Changes arrive at Starbucks US. cafés on Monday, including a new code of conduct, free refills and the return of condiment bars. Why it matters: The coffee giant has been trying to reverse a decline in foot traffic and go back to its roots under a plan Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol outlined in September.

The free refills will be served in coffee mugs, glasses, or a clean personal cup brought from home and are only available on the same visit at one store. The refills excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Tea Lemonade, flavored Iced Tea and Starbucks Refreshers® base. Initial purchase must be made in a reusable cup or “for-here” serveware.

According to CNN, Starbucks baristas will soon return to hand-writing customers’ names in Sharpie on their cups, a practice that in 2016 was replaced by stickers with the customer’s order and name printed on them.

These customers will be able to enjoy free refills on hot brewed or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea during their visit. Starbucks says folks must have their first beverage served in a ceramic mug, glass or personal cup — no disposable vessels — to receive free refills.

Starbucks has taken a page from its past − offering free refills and bringing names on cups and a condiment bar. Beginning on Monday, the coffee chain has brought back some familiar aspects that were trademarks of Starbucks from its roots in Seattle.

Starbucks rolls out new initiatives in order to bring forth a sense of community, and one of these initiatives is returning to writing names on cups.

Starbucks continues to make changes in 2025. First, the company did away with its open-door policy that would allow folks to hang out in its stores. That didn’t go over so well with a lot of people.