Starbucks Corp. SBUX, -2.07% Chief Executive Kevin Johnson said in a letter to U.S. workers published on the company website that it will begin to gradually open a "significant" number of stores throughout May. Stores have been operating with drive-thru service. The company is using its experience in China as a template, and Johnson said in an accompanying video that he has been in touch with governors and other officials about changes to store service on a local basis. In China, 95% of Starbucks locations are open. The type of service offered will vary between mobile orders, drive-thru, pickup, and the company will start to offer to-go service at some locations. "More than 60% of our store formats in the U.S. include a drive-thru, and approximately 80% of all customer orders were placed 'on-the-go' even prior to COVID-19," the letter said. The company has tested different formats at more than 300 stores over recent weeks. In a separate letter, Rossann Williams, president of U.S. company-operated business and Canada, said Starbucks will continue to offer an additional $3 per hour pay to those who choose to work, as well as other expanded benefits through the end of May. Those who are unwilling to work will no longer receive catastrophe pay after May 3, though they can explore options through paid leave and other programs. Normal operations, pay and benefits are expected to be phased in in June. Starbucks shares are down 4.6% over the past year while the S&P 500 index SPX, -1.11% is down 4.1% for the period.