Starbucks scraps scores of grab-and-go locations — here’s what that means for mobile ordering

Starbucks‘ grab-and-go windows are on their way out.

The coffee giant plans to close a good portion of its 80 or 90 locations that only offer mobile order pickups during the 2026 fiscal year as part of its “back to Starbucks” initiative.

As of now, Starbucks hasn’t specified which locations will shutter or when.

“This shift doesn’t mean all of them will close,” a Starbucks spokesperson clarified to TODAY.com. “Where it makes sense, we’ll convert some into traditional coffeehouses with seating to better serve our customers and communities.”

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced the news during the company’s July 29 earnings call, the outlet reported.

He described the grab-and-go model as “overly transactional and lacking the warmth and human connection that defines our brand.”

“We have a strong digital offering and believe we can deliver the same level of convenience through our community coffeehouses with a superior mobile order and pay experience,” he added.

Before you fret about how you’re going to efficiently snatch up your morning mocha latte en route to work — mobile ordering as a whole will still be offered by Starbucks.

“We’re not moving away from mobile ordering — it remains a critical part of our business, accounting for 31% of transactions,” the spokesperson told the outlet.

The Post has reached out to Starbucks for comment.

Niccol has been making quite a few changes to the popular coffee chain since he became CEO of it back in September 2024.

He plans to cut various food and drinks options from the menu and has even already changed the employees’ uniform for a “more consistent coffeehouse experience” — something that has enraged entitled Gen Z workers.

A TikTok video captioned: “Starbucks workers across the country are facing understaffing, inaccessible benefits, discrimination and low wages.”

“Instead of fixing these issues, Starbucks decided to introduce an unpopular, more conservative dress code.”

In the video, workers further expressed their frustrations with the coffee giant’s new policy — something that has divided people in the comments.

@sbworkersunited

Starbucks is making baristas follow a conservative dress code – a huge change from what’s currently policy, and wasn’t bargained for with our union. That means many workers have to buy all-new wardrobes out of pocket while limiting expression through outfits and makeup – and legally needs to be bargained with workers. Baristas at the Seattle Roastery marched together as a union to confront their unreceptive management and demand they also address lack of hours and staffing. If Starbucks isn’t listening, we’ll keep taking action until they do.

♬ original sound – Starbucks Workers United

Some agreed that a dress code for employees should be in place.

“No one is paying these people to ‘express themselves.’”

“Get back to basics and serve the customers.”

Others agreed with the workers in the video.

“Flare inspires workers … it’s science.”

“Who cares what someone wears serving coffee. As long as they are kind and efficient, I’m good!”

“One more reason not to go there.”