If you’ve ever rushed through an airport only to see a Starbucks line snaking into the concourse, you know the sinking feeling — will you make your flight and get your caffeine fix?
Well, rejoice because Starbucks is testing a new way to keep its busiest lines moving — installing touchscreen self-ordering kiosks in select high-volume locations, including airports.
While the chain has been shifting back toward more personalized, in-store interactions with baristas — a hallmark of the brand before the pandemic — it’s also recognizing that not all customers are looking for a long coffee break. In certain places, like airports, travelers are just trying to grab their latte before sprinting to the gate.
Where These Kiosks Will Be Found
The kiosks will likely appear in select licensed locations — stores run by third parties under agreements with Starbucks, according to an interview with Bloomberg. These licensed spots often cater to customers on the go and can be found inside:
- Airports
- Grocery stores
- Universities
- Hospitals
These types of locations make up about 40% of Starbucks’ 17,000+ U.S. stores.
Baristas will still greet customers and hand them their drinks, but the ordering process will shift from counter interaction to screen selection.
A Complement to Mobile Ordering
Starbucks already offers mobile ordering at airport locations, but if you’ve ever walked past one, you know the lines can still be long. These kiosks could help split traffic — mobile orders for app users, kiosk orders for walk-in customers.
Why This Could Be a Big Win for Airports
Personally, I can see this being a huge time saver.
- Visual menus – Helpful for customers unfamiliar with Starbucks’ menu or drink lingo.
- Multiple languages – Essential for international travelers and a potential game-changer at major airports.
- Streamlined service – Reduces the bottleneck of customers trying to decide at the counter.
Kiosks Aren’t New — Just New for Starbucks
Self-ordering kiosks are nothing new in the U.S. McDonald’s and other quick-service chains have been using them for years, and they’ve been commonplace overseas for even longer.
But for Starbucks, this could be the bridge between their brand focus on connection and the reality that sometimes customers just want their coffee — fast.
Final Thought
Starbucks’ move into touchscreen kiosks at busy licensed locations could help solve the “airport line problem” without sacrificing the human touch. And for customers who just need their caffeine fix before a 6 AM flight, this seems like a win for everyone.
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