Since 1987, the green apron of Starbucks Coffee Company has been an iconic symbol of the coffeehouse chain. However, the popular brand has now decided to update its dress code across all stores. Does this mean we’ll no longer see this color in their uniforms? Here’s what we know.
Why is Starbucks changing its dress code?
According to a statement released by the company, the dress code update aims to focus on a simplified color palette that allows their iconic green apron to stand out and create a sense of familiarity for customers, no matter which store they visit in North America.
“By updating our dress code, we can deliver a more consistent coffeehouse experience that will also bring simpler and clearer guidance to our partners, which means they can focus on what matters most—crafting great beverages and fostering connections with customers,” the statement read.
ALSO READ Lindt launches new Easter chocolate! How much does it cost and what’s it like?
What will the new Starbucks uniform look like?
Starting May 12, Starbucks’ new uniform color palette will include plain black shirts (short or long-sleeved, round-neck, collared, or button-down), and jeans in any shade of khaki, black, or blue. There will also be a new line of branded T-shirts available.
Starbucks’ new code of conduct
The new dress code is part of broader changes the company has been implementing, including the introduction of a new code of conduct this past January. This update reverses the open-door policy Starbucks had in place since 2018. Under the new rules, only paying customers are allowed to use the café facilities.
Previously, Starbucks’ open-door policy allowed anyone—regardless of purchase—to remain in their stores and use services like restrooms. However, the company has decided to revise this policy. According to Starbucks, the change is intended to prioritize customers who make purchases in their stores.
The history of Starbucks
Starbucks began its journey in 1971 at Seattle’s Pike Place Market, opening its first store with the goal of selling freshly roasted coffee beans, tea, and spices from around the world—allowing customers to enjoy these products at home. The company’s name was inspired by a character in the classic novel Moby Dick, evoking the rich maritime tradition of early coffee traders.
ALSO READ Pringles launches new beer and barbecue flavors! When will they be available?
A decade later, a young New Yorker named Howard Schultz visited Starbucks and fell in love with the coffee from the first sip. In 1983, during a trip to Milan, he was captivated by the Italian coffeehouse culture—the warmth and artistry of the experience. Inspired by this discovery, he returned to Seattle with the ambition to transform Starbucks into more than just a coffee bean shop.
In 1987, the company adopted its now-iconic green aprons, marking a new chapter in its evolution into a full-fledged café.
The company expanded rapidly, opening new stores in Chicago and Vancouver before making its way to California, Washington D.C., and New York. In 1996, Starbucks went international with its first store in Japan, followed by entries into Europe in 1998 and China in 1999. Over the next two decades, Starbucks experienced exponential growth, becoming a gathering place for millions of customers each week and an integral part of daily life in communities around the world.
How many Starbucks stores are there in the United States?
Currently, there are 16,482 Starbucks locations across the United States.
