Starbucks announces major change to service that will help people get their coffee fix faster

STARBUCKS customers can now get their coffee fix even faster thanks to a recent change.

The cafe company announced the update on Tuesday, which benefits those looking to make mobile orders.

Getting Starbucks favorites delivered has already been possible through its partnership with DoorDash.

Since early 2023, customers could complete their orders on DoorDash’s app for in-person pickup or delivery.

Now, the companies have worked together to make mobile ordering possible directly through the Starbucks app as well, per a Tuesday press release.

Since November 11, the Starbucks app has adapted to use Online Ordering, an e-commerce platform from DoorDash.

Online Ordering is an “integrated ordering system which allows merchants to personalize the digital experience, capture customer-specific insights, and drive user engagement,” per the release.

That means that customers who use the Starbucks app can now see a Pickup and Delivery option at the top of their screen.

They can then go about selecting their favorite food and drink options and get information about the total cost, fees, and delivery times, among other information.

Starbucks said the Online Ordering update through DoorDash offers a “unified digital experience for Starbucks customers who live within the delivery radius of participating stores.”

It will be particularly useful for those customers in areas like New York City, where there are hundreds of Starbucks locations within a small radius.

DEFYING GRAVITY

Starbucks also gave customers another reason to be excited recently after a partnership with Universal Pictures.

The companies worked together to release a line of drinks and tumblers inspired by the upcoming Wicked feature film, adapted from the legendary Broadway show.

The highly-anticipated movie releases on November 22, but customers have been able to get their hands on Wicked-inspired drinks and drinkware since October 22.

Glinda’s Pink Potion and Elphaba’s Cold Brew are arguably the highlights of the offerings.

Only days later, on November 7, Starbucks also released coffee mugs, cold cups, keychains, tumblers, and more as part of the Wicked offerings.

All of the Wicked items from Starbucks are a limited-time deal while supplies last, available at select retailers and store locations.

CEO CHANGES

Brian Niccol, Starbucks’ newly-appointed CEO, also recently confirmed that the company would be getting back to its roots and restoring some old traditions amid a large-scale restructuring of its operations.

One in particular includes using markers to write customer names on the side of cups.

Niccol noted it as an important personal touch but something that requires the company to get ahold of “something like 200,000 Sharpies,” per a recent conversation with CNBC.

Ceramic mugs, comfortable furniture, and condiment bars are also slated to make a return to many of Starbucks’ over 17,000 locations nationwide.

The move comes after the CEO faced backlash over slashed deals and promotions.

Starbucks also recently confirmed the phasing out and discontinuation of a viral drink line that was introduced only around one year ago.