Starbucks Commits to Inclusive, Comfortable Cafe Renovations Across U.S.
Starbucks is undertaking a significant redesign of approximately 1,000 of its U.S. locations by the end of 2026, aiming to create more welcoming, accessible, and comfortable coffeehouses. This initiative forms part of the company’s broader strategy to re-engage customers and reverse recent declines in sales.
Design Focused on Comfort and Accessibility
Each renovation, estimated at around $150,000, will be completed without closing stores. The updates vary by location but generally include increased seating capacity, softer lighting to accommodate customers with light sensitivity, and furniture designed for accessibility, such as tables at wheelchair-friendly heights.
Dawn Clark, Starbucks’ senior vice president of coffeehouse design and concepts, emphasized the goal of blending global heritage with local relevance to encourage customers to linger and connect. “Intentional design encourages customers to stay longer, connect more, and return often — and translates into meaningful business impact,” Clark stated.
Restoring the ‘Third Place’ Experience
In recent years, Starbucks’ reputation as a comfortable “third place” between home and work diminished, partly due to the removal of seating and electrical outlets to discourage extended stays amid the rise of mobile ordering. Under CEO Brian Niccol, the company is reversing these policies, including plans to restore 30,000 removed seats.
Case Study: Union Square East Renovation
The recently renovated Starbucks location near Manhattan’s Union Square showcases these design principles. Previously, the cafe featured sparse seating, concrete floors, and harsh lighting. The makeover introduced a larger seating area with leather-accented wraparound booths, movable tables, and electrical outlets, facilitating longer visits for customers who work or study on-site.
The lighting was adjusted to reduce glare and soften the atmosphere, highlighting a mural and creating a warmer environment. Additional touches include large area rugs to dampen noise, live plants to enhance coziness, and a shelving unit displaying coffee beans and decorative burlap sacks, which adds a local touch referencing nearby New York University.
Accessibility improvements include replacing a standing bar with seating accessible to wheelchair users and ensuring tables meet height requirements. Enhanced insulation also reduces ambient noise, benefiting both customers and baristas by improving communication and focus.
Looking Ahead
Starbucks began rolling out these renovations in New York, followed by Southern California locations, with plans to continue nationwide. This effort aligns with the company’s commitment to inclusivity and creating inviting community spaces that support its core business objectives.
