Starbucks to reopen 150 branches across the UK to serve drive-thru coffees

The largest coffee house chain in the world, Starbucks Corp. (SBUX.O), announced on Monday that it would begin the “phased reopening” of 150 branches in the United Kingdom. With the easing of restrictions allowing more travel on roads, Starbucks will start reopening drive-thru locations and a handful of takeaway-only stores on May 14.

The company said it would introduce enhanced health and safety protocols such as social distancing measures and increased cleaning and hand-washing guidelines.

Starbucks will serve a near-complete beverage menu, including everything from Lattes to Frappuccino. However, food items will be more restricted.

Starbucks shut all its stores on March 20 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a nationwide lockdown in the United Kingdom to curb the spread of the pandemic.

“We continue to look to local guidance on the safe movement of people throughout the country now that we are past the peak, as well as the support of government to open Drive-Thru, providing delivery in addition to “to go” models and the anticipated easing of restrictions. Opening our stores in a responsible way is the next step,” Starbucks UK’s General Manager Alex Rayner wrote in a letter to employees.