News Blog

3 min read

June 10, 2025

Day One at LE25 Reminded Me Why I’m Here

Melina V., 20-Year Partner and Store Manager Trainer in California

Day one of Leadership Experience? I don’t even have the words. It was so moving—so gratifying. It reminded me that I’m in the right place, doing the right work. After COVID, I think a lot of us questioned everything. Am I doing the right thing? Should I still be here? But today, I felt it in my bones: I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

I’ve been with Starbucks for 20 years. I’ve seen a lot. But what never changes is the feeling you get when you reconnect—with the mission, with your peers, with your purpose. Today, I ran into Josefina, a partner I hired years ago. And Dustin—I didn’t hire him, but I sat in on his first sip as an ASM. Seeing them here, growing, thriving—it’s the most rewarding part of this journey.

When [our ceo] Brian talked about connection, it hit me. That’s what leadership is. It’s not just about operations or schedules—it’s about the moments. Like when my DM quoted a song I didn’t even know she knew and said, “That’s my roller skating song.” Those are the moments that build trust, that build culture. You don’t always get them in the day-to-day, but you get them here at LE.

And then Mike spoke about the coffeehouse experience and Green Apron Service. What really stuck with me was the idea of turnaround. I just took over a new store three weeks ago. It’s been a challenge with staffing, Back to Starbucks culture not quite where it should be. But we’re turning it around. Last Friday, during peak, my supervisor—our peak play caller—told me, “This is the best peak I’ve had” We hit a 47-seconds out-the-window. That’s what turnaround looks like. That’s what leadership looks like.

Regarding the new assistant store manager role coming to most stores? I love it! I think it’s an awesome thing. I remember when I first joined Starbucks, I had two ASMs and that helped create a great culture in the store, so I’m excited for where that’s going. It means having someone on your team working toward the same goal and vision.

What made me emotional today were the partner stories. As managers, we know those stories. We live them every day. Every partner is going through something, and we’re their support system. That’s our responsibility. But it’s also our joy. We love what we do. It comes naturally.

So thank you — for this experience, for this reminder, and for the chance to showcase my team. Day one of LE25 was everything I needed and more.

3 min read

June 10, 2025

Empowering Coffeehouse Leaders: Starbucks expands Coffeehouse Coach Role across the U.S.

Sara Kelly, chief partner officer

We’re strengthening our coffeehouse teams and taking an important step toward our goal of growing talent internally and hiring 90% of retail leaders from within.

At Starbucks, we often talk about the importance of human connection — how a single moment can transform someone’s day. From a warm smile to handcrafting a beverage, these moments are made possible by the leaders who support and guide the many partners who wear the green apron. In fact, our coffeehouse leaders are more than operational store managers—they are the heart of the Starbucks Experience, shaping teams, building culture, and delivering the customer connection that defines who we are.

As we continue to grow and support the next generation of coffeehouse leaders at Starbucks, we’re announcing an important step to ensure they have the time, tools, and support they need to lead effectively and create the Starbucks Experience as we drive our “Back to Starbucks” strategy forward.

Beginning this fall, Starbucks will add at least one dedicated, full-time coffeehouse coach in most company-operated stores in the U.S.

This isn’t just about adding the role in more stores — it’s about evolving how we support our customers and green apron partners. The coffeehouse coach will serve as a true partner to the coffeehouse leader – ensuring consistent leadership presence during more operating hours and helping run the business, guide teams and serve customers.

For many, it will also be a meaningful first step into coffeehouse leadership, supporting Starbucks goal to develop talent, support internal career growth, and hire 90% of retail leadership roles from within.

A New Chapter in Coffeehouse Leadership

Currently, about 20% of our coffeehouses have a coffeehouse coach, and the role tends to be short-term and varies by location. With this change, it will evolve to a full-time, dedicated role in most coffeehouses, helping to drive the business alongside the coffeehouse leader, who they will report to. The coffeehouse coach will help provide consistent leadership support throughout more of the store’s operating hours. This change also allows coffeehouse leaders — who typically oversee multi-million-dollar businesses and lead teams of around 18 partners, on average — to focus more on developing talent, creating the Starbucks Experience, and building community. With a strong coffeehouse coach by their side, they can lead with intention, not just react to the day-to-day.

Piloting in 2025, Scaling in 2026

We’ll begin with an initial phase in September 2025  in six U.S. company-operated districts. We will take learnings from these pilots and scale to the majority of our U.S. company-operated coffeehouses in 2026. And in Canada we will similarly learn from these pilots, and begin to scale in the summer of 2026.

Making Starbucks the Best Job in Retail

For us, it goes back to a simple belief: to exceed the expectations of our customers, we must first exceed the expectations of our partners. It’s why Starbucks provides more than competitive pay — we provide equity in the company, 100% tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree, flexible scheduling tools, up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave, and more, which together average over $30 per hour for baristas.

Today’s announcement is one more step in this journey. Because when we invest in our partners, we invest in the future of Starbucks — and in the moments of connection that bring our mission to life every day.

2 min read

June 10, 2025

Meet Green Dot Assist: Starbucks Generative AI-Powered Coffeehouse Companion

Deb Hall Lefevre, evp chief technology officer

Technology at Starbucks is designed to enable human connection in our coffeehouses. Earlier today at our Leadership Experience event, we announced our first generative-AI powered solution to support green apron partners—a bold innovation that will unlock new possibilities for the coffeehouse leaders who serve customers around the world.

Green Dot Assist is a virtual assistant built to help baristas in real time. Instead of flipping through manuals or searching for answers, partners can now ask questions on in-store iPads and receive instant, conversational responses. With this new solution, we’re simplifying access to essential information in the flow of work for partners, making their jobs a little easier while they build confidence and expertise. For example, if a barista needs a quick reminder of the ingredients for a seasonal beverage, Green Dot Assist provides guidance in seconds—helping partners feel confident in delivering exceptional customer service.

This marks a significant step forward in our commitment to streamlining operations, reducing friction, and giving partners more time to focus on crafting beverages and connecting with customers.

We’re proud to pilot Green Dot Assist in 35 of our coffeehouses, with more on the way. This is a new era of innovation at Starbucks—one where AI enhances the partner experience and strengthens the connection between baristas and customers. Because when we invest in our partners, we’re investing in the future of our Starbucks experience.

2 min read

June 9, 2025

Back to Starbucks, Back to Us

Sarah H., Store Manager in Canada

I’ve been with Starbucks for over 17 years, and if there’s one thing that’s kept me here, it’s the people. The connections we build — with our partners, our customers, and each other — are what make this place feel like home. That’s why Leadership Experience (LE) is so special to me.

I went to my first LE in 2019, in Chicago. I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment I got to the airport, I was surrounded by partners. We were strangers but instantly connected by the green apron. That first gathering — thousands of us in one space — was overwhelming in the best way. It was the first time I truly felt the scale of commitment to help us grow as people, not just as employees.

LE reminded me that I’m not just a store manager — I’m a partner too. It helped me see how I could show up differently for my team and my community. After LE19, we focused more on building relationships —with each other, with our customers, and with our neighborhood. That mindset carried us through the pandemic, when connection felt more important than ever.

Now, heading into LE25 in Las Vegas, I’m excited to reconnect with old friends, new peers and the heart of who we are. I’m looking forward to the stories, the coffee tastings and the shared moments that remind us why we do what we do. I know I’ll come back inspired, with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of purpose.

To any store manager attending for the first time: expect to feel seen. Expect to learn, to laugh, maybe even cry. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead at Starbucks—and how powerful it is when we rise together.

Because at the end of the day, LE isn’t just about leadership. It’s about coming back to who we are. Back to Starbucks. Back to us.

4 min read

June 4, 2025

Message from Brian: Organizational changes to accelerate Back to Starbucks

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

Partners,

As I shared during our last Quarterly Connect and, on the earnings call, our performance isn’t yet where we want it to be. We’re making the changes necessary to get back to Starbucks, and I’m encouraged by our progress. I feel the momentum in our coffeehouses, hear it from our partners and customers, and see it in the results of our pilots.

We’re on the right path, but we need to move faster. We’re making additional organizational changes to help bring teams closer together, strengthen leadership accountability and allow teams to move with even greater clarity and urgency.

Here are the changes:

Mike Grams will step into the role of chief operating officer. In addition to leading our North American coffeehouses, he will now oversee global coffeehouse development and global supply chain. Meredith Sandland, evp and chief development officer, and Sanjay Shah, evp and chief supply chain officer, will now report to Mike. I’m excited to bring these functions together and to see the impact of Meredith, Sanjay and Mike working more closely to elevate the design, build and operations of our coffeehouses and to deliver a world-class supply chain that empowers our green apron partners and delights our customers.
We’re bringing the Global Coffee and Sustainability team and the Global Brand team together. Coffee is at the heart of Starbucks, and this change will further cement coffee at the core of our menu, product innovation and marketing. It will also help us further embed sustainability in our products, packaging and operations. Michelle Burns, evp, Global Coffee and Sustainability will report to Tressie Lieberman, evp, global chief brand officer.
Deb Hall Lefevre, evp, chief technology officer, will now report to Cathy Smith, evp, chief financial officer. Delivering world class technology that enables our partners to craft high-quality beverages and spend more meaningful time with customers is a priority. It’s an important area of investment and I know that working together Deb and Cathy will help us accelerate this work.

Deb, Meredith, Michelle and Sanjay will continue to serve on our Executive Leadership Team (ELT), alongside my direct reports: Brady Brewer (ceo, International), Dominic Carr (evp, chief communications and corporate affairs officer), Mike Grams (chief operating officer), Sara Kelly (evp, chief partner officer), Brad Lerman (evp, chief legal officer), Tressie Lieberman (evp, global chief brand officer), Molly Liu (ceo, China), Cathy Smith (evp, chief financial officer).

Separately, Brad Lerman, evp, chief legal officer, and I have been talking about what makes sense for him and for our legal team and Brad will be leaving Starbucks in the coming months. We’re beginning a search for a new chief legal officer, and Brad will both assist with the search and continue to lead our legal team until a successor is in place. We’ll recognize Brad’s contributions to Starbucks before he leaves but for now, I’ll just say how much I appreciate everything he’s done and the wise counsel he offers me, the board and leaders across the company.

Across our U.S. coffeehouses, the SSC and around the world we’ve driven significant change in the last few months. We’re getting back to Starbucks. I deeply appreciate all the work everyone is doing. We’re refocusing on the customer, supporting our green apron partners and acting like owners. We’re testing, learning and moving quickly. I’m confident these organizational changes will help us go even faster.

On we go,

Brian

1 min read

June 4, 2025

Announcing Starbucks Global Barista Championship

In celebration of Starbucks baristas who embody our commitment to community, connection and craft, for the first time in company history Starbucks will host the Starbucks Global Barista Championship in Las Vegas, June 9-11. This is a significant milestone in Starbucks company history – where our shared love for serving the world’s finest coffee will be center stage, brought to you by some of Starbucks most skilled baristas.

The Starbucks Global Barista Championship is the culmination of regional competitions spanning over a year where more than 84,000 baristas competed for the chance to participate in the global championship. The 12 contestants are the 2024 regional Barista Champions from China, Japan, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America/Caribbean, as well as the six Barista Champions from each of the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries. During the competition, baristas will lead coffee tastings, craft beverages, share coffee knowledge and stories of connection as they compete to be crowned the first Starbucks Global Barista Champion.

Get to know the contestants and learn more about the three-day competition – including how to watch the event live.

2 min read

May 30, 2025

Starbucks Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso is already the drink of the summer

Starbucks newest seasonal beverage, the Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, is quickly becoming a breakout hit.

Launched in cafes on May 20, the drink has outperformed all previous seasonal Iced Shaken Espresso beverages launches by a staggering 44% – a notable milestone for a beverage platform that’s only been around since 2022.

“Summer and Starbucks go hand-in-hand,” said Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks global chief brand officer. “Our fans are crazy for the new Iced Horchata Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, so we are seeing success continuing to build for the platform with much more innovation possible.”

The beverage is made with Starbucks® Blonde Espresso which provides a light, smooth, and subtly sweet profile that pairs well with the new horchata syrup to create a fusion of warm cinnamon, sweet vanilla flavor and subtle nutty notes of toasted rice flavors shaken together with ice and topped with oatmilk. 

Starbucks Iced Shaken Oatmilk Espresso on a beige background

Ricky Gonzalez, one of the minds behind the new beverage, says the flavor is versatile. “The Iced Shaken Espresso combines the horchata flavor with our beautiful Starbucks ® Blonde Espresso, and the Horchata flavor is also delicious in a matcha latte or Frappuccino® blended beverage. There’s a lot of ways to enjoy this new flavor.” 

Starbucks is unveiling some of those new ways to explore the flavor via the “not-so-secret menu” broadcast channel on Instagram including Iced Matcha Latte (The recipe (for a venti) is Iced Matcha Latte, No Classic, 1 Pump of Vanilla Syrup, 4 Pumps of Horchata Syrup, Horchata Cream Cold Foam, Cinnamon Powder) and Iced Chai Latte (The recipe (for a grande) is Iced Chai Latte, 1 Pump Horchata, 3 Pumps Chai, Cinnamon Powder, Strawberry Cream Cold Foam) Fans can visit to Starbucks official Instagram profile and tap the link in the headline to order these beverages.

1 min read

May 28, 2025

Apply to be a Starbucks Global Coffee Creator

We’re looking for two coffee-obsessed storytellers to travel the world and capture the craft that goes into every cup of Starbucks coffee

Beginning May 28, the search for two Starbucks Global Coffee Creators is on! We’re looking for two talented content creators, one current Starbuck partner (employee) and one external candidate, who are passionate about Starbucks, coffee, culture and community.

Their job will be to capture their journeys to unique Starbucks locations around the world on social media – from Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia coffee farm in Costa Rica to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano to the breathtaking coffeehouses in Tokyo. The creators will highlight the care and craft that goes into every cup of Starbucks coffee as well as the diverse Starbucks experiences in communities around the world.

These are paid, full-time, 12-month roles, with travel costs for the creator covered and travel support provided by Delta Air Lines and Marriott Bonvoy. 

2 min read

May 12, 2025

How Starbucks is building the most valuable college benefit in retail

Sara Kelly, chief partner officer

More than 1,100 Starbucks partners are graduating from Arizona State University (ASU) today through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP). I have the honor of cheering them on in Tempe, AZ this morning — and celebrating thousands more across the country as they turn their dreams into degrees.

While most employer education benefits cap out at $5,250 a year, limit degree options, or require years of service after earning the degree, SCAP stands apart – offering 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree online at Arizona State University, with no strings attached. Partners can apply from day one, even when they work part-time, and choose from over 150 degree options. For those who need extra support, ASU provides academic advisors, enrollment coaches, and even pathways for those who don’t initially qualify.

Not only is SCAP one of the most valuable college benefits, but widely used too.

16,000+ graduates and 26,000+ currently participating

13% of our U.S. workforce is participating — 6x Fortune 500 average

Participation is up 60% in the last five years

Nearly 90% of U.S. stores have at least one SCAP scholar

SCAP partners are promoted at higher rates than their peers — building careers at Starbucks and beyond

70% report landing a job they weren’t previously qualified for

This isn’t just a benefit – it’s an investment in our collective future. From competitive pay and benefits like SCAP, company stock and industry-leading paid parental leave benefits, to our goal to hire 90% of retail leadership roles from within, we’re making Starbucks the unrivaled best job in retail. Because when partners feel supported and valued, they bring that care and connection to every cup they serve.

To our graduates: your hard work, resilience, and ambition inspire us all. Congratulations — and here’s to the next chapter!

1 min read

April 29, 2025

Early momentum on our “Back to Starbucks” strategy, with customers at the core

Earlier today, we announced Starbucks Q2 FY25 earnings results. You can hear directly from our chairman and ceo, Brian Niccol, here and see our full results here.

Seven months into our “Back to Starbucks” journey, we’ve moved quickly to put our customers at the center of all we do and the momentum we’re seeing gives us confidence in the path ahead. We have the right leaders and the right strategy in place. We’re testing and learning at speed and seeing changes that let us know we’re making the right investments to unlock opportunities ahead.

Our partners are leading a green wave of hospitality, with a customer-focused culture. These moments of connection, combined with the improvements we’ve made to enhance the coffeehouse experience, are giving customers a reason to sit and stay.

We’re improving speed-of-service, throughput, and connection with the right staffing and deployment. And our new marketing is resonating with customers.

This progress is a testament to the power of the Starbucks brand and our green apron partners who are leading our comeback.

Here are key highlights in case you missed it:

Infographic highlighting improvements in customer experience and partner satisfaction at Starbucks, with statistics on service time and order efficiency.

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