Starbucks to Close Some Cafes, Move to Carryout Only at Others

(Bloomberg) -- Starbucks Corp. is closing some locations in regions hard hit by the coronavirus outbreak and moving the rest to carryout only for at least two weeks.

The coffee chain, which is among the world’s largest restaurant operators, will temporarily shutter company-operated stores in crowded locations such as malls and university campuses. In areas with a higher numbers of virus cases like New York and Seattle, the company will reduce hours of operation and close some restaurants.

Locations in the U.S. and Canada will offer “to go” orders in a bid to “help prevent prolonged social gathering in our cafes,” according to the company.

The changes were laid out in an email to employees on Sunday from Rossann Williams, head of U.S. retail for the Seattle-based company.

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