I stopped by one of Starbucks’ mobile-focused pickup-only locations in Seattle this week after the company announced that it was sunsetting the small-format stores.

Starbucks is closing its mobile order and Pick-Up only stores, which have been in operation for six years. The decision aims to bring back human interaction while serving coffee.

Starbucks is shutting down its “Pick Up” store format, phasing out the mobile-order-only model by fiscal year 2026, CEO Brian Niccol announced during an earnings call this week. Niccol said the locations were no longer compatible with the Seattle-based coffee chain's plan to get "back to Starbucks.