Brian Niccol began 2026 Investor Day in New York City the way many meetings at Starbucks do — with a coffee tasting. The chairman and chief executive officer invited Sergio Alvarez, a master coffee developer, to join him on stage and the two led the audience in a tasting of the newest Starbucks dark roast coffee, 1971 Roast. 

In his opening remarks to investors, Niccol outlined some of the ways the back to Starbucks initiative is taking hold, refocusing coffeehouses on the core strengths that made Starbucks unique to begin with: coffee, craft and connection. 

“They’re enduring strengths that tap into a fundamental human truth. People want to enjoy coffee in a place where they feel connected to themselves, to one another and to their community,” Niccol said. “That’s why Starbucks became the global leader in coffee. Because our purpose and our partners create an impact … that no one else can replicate, at a scale no one else can match.” 

Three key areas of impact are: the future of the large and growing coffee market; the impact for Starbucks partners (employees) with competitive pay, industry-leading benefits and a robust career pathway; and the positive impact on the neighborhoods where the company does business. 

Niccol said Starbucks has also garnered momentum by evolving and strengthening its operations, investing in coffeehouse staffing and leadership, developing new digital tools and simplifying and modernizing the menu.  

Beyond outlining the early successes and momentum that have come from getting back to fundamentals, Niccol told investors he was excited for the opportunity to share more about the strategic, long-term vision for the company. 

He also introduced other Starbucks leaders who will be presenting during Investor Day: Tressie Lieberman, global chief brand officer; Mike Grams, chief operating officer; Brady Brewer, chief executive officer of Starbucks International; and Cathy Smith, chief financial officer.  

“This is not a finish line. This is our framework for how we’ll win,” Niccol said. “It reflects what we believe is achievable when we operate with discipline, invest in our partners, deliver exceptional experiences for customers, continue to strengthen our brand and broaden our reach around the world. … When we deliver the best of Starbucks everywhere, for every customer, our potential is truly unmatched.”