What Starbucks Delivery Success Tells Us About the Future of Neighborhood Coffee

TLDR

Starbucks recently revealed new details about how much its delivery service has expanded across the country. The corporation claimed sustained gains of about 30% in the first quarter of 2025, as well as annual delivery revenues that exceeded $1 billion. It was also noticed that people place larger orders when they choose delivery. These numbers show a clear shift in how customers enjoy their coffee today. If you own a local cafe, this raises an important question for you. Can your shop survive without a delivery option, given how many clients increasingly prefer comfort and convenience? This blog looks into why this shift is important and how small cafes can respond in a way that feels true to their business.

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What the Starbucks Delivery Surge Reveals

Delivery is no longer a side option

Starbucks shared clear numbers that show a strong rise in delivery across the country. Orders placed for delivery are larger than the usual store visit. Many people add breakfast or extra drinks because the entire order arrives together. This pattern signals a change in daily habits across the country, not a temporary shift. People want their routine to feel easy, and they reward the places that make it easy.

Rapid growth points to a lasting change in habits

The company described steady growth in delivery across many regions. This does not happen without consistent demand. When a national chain sees delivery move past one billion dollars in a single year, it shows that customers view delivery as part of their normal day. This wider pattern can guide local shops as they plan for the future because it shows what people naturally choose when they have the option.

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Why Local Coffee Shops Should Pay Close Attention

Remote work has changed the morning path

Many of your regular guests used to stop by your shop during their commute. Now, many work from home or in flexible spaces and no longer pass by your door. They still want your drinks but often prefer the comfort of ordering from their seat. Offering delivery helps you reach these guests again and also attracts new customers who find you through mobile search, rather than relying solely on foot traffic.

Delivery creates stronger value and deeper loyalty

A well-planned delivery service can raise the average order size. People who order for delivery often add pastries, breakfast items, or a second drink because they arrive together. When your drinks arrive fresh and well prepared, customers trust you and return through your own branded ordering system, which strengthens your direct connection with them.

Thinking about adding delivery. Visit our delivery page to explore your options with Per Diem.

How Local Cafes Can Add Delivery in a Smart Way

Use third-party platforms to bring new customers

Third-party delivery services already have a large audience. Many people open these platforms first when they want a quick drink or breakfast. Listing your menu there helps new guests discover you. Once they try your drinks, you can guide them into your own branded app or web ordering system. This gives you control over the customer relationship and allows you to save on commissions while maintaining visibility on large platforms. It creates a smooth bridge from discovery to repeat visits inside your own space.

Keep the customer journey simple with first-party ordering

With Per Diem, you can still choose to deliver from these platforms, but your guests can place delivery orders more conveniently from a platform that reflects your cafe. You can stay in full control of how tips are shared, how delivery is handled, and how your team communicates with customers. The app’s dashboard shows every step of the delivery path in real time. You can see when the order is picked up, where the driver is, and when the drink arrives. You even receive the delivery photo. This level of clarity helps you protect the quality of your drinks and support your customers when they need help. It gives you the confidence of knowing that every delivery still feels like it came directly from your shop.

Learn how to convert third-party orders to first-party sales in this blog. 

Making Quality Work for Delivery

Create a delivery menu that travels well

Some drinks and food items keep their flavor and texture through travel with almost no change, while others need extra care. You can start by watching how long each item stays fresh after it leaves the bar. A few test orders sent to your team or friends can reveal which drinks hold up and which need adjustments. Many shops discover that breakfast wraps, pastries, blended drinks, and cold brew cups keep their quality far longer than expected when packed correctly. A curated delivery menu keeps guests confident that every choice will taste right when it arrives. It also helps your bar team stay focused during busy hours because they prepare items that you already know will travel smoothly.

Package drinks in a way that protects the item

Great packaging is one of the strongest tools you have for a reliable delivery experience. Hot drinks stay rich and warm when placed in insulated cups with tight lids that prevent spills. You can add a small barrier between the drink and the lid to slow heat loss during the ride. Cold drinks feel fresher when they are sealed with sturdy tops that keep ice from shifting too much. A secure cup holder that grips each drink can prevent movement inside the delivery bag. This also protects layered drinks like matcha or iced lattes, so they keep their look and taste.

You can also include a soft divider inside the bag to separate food from drinks. Warm food can release moisture, so giving it a little breathing space helps the texture stay crisp. A small note inside the bag with a thank-you message or a simple care tip creates a warm touch and helps customers feel that their order was prepared with real attention. These small choices add up and help your drinks and food reach the customer in the same condition as when they left your counter.

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Why Delivery is Crucial for Your Coffee Shop

Delivery expands your presence beyond your street

Your shop is important to your neighborhood, yet delivery lets you reach people who are close enough to be regular customers but not close enough to walk over. You can become part of their daily rhythm even if they never step outside. This expands your reach without needing a new location. It also helps you stay visible in a world where people no longer follow the same daily path they once did.

Delivery gives customers a reason to choose you again

When a customer receives a warm drink that tastes right and arrives on time, they remember the experience. They return through your own ordering app because it feels reliable. Over time, this creates a stronger bond than occasional walk-in visits. A smooth delivery experience builds trust, and trust brings repeat orders.

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Final Thought

Delivery has become a natural part of how people enjoy their daily coffee, and the strong rise in national delivery numbers shows that this shift is not slowing down. Local cafes have a special place in their communities, and offering delivery helps them stay present in the lives of guests whose routines have changed. With thoughtful planning, clear tools, and care for quality, a neighborhood cafe can create a delivery experience that feels personal and reliable. This moment offers a chance to grow confidently, reach new customers, and stay close to the regulars who already love what you serve.

Want support from someone who understands your cafe. Book a quick demo with an industry expert and get a clear plan for your coffee shop.

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