Starbucks Revives Nostalgia with New Changes Across Coachella Valley

Starbucks locations across the Coachella Valley are embracing a touch of nostalgia as part of a nationwide effort to win back customers and improve business. Starting Monday, several beloved policies from the past are making a return, including condiment bars and handwritten names on cups, marking a significant shift in how the coffee giant engages with its patrons.

The condiment bars, removed during the Covid-19 pandemic, are back, giving customers the ability to customize their drinks with milk and sugar at their leisure. Baristas are also returning to personalizing cups with Sharpies, a move Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol says will bring back the personal touch customers have been asking for. "This change not only speeds up service for baristas but brings back the warmth of the Starbucks coffee house vibe," Niccol noted.

The company is also expanding free refills on certain “for here” orders to all paying customers. Whether you’re sipping hot coffee or iced tea, you can enjoy a refill in a ceramic mug or your own clean reusable cup.

However, with these changes come stricter policies: seating and restrooms are now reserved for paying customers. Starbucks has also banned panhandling, vaping, and outside alcohol at its locations, aiming to create a cleaner, safer space for its patrons.

Starbucks outlets in the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to Indio, are expected to implement these changes to enhance the customer experience while addressing the challenges the company has faced in recent years.

While global sales and customer visits have dipped recently, Starbucks hopes these updates will bring back the loyal coffee house atmosphere residents know and love. Investors will be watching closely as the company reports its next earnings.