Today, Starbucks virtually hosted its 34^th Annual Meeting of Shareholders, where chairman and chief executive officer Brian Niccol shared an update on the company’s momentum and progress under the Back to Starbucks plan. 

The meeting opened with a coffee tasting led by Tatum, a coffeehouse leader and soon‑to‑be Starbucks College Achievement Plan graduate, featuring Starbucks signature Brown Sugar Iced Shaken Espresso. Formal business was conducted by Josh Gaul, vice president, corporate secretary. 

Niccol highlighted a series of proof points demonstrating that Starbucks is ahead of schedule in its turnaround and delivering stronger, more consistent experiences for customers and partners. 

“Today, you can feel the difference,” he said. “The shine is back on Starbucks, and the momentum we’ve built is showing up in the experience our customers have every day.” 

He outlined progress across four areas: 

• Customer experience: Green Apron Service, supported by more than $500 million invested in hours and tools, is improving throughput, accuracy and connection. 

• Coffeehouse experience: Uplifts are restoring warmth and comfort across coffeehouses, with more than 1,000 expected to be completed by the end of fiscal 2026. 

• Brand relevance and digital engagement: A strengthened innovation pipeline, refreshed marketing and enhanced digital and loyalty experiences are bringing more customers back to Starbucks and making the brand more relevant, on‑trend and in‑culture. 

• International growth: Key markets are returning to growth. In China, Starbucks announced a joint venture with Boyu Capital to help expand into more cities and fuel long‑term growth. 

Niccol reaffirmed Starbucks commitment to offering the best job in retail, with industry‑leading benefits available to partners working 20 hours a week or more, including high‑quality healthcare, up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave, equity in the company and the opportunity to earn a four‑year degree with 100% upfront tuition coverage. 

“The impacts are real,” he noted. “Hourly turnover is less than half the industry average, more partners are now getting the hours they want, partner engagement is at a new high, and we receive more than a million applications for barista roles every year.” 

Looking ahead, Niccol emphasized that the company’s fiscal 2028 financial framework lays out a clear path for long‑term, sustainable growth, driven by a stronger morning peak, a growing afternoon daypart, relevant menu innovation and investments that make the Starbucks experience better and more consistent. 

He closed by thanking partners, customers, the company’s world‑class board and shareholders and reinforced confidence in the company’s trajectory. 

“We are ahead of schedule on our Back to Starbucks plan. And we are excited for what we can achieve when we deliver the best of Starbucks for every customer, everywhere, every time,” he said. 

Shareholders voted on several proposals and approved members of the Starbucks board of directors. The results of the votes will be posted publicly within four business days on the Starbucks Investor Relations site, where a transcript and on-demand video of the meeting are also available.