Bye-Bye, Plastic Straws

Did you know that humans have been using hollow tubes to drink liquids for more than 5,000 years? But while the plastic versions are only a few decades old, humanity has produced billions of billions on them. And they’re clogging landfills, waterways, and oceans and poisoning wildlife. (National Geographic has a brief history of how plastic straws took over the world.)

On May 31, 2018, Bon Appétit Management Company announced that we’re phasing out plastic straws and stirrers companywide, in our 1,000 cafés and restaurants in 33 states, starting immediately. We’re committed to being plastic straw–free by September 2019 or earlier. Bon Appétit is the first food service company — or major restaurant company — to make this commitment in the country. We’re proud to have led the way in taking this first step, and the response has been extraordinary. (Read more in USA Today, NPR’s The Salt (or listen to All Things Considered), Fast Company, and Grub Street.)

Depending on where you’re located, we’re now offering paper or compostable options* — the lesser of two evils. But as the signs in your café say, please first ask yourself if you really need a straw. Thanks to all of you for joining this worldwide movement away from single-use disposables. We’re glad to have you with us on the leading edge.

*Guests with disabilities can request a plastic straw.