Dress-Code Changes and Handwritten Notes Are Some of Starbucks’ Latest Changes

The Starbucks (SBUX) makeover continues, affecting both the shops and the people who staff them. We’ll learn more about how it’s going over with customers next week.

The company’s “Back to Starbucks” campaign, geared toward bringing customers back to the global coffee chain, is evolving as CEO Brian Niccol, who took over last fall, continues to make changes to the company’s appearance and operations. “Our problems are fixable,” Niccol said in October. “Most of what we need to do is in our control.”

The coffee chain is revamping its cafes in a bid to make them feel more cozy and welcoming, prioritizing efficiency and speed by making it a mission to get customers their orders within four minutes, and restoring its condiments bar.

Starbucks has also brought back something divisive: Sharpies.

Messages on To-Go Cups Make a Comeback

If your Starbucks order recently came to you with hearts or a smiley face on it, the barista probably wasn’t flirting with you. Workers were required to write messages or doodles on every to-go cup as of January. Starbucks did not immediately respond to Investopedia’s request for comment, but The Wall Street Journal recently reported that customer reactions are running the gamut from delighted, to confused— to indifferent.

The worker drawing your doodle might also dress a little differently. Earlier this month, the coffee chain earlier this month announced plans to update its dress code for a “more consistent coffeehouse experience” that bolsters the brand.

“We’re evolving our dress code in all stores to focus on simplified color options that allow our iconic green apron to shine and create a sense of familiarity for our customers, no matter which store they visit across North America,” said Starbucks. 

The updated look will require workers to pair their green apron with a company-branded shirt, two of which are provided gratis, or a solid black shirt with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. Previously, baristas could wear any color top or bottom with their apron.

The look of the cafes and workers isn’t what has kept customers away from Starbucks, though: It’s the price, according to a recent Deutsche Bank survey. Starbucks is expected to report its earnings next Tuesday, while shares are down about 9% this year.