Starbucks Just Announced a Major Change to Address Long Wait Times — and People Are Thrilled

published Jul 13, 2024

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Anyone else sick of the long lines at Starbucks? So are the workers behind the counter. According to Starbucks, baristas are feeling overburdened during the busy rush hours, unable to get orders out fast enough to customers waiting for their drinks and food. With such a high demand on Starbucks workers, the company announced they are implementing a new system that will benefit workers and make those busier times smoother and a little more manageable.

Called the “Siren Craft System,” the popular coffee chain will be rolling out a new work system that will ease the demands on workers and help them focus on connection with customers, and the craft of the coffees they are making.

This is coupled with Starbucks “Siren System” that was announced in 2022, where the company announced a new series of “equipment and technology improvements” that will make it easier for their partners to make drinks and food. After receiving feedback, the company is now implementing new routines so they can reduce the wait times even further.

“We looked at beverage sequencing, beverage routines, and also new positions to respond to the demand in our stores and work through it more effectively while partners are feeling supported,” said Sara Trilling, executive vice president and president of Starbucks North America, in a recent press release.

The first change involves switching up routines when making their popular beverages, like pulling espresso first before steaming milk, or including streamlined steps for orders that will make things faster. The company will also be adding in extra staff during those peak busy times. These positions are called “Peak Play Callers” where a staff member will be added behind the counter to assist baristas in any needs they have during busier times of the day.

“It’s been amazing. We’ve noticed increases in just sequencing time and getting drinks out to customers in record time,” shared Garrett.

As of May 2024, 1,160 U.S. locations have implemented this new Siren Craft System, and the coffee chain hopes to have the system rolled out nationally — and in Canada — by the end of July.