The Starbucks at Clark and Dickens, the closest to Parker, has begun construction to become pickup-only. The store is a frequent destination for Parker students and featured several seating options. The concept of pickup-only Starbucks stores was launched in 2019 according to CNN Business. Since then, the Starbucks website said it has introduced pickup-only stores in 19 states including Illinois.
The idea of these stores was set into motion as a response to COVID-19 and the demand for contactless interactions rose. As Starbucks was forced to close its stores to customers in 2020, it continued to run drive-through and pickup options in many locations around the United States. Then, after a pickup-only store went viral on social media, the way these stores are viewed changed, and they have now been referred to as a “barista’s dream.”
“I don’t necessarily not like it,” sophomore Lucas Werneck Fraga said. “I would prefer if it stayed as it was before because it allows Parker students to go and interact with the baristas and take their orders personally.”
When asked about the effect on business for the Starbucks, he said, “I think it might decrease, but not by much because I think many of the people that go during the school day already use the pick-up option.”
Senior Ella Currie agreed. “I honestly think most people used mobile order anyways, so I doubt the number of people going will change.” Currie does not think the change will have a huge impact. “I am more of a Dunkin fan, so this does not totally affect me, but it is sad to lose another spot to work.”
Along with not being able to order your drink in person comes the physical change of the store and the simple steps it will now take to get your drink. The steps to order are on the Starbucks website. “I love the idea but I do think it is an inconvenience for people,” junior Sloane Demetriou said. “A lot of people utilize Starbucks as a place to work and sit down. But now, it’s going to be a lot busier and congested with everyone standing for their drinks.”
Demetriou also said, “I think the Starbucks being pickup-only will increase the amount of people. With more space being available for waiting for drinks and less taken up by seating, both more students and other residents of the area will likely be coming to this Starbucks a lot more often.”
There is currently no available estimate for when the Starbucks will reopen.
