baristas in 500 stores starting last summer.

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

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Aromatic coffee with sugar being added.
Variety of fast food from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks.
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Variety of bread types showcased on a table.
Freshly baked goods from Costco bakery display.
Woman holding her head, expressing stress.
Woman experiencing joint pain while sitting.
Aromatic coffee with sugar being added.
Variety of fast food from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to a steaming cup of coffee.
Tasty bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparison of cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Brazilian dish featuring rice, beans, and chicken from above.
Close-up of watch as someone eats breakfast.
Display of deli meats, sandwiches, hot dogs, and sausages.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Interior view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of s'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast with fries, salad, and dipping sauces.
Frozen pizza options available in grocery store aisle.
Delicious fried fish and fries on a plate
Close-up of vitamin C pills cascading from hand.