One of the word’s biggest coffee shop chains has reopened stores in Dundee, Perth and Dunfermline after the coronavirus pandemic forced their closures.
Starbucks’ outlets on either side of the Kingsway in Dundee, its branch in Inveralmond in Perth and at Fife Leisure Park in Dunfermline are serving drinks once again as the company begins a “phased” process of welcoming back customers.
From Thursday, reopened stores will operate a “to-go only” model via drive-thru, takeaways or deliveries.
All outlets are adhering to social distancing requirements, have been fitted out with glass screens, and will only accept contactless payments by card, phone or the Starbucks Rewards app.
In a letter to staff, Starbucks UK general manager Alex Rayner wrote: “We are living in unprecedented times. The impact Covid-19 has had on all of us is significant – each affected in their own way.
We’re nearly there, but taking things slowly. From tomorrow, our stores will be ‘to-go’ only. Whether you pop in, drive thru, order ahead with the Starbucks® UK App in selected stores or order through delivery in limited locations. ☕ 💚 More info – https://t.co/5JFpfDPNLQ pic.twitter.com/WmthMeBLlY
— Starbucks UK (@StarbucksUK) May 13, 2020
“I want to thank you for your resilience and the kindness you have shown each other as we manage this, together.
“Every decision we make as an organisation puts your health and well-being – and that of our customers – first.
“The temporary closures of our stores in March was a difficult decision but the right one.
“During this time, we have been actively engaged with our China and US operations teams as well as operators in Europe who have seen their restrictions ease ahead of ours.
“We have been learning, testing and refining these operational standards every day and have tailored to the specific needs of our Government and healthcare officials. You will be able to work safely in our stores.”
