Starbucks extends offer of free coffee for frontline workers after serving 1 million

Starbucks has given away over 1 million free cups of coffee to frontline workers and first responders during the coronavirus pandemic, and announced Thursday it will extend the offer through May 31, the company said in a press release.

“For many of those working long hours caring for those who are sick or in need, a cup of coffee can represent a bright spot in their day and give them a much-needed boost, some say,” the company release said.

The coffee chain started giving away freebies on March 25, and the deal was originally scheduled to end May 3, Starbucks had previously said.

Now through the end of May, first responders, nurses, doctors, hospital staff, and researchers can all swing by for a tall coffee, hot or iced, at no charge.

Starbucks has pared down to drive-thru and delivery only, but plans to reopen “as many stores as we can” on May 4, executive vice president Rossann Williams said in an open letter.

This story was originally published April 25, 2020 at 10:41 AM.