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Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Starbucks Making Major Changes to Stores in New York, California
Starbucks has begun rolling out an extensive redesign of its stores in New York and Southern California under the leadership of CEO Brian Niccol, as part of the company's "Back to Starbucks" plan. The chain is introducing premium features across these locations, including lounge-style seating, warmer lighting, and locally inspired wall art, in an effort to cultivate a traditional coffeehouse feel and encourage customers to spend more time in stores. Newsweek has contacted Starbucks outside of regular working hours via email for comment. The major changes come after Starbucks took a hit when its baristas went on strike before Christmas, waiting times for orders grew longer, and its Q4 earnings report for the last fiscal year showed a 7 percent decline in global sales. Since stepping in as CEO in September 2024, Niccol launched the "Back to Starbucks" initiative to try to encourage customers to come back to the stores. When he was appointed as the new leader of the major chain, Starbucks' shares leapt up 18 percent after two consecutive quarters of sale slumps, Fortune reported, suggesting there are lot of expectations weighing on Niccol's shoulders to bring the company's sales back up to speed. The first remodeled locations, including stores in Bridgehampton and East Hampton, New York, now showcase cozy chairs, hardwood floors, and artwork on the walls that capture the spirit of the areas' local communities. Starbucks has also brought back ceramic mugs for some in-store orders and reintroduced the self-service condiment bar. Baristas were also instructed to be welcoming to customers and leave hand-written notes on cups. The redesigns are part of a comprehensive strategy to reverse the downward slope in sales by enhancing the customer experience and reestablishing Starbucks as a welcoming "third place," a space of respite over coffee away from home and work—a vision first championed by former CEO Howard Schultz. Alongside the aesthetic updates, Starbucks has focused on operational changes such as streamlining its food and beverage menu, by reducing some options for customizations, and introducing a new order sequencing algorithm to reduce wait times. The company said that the measures enabled three-quarters of orders at test locations to arrive in under 4 minutes during peak hours, Fortune reported. In June, Starbucks also hosted over 14,000 coffeehouse leaders from across North America at its Leadership Experience 2025 in Las Vegas in June, as part of the initiative. At the event, leaders had the chance to engage in workshops, connect and network, and hear directly from company leaders. Starbucks' CEO Brian Niccol said in June: "'Getting 'Back to Starbucks' means refocusing on what has always set us apart — a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas. We are bringing together our coffeehouse leaders from across North America to celebrate, empower and equip them to accelerate our transformation. "The coffeehouse experience defines the Starbucks brand, and these leaders and their teams bring that experience to life for millions of customers every day." Starbucks' Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mike Grams said in June: "This isn't just a reset—it's a recommitment to who we are when we are at our best. We're making progress, have real momentum with our 'Back to Starbucks' plan and are on the right track to turn the business around. "Our turnaround is rooted in listening—to partners and customers—and taking action on what we hear. We're listening and testing in the coffeehouse, and then applying our learnings to scale quickly and enhance the customer and partner experience." Continued changes and refurbishments are expected in stores as part of the "Back to Starbucks" initiative. Related Articles Woman Takes Dog To Drive Thru for Pup Cup, No One Prepared for His ReactionIs the Stock Market Open on Fourth of July? What to KnowGen Z Is Leading America's Boycott ChargeChina's Answer to Starbucks Launches First Stores in US 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
07-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Starbucks Making Major Changes to Stores in New York, California
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Starbucks has begun rolling out an extensive redesign of its stores in New York and Southern California under the leadership of CEO Brian Niccol, as part of the company's "Back to Starbucks" plan. The chain is introducing premium features across these locations, including lounge-style seating, warmer lighting, and locally inspired wall art, in an effort to cultivate a traditional coffeehouse feel and encourage customers to spend more time in stores. Newsweek has contacted Starbucks outside of regular working hours via email for comment. Why It Matters The major changes come after Starbucks took a hit when its baristas went on strike before Christmas, waiting times for orders grew longer, and its Q4 earnings report for the last fiscal year showed a 7 percent decline in global sales. Since stepping in as CEO in September 2024, Niccol launched the "Back to Starbucks" initiative to try to encourage customers to come back to the stores. When he was appointed as the new leader of the major chain, Starbucks' shares leapt up 18 percent after two consecutive quarters of sale slumps, Fortune reported, suggesting there are lot of expectations weighing on Niccol's shoulders to bring the company's sales back up to speed. What To Know The first remodeled locations, including stores in Bridgehampton and East Hampton, New York, now showcase cozy chairs, hardwood floors, and artwork on the walls that capture the spirit of the areas' local communities. Starbucks has also brought back ceramic mugs for some in-store orders and reintroduced the self-service condiment bar. Baristas were also instructed to be welcoming to customers and leave hand-written notes on cups. The redesigns are part of a comprehensive strategy to reverse the downward slope in sales by enhancing the customer experience and reestablishing Starbucks as a welcoming "third place," a space of respite over coffee away from home and work—a vision first championed by former CEO Howard Schultz. Alongside the aesthetic updates, Starbucks has focused on operational changes such as streamlining its food and beverage menu, by reducing some options for customizations, and introducing a new order sequencing algorithm to reduce wait times. The company said that the measures enabled three-quarters of orders at test locations to arrive in under 4 minutes during peak hours, Fortune reported. In June, Starbucks also hosted over 14,000 coffeehouse leaders from across North America at its Leadership Experience 2025 in Las Vegas in June, as part of the initiative. At the event, leaders had the chance to engage in workshops, connect and network, and hear directly from company leaders. File photo. The Starbucks logo is seen. File photo. The Starbucks logo is seen. Efren Landaos/Sipa via AP What People Are Saying Starbucks' CEO Brian Niccol said in June: "'Getting 'Back to Starbucks' means refocusing on what has always set us apart — a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas. We are bringing together our coffeehouse leaders from across North America to celebrate, empower and equip them to accelerate our transformation. "The coffeehouse experience defines the Starbucks brand, and these leaders and their teams bring that experience to life for millions of customers every day." Starbucks' Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mike Grams said in June: "This isn't just a reset—it's a recommitment to who we are when we are at our best. We're making progress, have real momentum with our 'Back to Starbucks' plan and are on the right track to turn the business around. "Our turnaround is rooted in listening—to partners and customers—and taking action on what we hear. We're listening and testing in the coffeehouse, and then applying our learnings to scale quickly and enhance the customer and partner experience." What Happens Next? Continued changes and refurbishments are expected in stores as part of the "Back to Starbucks" initiative.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks menu upgrade: Protein cold foam, new croissants undergo testing
Protein-packed coffees and raspberry-filled pastries could soon be coming to a Starbucks near you. The Seattle-based coffee giant is testing out new menu items amid its 'Back to Starbucks' strategy, led by CEO Brian Niccol. The former Chipotle chief executive has emphasized the importance of providing customers the 'right vibe' after a slump in sales. "It's time for us to lead again," Niccol told a crowd of Starbucks employees during the company's Leadership Experience 2025 event on June 10. "We're going to lead in warm, welcoming coffee houses. We're going to lead in innovation. Innovation to our menu." USA TODAY had an early look at the new food and drink products during the Las Vegas event. Most of the items are undergoing Starbucks' 'Starting Five' program, in which five U.S. Starbucks locations try out new products and offer feedback before a broader launch. Because testing is ongoing, the products sampled by USA TODAY may change before the final iterations launch nationwide. Starbucks is testing out a new protein cold foam option that would add roughly 15 grams of protein to its drinks through the addition of an unsweetened protein powder. Starbucks offered samples of a banana protein cold foam on June 10, but the protein can be added to any cold foam flavor. Other retailers, including coffee chain Dutch Bros, already offer high-protein offerings as consumers ‒ especially Gen Z ‒ show growing interest in health and building muscle. The number of high-protein drinks jumped 122% between 2020 and 2024, according to Innova Market Insights, which analyzes food and beverage industry data. "It's on trend. It's delicious," Niccol said about the protein cold foam. Starbucks did not share a date for the new cold foam's release, but Niccol said it would hit stores 'very soon.' Starbucks is updating its classic croissant and adding two new bakery items to its stores: a raspberry croissant filled with jam and a double chocolate cookie topped with flaky sea salt. 'We're going to get back to fresh-baked food,' Niccol said. A new coffee, dubbed the Starbucks 1971 Roast, is set to roll out at coffee houses in the U.S. and Canada this winter. The dark roast is a blend of beans from Sumatra, Colombia and Brazil. Starbucks is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Frappuccino with a new offering: the Strato Frappuccino. Strato – or 'layer,' in Italian – adds a cloud of cold foam on top of any Frappuccino flavor. The drink sampled by USA TODAY at the Starbucks Leadership Experience in Las Vegas featured a Coffee Frappuccino topped with brown sugar cold foam and cinnamon. Unveiled earlier this year, the Strato Frappuccino will be available at Starbucks stores nationwide this summer. In addition to the Brown Sugar Strato Frappuccino, Starbucks will also offer a Salted Caramel Mocha Strato Frappuccino and a Strawberry Matcha Strato Frappuccino. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Starbucks looks to add protein cold foam, new croissants to menu
Cision Canada
23-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
The Starbucks Foundation Strengthens Canadian Communities with $1M+ in Grants Across All Provinces and Yukon Français
TORONTO, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - The Starbucks Foundation announced today that it is donating over $1 million to local Canadian charities through its Neighbourhood Grants program, thanks to Starbucks partner (employee) nominations. This year's program benefits a record-breaking number of 425 charities from every province in Canada and the Yukon Territory. Every year, The Starbucks Foundation invites Starbucks Canada partners to nominate local charities to receive philanthropic support through the Neighbourhood Grants program to address causes they are passionate about in their communities, including hunger relief, uplifting families, addressing homelessness, empowering youth, and environmental stewardship. The program, now in its sixth year, shattered previous records with more than 7,000 Canadian partners submitting nominations in 2025. Leading with Partners, Giving Back to Local Communities At Starbucks, our partners turn everyday connections into lasting community impact. With Neighbourhood Grants, we celebrate that impact by supporting the local charities they care about. From large urban centers to remote rural towns, from bolstering food banks and supporting 2SlGBTQI+ communities initiatives to helping those experiencing homelessness, the Neighbourhood Grants program uplifts local charities in reaching the people and places that need it most. "At Starbucks Canada, we believe in the power of community and the incredible impact that our green apron partners can have when they're recognized and supported," said Lori Digulla, senior vice president and general manager, Starbucks Canada."Through The Starbucks Foundation's Neighbourhood Grants program, we're proud to empower our partners to nominate a record number of charities across the country. This $1 million investment reflects our deep commitment to creating meaningful change, one neighbourhood at a time inspired by our partners." Last week, Starbucks rallied more than 14,000 North American Coffeehouse Leaders at Leadership Experience 2025 to accelerate its 'Back to Starbucks' strategy. With community in mind, Sara Kelly, executive vice president, chief partner officer, Starbucks Corporation, announced the impact of this year's Neighbourhood Grants. "The latest round of grants resulted in 56,000 nominations from partners across North America, with 85% of our coffeehouses having at least one nomination. At Starbucks, it's never just coffee; we are part of the communities we serve." Uplifting Canadian Communities With hundreds of thousands of Canadians visiting coffeehouses every day, it is Starbucks responsibility to contribute positively to the communities in which it operates from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The Neighbourhood Grants program helps build sustained local impact while inspiring partners to engage in their community all year long. Here's what these grants mean to some of the local charities nominated by partners. "We sincerely appreciate The Starbucks Foundation's commitment to helping those most in need. Programs like Neighbourhood Grants allow us to continue providing emergency support, serving hot, nutritious meals and vital wraparound services to people facing homelessness in Ottawa. Support like this not only nourishes bodies but also uplifts spirits and fosters hope," said Peter Tilley, CEO, The Ottawa Mission. "With The Starbucks Foundation's support, more young people facing adversity will experience the lifelong benefit of one stable and committed adult relationship, which is the most common factor for children who end up doing well," said Jill Zelmanovits, National President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada."We are grateful that 10 Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters across Canada will be able to uplift even more children and youth through mentoring. We applaud the over 70 Starbucks partners across Canada who nominated us for a Neighbourhood Grant." "The Starbucks Foundation's Neighbourhood Grants program is a testament to the power of partnership and compassion. With this support, we can continue serving the growing need and provide our community with nutritious, culturally appropriate food. It's heartening to know that corporate partners like Starbucks are committed to building stronger, more equitable communities," said Julie LeJeune, Executive Director, Fort York Food Bank. About The Starbucks Foundation: Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation's mission is to strengthen humanity by transforming lives across the world. As the primary philanthropic arm of Starbucks, The Starbucks Foundation focuses on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. To learn more, visit The Starbucks Foundation. About Starbucks Coffee Company Canada: Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with over 1,400 stores across Canada and more than 23,000 Canadian partners, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the country. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Starbucks Foundation Strengthens Canadian Communities with $1M+ in Grants Across All Provinces and Yukon
TORONTO, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - The Starbucks Foundation announced today that it is donating over $1 million to local Canadian charities through its Neighbourhood Grants program, thanks to Starbucks partner (employee) nominations. This year's program benefits a record-breaking number of 425 charities from every province in Canada and the Yukon Territory. Every year, The Starbucks Foundation invites Starbucks Canada partners to nominate local charities to receive philanthropic support through the Neighbourhood Grants program to address causes they are passionate about in their communities, including hunger relief, uplifting families, addressing homelessness, empowering youth, and environmental stewardship. The program, now in its sixth year, shattered previous records with more than 7,000 Canadian partners submitting nominations in 2025. Leading with Partners, Giving Back to Local Communities At Starbucks, our partners turn everyday connections into lasting community impact. With Neighbourhood Grants, we celebrate that impact by supporting the local charities they care about. From large urban centers to remote rural towns, from bolstering food banks and supporting 2SlGBTQI+ communities initiatives to helping those experiencing homelessness, the Neighbourhood Grants program uplifts local charities in reaching the people and places that need it most. "At Starbucks Canada, we believe in the power of community and the incredible impact that our green apron partners can have when they're recognized and supported," said Lori Digulla, senior vice president and general manager, Starbucks Canada. "Through The Starbucks Foundation's Neighbourhood Grants program, we're proud to empower our partners to nominate a record number of charities across the country. This $1 million investment reflects our deep commitment to creating meaningful change, one neighbourhood at a time inspired by our partners." Last week, Starbucks rallied more than 14,000 North American Coffeehouse Leaders at Leadership Experience 2025 to accelerate its 'Back to Starbucks' strategy. With community in mind, Sara Kelly, executive vice president, chief partner officer, Starbucks Corporation, announced the impact of this year's Neighbourhood Grants. "The latest round of grants resulted in 56,000 nominations from partners across North America, with 85% of our coffeehouses having at least one nomination. At Starbucks, it's never just coffee; we are part of the communities we serve." Uplifting Canadian Communities With hundreds of thousands of Canadians visiting coffeehouses every day, it is Starbucks responsibility to contribute positively to the communities in which it operates from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The Neighbourhood Grants program helps build sustained local impact while inspiring partners to engage in their community all year long. Here's what these grants mean to some of the local charities nominated by partners. "We sincerely appreciate The Starbucks Foundation's commitment to helping those most in need. Programs like Neighbourhood Grants allow us to continue providing emergency support, serving hot, nutritious meals and vital wraparound services to people facing homelessness in Ottawa. Support like this not only nourishes bodies but also uplifts spirits and fosters hope," said Peter Tilley, CEO, The Ottawa Mission. "With The Starbucks Foundation's support, more young people facing adversity will experience the lifelong benefit of one stable and committed adult relationship, which is the most common factor for children who end up doing well," said Jill Zelmanovits, National President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. "We are grateful that 10 Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters across Canada will be able to uplift even more children and youth through mentoring. We applaud the over 70 Starbucks partners across Canada who nominated us for a Neighbourhood Grant." "The Starbucks Foundation's Neighbourhood Grants program is a testament to the power of partnership and compassion. With this support, we can continue serving the growing need and provide our community with nutritious, culturally appropriate food. It's heartening to know that corporate partners like Starbucks are committed to building stronger, more equitable communities," said Julie LeJeune, Executive Director, Fort York Food Bank. About The Starbucks Foundation: Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation's mission is to strengthen humanity by transforming lives across the world. As the primary philanthropic arm of Starbucks, The Starbucks Foundation focuses on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. To learn more, visit The Starbucks Foundation. About Starbucks Coffee Company Canada: Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with over 1,400 stores across Canada and more than 23,000 Canadian partners, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the country. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at SOURCE The Starbucks Foundation View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
