Skip to main content
Go to About Starbucks homepage
    • Coffee Coffee
    • Coffeehouse Experience Coffeehouse Experience
    • Cups & Merch Cups & Merch
    • Drinks & Food Drinks & Food
    • Annual Impact Report (ESG) Annual Impact Report (ESG)
    • Belonging at Starbucks Belonging at Starbucks
    • Communities Communities
    • Farmers Farmers
    • Partners (Employees) Partners (Employees)
    • The Starbucks Foundation The Starbucks Foundation
    • Sustainability Sustainability
    • Media Library
    • News Blog
    • Press Center
    • Press Releases
  • Stories
News

Message from Brian: A record-setting start to the holidays

November 14, 2025

Starbucks chairman and chief executive officer, Brian Niccol, shared the following message with Starbucks partners (employees):

Partners,

What an incredible start to the holiday season.

All week, I’ve heard stories from across the U.S. and Canada about the energy, excitement and care you brought to Holiday launch and Reusable Red Cup Day. You showed up for our customers and for each other. And it made a difference. Thank you.

Together, we set new records. Last Thursday’s Holiday launch was our biggest sales day ever in North America. Then yesterday, we had our strongest Reusable Red Cup Day in company history. That’s incredible. It shows what’s possible when we keep our focus on the customer and set our green apron partners up to deliver a great experience in every coffeehouse.

A barista in a red apron hands a coffee cup to a customer at a café counter. The customer, wearing a dark jacket and a blue patterned hat, smiles. Behind them, a menu board displays various drinks, and another staff member is preparing orders.
Download Download the source image
A busy café interior with patrons seated and standing. A menu board is visible, and a barista is preparing drinks. Decor includes wooden accents and greenery.
Download Download the source image

What stood out most was how great it felt in our coffeehouses. Coffeehouses were well staffed and supported by engaged leaders. Partners were working as a team, having fun and connecting with customers. Orders were made with care and served on time. And our coffeehouses felt warm, welcoming and full of joy.

This is Green Apron Service in action. It’s not just what we serve, it’s how we serve it. Every smile, every hello, every personal note on a cup matters. Our holiday beverages and Reusable Red Cups bring customers in, but it’s our partners and the experiences you create that keep our customers coming back.

Thank you to our coffeehouse teams for your incredible work. And thank you to our support teams for all that you do to set our green apron partners up for success. Working together, we’re building the green wave. We’re making the holiday season truly iconic. And we’re delivering the very best of Starbucks to our customers.

All the best,
Brian

More like this

News

Starbucks sees growth in afternoon visits, fueled by Refreshers and new menu items

3 min read
News

Starbucks strengthens support for military families through coffeehouses, donation to Blue Star Families and storytelling

3 min read
News

Starbucks investments in coffeehouse partners are paying off

3 min read
Starbucks Coffee Company
Our Values & Commitments

Stay In Touch

Subscribe to all the latest Starbucks stories and news delivered right to your inbox.

  • Follow Us On Instagram
  • Follow Us On Threads
  • Follow Us On TikTok
  • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel

Press Center

All the latest company news and leadership perspectives.

  • Press Releases
  • Company News
  • Starbucks For The Record
  • Leadership
  • Starbucks.com
  • Career Center
  • Reserve
  • At Home
  • Canada
    • English
    • Français
  • USA
    • English
  • EMEA
    • English
  • Latin America
    • English
    • Español
    • Português
  • Asia
    • English
  • Japan
    • 日本語
  • Starbucks.com
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Notice
  • Do Not Share My Personal Information

© 2026 Starbucks Coffee Company

Opens in a new window