Sneak peek at remodeled Bethesda Starbucks as chain prepares to reopen stores

The remodeling of the Norfolk Avenue Starbucks in downtown Bethesda appears to have been coronavirus-related as much as an aesthetic update. Fixed seating along the wall has been completely ripped out. Less seating with more distance between tables is in line with what many non-restaurant-industry officials nationwide have suggested the public can expect dining-in after Wave 1 of coronavirus winds down. Of course, we don't know yet if it is actually winding down or not.

From a redecorating standpoint, the wall paint has been updated with a sea green color. Blander wall hangings replace the individual framed artworks for the moment. The more comfortable chairs and many of the tables have been removed from the space. New chairs for tables have been brought in.

Starbucks says their rolling reopening of non-drive-thru locations will be timed differently depending upon the region and its current covid-19 status. CEO Kevin Johnson has referred to "entry-way pickup" as a new takeout option that may be offered when stores reopen. But he also announced last week that employees who don't show up ready to work, in stores that reopen as early as May 3 (no official opening dates have been announced, and the chain says it doesn't expect to reopen every single one of its locations before June) will no longer be paid to stay home.