STARBUCKS will reopen its Kidderminster store for drive-thru and takeaway orders this Friday.
The Stourport Road branch posted on Facebook to announce its highly-anticipated reopening, saying it would be operating as a drive-thru and takeaway only to "keep our customers and partners safe".
The global coffee chain previously announced plans to reopen around 150 stores across the UK from Thursday (May 15).
Bosses said they would open around 15 per cent of its UK stores in the first phase of its reopening plans, which are predominantly focused on drive-thrus.
Starbucks closed all of its UK sites in March after the Government-mandated lockdown was introduced in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The company said it has been “learning, testing and refining our operational standards every day” behind closed doors.
It said the reopening plan – which will start with stores broadly spread across the UK – will focus on ensuring the health and wellbeing of its employees and customers.
The reopening comes after fast food retailers, such as Burger King and KFC, have reopened drive-thru sites, including the KFC drive-thru in Stourport Road.
Starbucks said it has “taken learnings” from changes to its operations in China – where 90 per cent of sites are now open – and the US in consideration of its UK sites.
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New safety measures at UK sites will include regular hand-washing for at least 20 seconds, two metre social distancing, screens at payment areas and the use of contactless payment only.
The reopening menu will include Starbucks’ core range of drinks and a limited food range, it said.
Employees have been paid during the closure and the chain said it “will not be accepting any opt-in government support” during the coronavirus crisis.
The Kidderminster branch will reopen on May 22 from 8am to 4pm.
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