Starbucks is bringing back something customers have been asking for over the last few years

Do you remember in the pre-Covid years when you could grab your coffee at Starbucks and then take it to the self-serve station and doctor it the way you wanted? That station had everything from cream and milk to sugars, sweeteners and even spice jars of cinnamon and cocoa powder. These were the spot in the Starbucks store that let you put together the perfect cup of coffee (or tea) every time.

Of course, during the pandemic these stations were shut down. And then they never seemed to come back into the stores.

However, according to the New York Post, things are changing at Starbucks. It seems that Brian Niccol, who stepped into the role of CEO back in September of 2024 has decided to bring back what worked. And that means bringing back the self-serve stations that customers have been asking for.

Self-serve stations are coming back to Starbucks

Considering how much extra work the baristas have to deal with when they have to fully customize every single drink, it makes sense that the CEO might want to change that. After all, many of the baristas have complained that these added steps are slowing them down.

According to the NYP report, "By early 2025, all Starbucks locations will have self-serving stations again in an attempt to take the load off the baristas."

"We’re going to bring back the coffee condiment bar because both our customers are asking for it and our baristas are saying it would help them deliver the speed of service that they want to provide."

- Brian Niccol

Honestly, we appreciate the fact that the CEO is listening to what the customers want, as well as the baristas. It would be nice to pour our own milk again or add an extra thing of sugar or two. And if it also takes a bit of strain off of the baristas, then that is even better.

We have absolutely been in a Starbucks that is backed up with orders and people are not only angry, but also walking out without their orders, without even telling the baristas their name so they can pull the drinks from the queue of beverages needing to be made. It is terrible as a customer and as someone who knows how much work the baristas are doing.

Hopefully by bringing back the self-serve stations it will make things easier across the board for customers and baristas.

What do you say Guilty Eaters? Are you happy to hear that they are planning to bring the self-serve stations back to Starbucks stores?