Starbucks Canada has announced intentions to reopen as many stores as possible across the country by the end of May.
When each store will reopen is being determined on a community-by-community basis, according to the coffee chain, as different places have flattened the COVID-19 curve by varying degrees.
Most Starbucks cafés were shut down entirely and service was reduced to drive-thru, delivery and takeout.
According to the company, the stores that provided reduced services have allowed Starbucks to test and refine a new model of operation that they will implement at all stores moving forward.
“A lot has changed over the last six weeks,” said Starbucks Canada President Lori Digulla in a letter to employees on Wednesday.
“As we enter this new phase, we know that we can evolve how we serve our customers as restrictions begin to lift and we are ready to continue to be fluid in how we serve our communities.”
Starbucks will monitor and adjust its operations, making decisions to open additional stores or expand services — like curbside pick-up or walk-in orders — on a community-by-community basis working closely with local leadership, health authorities, and provincial governments as regulations change.
Operations will resume in as many stores as possible by the end of May, with more locations offering drive-thru, pick up, and delivery service to start with.
Mandatory safety measures at Starbucks branches for employees include masks or face coverings, temperature checks ahead of each shift, extra cleaning protocols, and plexiglass shields at the register.
