Up until now, the Starbucks Delivers program had only been in a test phase, available in 11 select markets including Miami, Seattle, Boston, Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, Houston and Dallas.
Starbucks has announced plans to make Starbucks Delivers available throughout the U.S. in early 2020.
The coffee giant is continuing its partnership with Uber Eats to expand after launching an 11-market rollout last year.
“We are driven to create new and unique digital experiences that are meaningful, valuable and convenient for our customers,” Roz Brewer, group president and chief operating officer for Starbucks, said in a press release. “Partnering with Uber Eats helps us take another step towards bringing Starbucks to customers wherever they are.”
Through its agreement with Uber Eats, the companies will work on innovation and technology integration while continuing to focus on delivery packaging, in-store operations, and a quick order-to-door delivery window.
About 95% of the Starbucks menu will be available through the mobile delivery app, excluding items with foam like macchiatos and cappuccinos, which the company said don’t hold up well during the delivery process.
Along with being the preferred delivery partner, Uber Eats will also collaborate with Starbucks on delivery technology and innovation, the company said.
“Our customers are huge Starbucks fans and love being able to get their favorite items delivered with Uber Eats speed,” said Jason Droege, vice president of Uber Everything. “We’re excited to expand our partnership across the United States to make ordering their favorite coffee and breakfast sandwich as easy as requesting a ride.”
Customers can place their Starbucks order via the Uber Eats mobile app on iOS and Android devices, and even follow their order’s progress within the app. Starbucks has also developed packaging to help ensure the quality of hot and cold menu items.
The service was first tested out in Miami, and although not all drinks are available for delivery, Starbucks noticed that customers make larger orders when they get their drinks delivered. “We’re seeing an expanded ticket. And that average ticket is what we need to see happen as we approach delivery,” said CEO Kevin Johnson at the time.
Starbucks already has a successful delivery service in China, delivering in 17 cities in the country in 1,100 stores after launching in September in Shanghai and Beijing. With more than 3,000 stores already in operation in the country, another 2,000 are slated to open by 2021.
