News Blog

2 min read

January 29, 2026

Starbucks chief financial officer outlines ‘compelling’ growth and opportunity

Starbucks chief financial officer Cathy Smith said the company is firmly rooted in its enduring strengths and transforming with discipline and speed, a strategy designed to restore stronger financial performance that will benefit customers, partners and shareholders.

“Our plan is working, and our turnaround is taking hold. As we look at our Q1 results, we’re seeing what we want in our comps, and we’re making the investments we need to sustain our momentum through this year and beyond,” Smith said. “The financial framework we share today shows how we will translate our ‘Back to Starbucks’ strategy into sustainable, profitable growth – and, in turn, compelling shareholder returns.”

Smith outlined the company’s financial commitment to shareholders, which included sustainable coffeehouse expansion, steady margin improvement, prudent capital allocation and consistent same-store sales growth. She also highlighted some of the company’s strategic investments already underway, from $500 million in additional labor and selective store design “uplifts” to brand marketing, partner benefits and organizational streamlining.

Smith said the company expects global comps of 3% or better in fiscal 2026, modest margin expansion as it laps investments and earnings per share of $2.15 to $2.40. Looking further ahead, Starbucks projects mid-single-digit revenue growth and operating margins of 13.5 to 15% by fiscal 2028, with earnings of $3.35 to $4.00 per share.

She told investors these results will be powered by balanced comp drivers, a rebuilt new store pipeline and a clear cost efficiency agenda across product sourcing, distribution, store development and G&A. Fiscal 2028 is “a milepost, not the destination,” she said. “Every element is within our control. We’re not relying on external factors or favorable market conditions,” Smith said. “For most of our history, Starbucks delivered exceptional shareholder returns. And we are determined to create meaningful value again. This is our commitment to you, and to every current, and future, shareholder.”

2 min read

January 29, 2026

Coffee and human connection are a global ritual – and growth opportunity

Brady Brewer, chief executive officer of Starbucks International, told investors that in his 25 years with the company, he’s experienced one prevailing truth.

“What I have consistently seen around the world is that the desire for human connection is universal. And coffee, one of the most widely shared rituals on the planet, plays a powerful role in bringing people together across cultures,” he said. “Those moments of connection between our customers and our partners are the secret to Starbucks success in every market where we operate and I see it all the time.”

A group of cheerful Starbucks employees celebrates the opening of a new location, holding a green ribbon that reads "STARBUCKS PETÉN." They are dressed in black and red aprons, with some wearing caps. The atmosphere is festive, with smiles and laughter all around.

Global away-from-home coffee sales have grown nearly 8% year over year, and Starbucks sees a long runway to double its international footprint to nearly 40,000 stores outside the U.S. As a company focused on coffee and connection, and one that’s already the leading premium brand globally, Brewer said Starbucks is perfectly positioned for growth.

“When you combine rising global demand for coffee with our expanding coffeehouse footprint, and then you add in the strength of customer love for Starbucks and the momentum of our back to Starbucks plan, the result is a powerful strategic advantage,” Brewer said.

Brewer told investors Starbucks plans to accelerate global growth by expanding access to the brand through an increasingly asset-light, higher‑margin international model built on licensed partnerships with world‑class local operators who can deliver a premium experience consistent to the brand but in locally relevant ways. In China, Starbucks has the opportunity to grow to 20,000 locations. In markets like India, Mexico and South Korea, the company has already expanded significantly, and 90% of future growth is expected to come from seasoned licensees.

Beyond coffeehouses, Starbucks’ global channel development business extends the brand into homes, offices and retail shelves, delivering additional high margin growth. Brewer closed by emphasizing that international is a powerful value creator for the company: “The opportunity is there and we are ready for it.”

2 min read

January 29, 2026

Starbucks is elevating coffeehouse operations to drive growth

During its busiest morning hour, Starbucks serves more customers than many of its competitors do in an entire day, said chief operating officer Mike Grams.

“By 9:30 a.m., we’ve pulled enough espresso shots to caffeinate all of Manhattan,” Grams said. “Our scale is a privilege – and it’s also a responsibility.”

Grams said when he joined the company, Starbucks had world-class partners (employees) but an operating model that made it hard for them to deliver. Over time, complexity, centralized decision making and inconsistent standards had eroded the experience for both partners and customers. In mid-August, Starbucks launched Green Apron Service, an initiative aimed at refocusing on the customer experience and giving the company’s 400,000-plus partners the time, tools and support to focus on coffee craft and connection.

A woman in a striped shirt and jeans is engaged in conversation with a man at a cozy café table. A vibrant mural of trees is in the background, and a plant is visible in the foreground.

A cozy lounge area features a group of people seated on a sofa and armchairs, engaged in conversation. There are plants and framed artworks on the walls, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

“What we’re doing is working,” Grams said. “Because Green Apron Service was built with partners, adoption was incredibly fast. And the results are powerful. Partners are the heart of Starbucks, and our competitive advantage. When our partners are set up to deliver a great experience to millions of customers, Starbucks grows.”

Maintaining that advantage means working to make Starbucks the best job in retail, including providing partners with benefits such as comprehensive healthcare, company equity, paid family leave, the opportunity to earn a college degree with 100% of tuition paid upfront and more.

“I’ve been in retail … for over 30 years, and I can tell you nobody offers the competitive pay and comprehensive benefits we offer,” he said. “It’s simply unmatched.”

Looking ahead, Grams said the business will remain focused on the partner and customer experience as well as on modernizing equipment, upgrading technology and redesigning existing stores. Starbucks plans to open 400 net new U.S. stores annually by fiscal 2028.

Starbucks will win at scale, he said, because its entire ecosystem is becoming an “operational powerhouse” grounded in human connection, not just speed — café, mobile, drive thru and delivery.

Getting these moments right – everywhere, and for every customer – will turn visits into repeat visits, the engine for growth. “Growth doesn’t require us to become something new — it requires us to be exceptionally good at who we already are,” Grams said. “Our coffeehouses are ready. Our system is ready. Our partners are ready. And we can’t wait to welcome you back.”

2 min read

January 29, 2026

Starbucks reimagines its Rewards program with new levels and exclusive perks

Starbucks is reimagining what loyalty looks like with a refreshed Starbucks Rewards program designed to make every visit feel more personal and rewarding, announced Tressie Lieberman, global chief brand officer at Starbucks, during Investor Day. The updated program launches March 10 and builds on the unmatched scale and connection members already have with the brand.

“Our reimagined program … will reinvigorate what it means to be a Starbucks Rewards member,” said Lieberman.

A woman stands outside a café, holding an iced coffee and a phone. She wears a denim dress over a white long-sleeve shirt and carries a large green woven bag.

A woman with curly hair smiles while pushing a stroller and holding a green drink. She wears a beige coat and a knitted outfit.

This last quarter, the program reached an all-time high of over 35 million 90-day active members. Rewards members drove nearly 60% of US company-operated revenue in fiscal year 2025, equating to more than $13 billion in spend.

“However, the real superpower of this program is the brand love — they are our most loyal customers,” she said.

Listening to member feedback revealed an opportunity to move beyond what Lieberman described as a “one-size-fits-some” approach. “We saw an opportunity to make the experience more personal and engaging,” she said. “We also saw the opportunity to drive spend and frequency through tailored benefits and focus discount dollars on what members value the most.”

The refreshed program introduces three membership levels — Green, Gold and Reserve — designed to evolve with members as their engagement grows. Members will earn Stars faster based on spend rather than the current structure tied to payment type.

Green members receive favorites like the Birthday Reward and personalized offers, plus a new monthly free beverage modification, and can keep Stars from expiring with monthly activity. Gold members get all Green benefits and earn Stars 20% faster, plus they never expire. Reserve members will get everything from Green and Gold, plus unlock exclusive merchandise and experiences and earn Stars 50% faster than Gold.

Read more about changes to Starbucks Rewards here.

2 min read

January 29, 2026

Starbucks expands menu of innovation with new drinks, matcha offerings and globally inspired bakery items

Tressie Lieberman, global chief brand officer at Starbucks, said her team’s focus over the last year is “To Be Visible, Relevant and Loved, Everywhere.”

That work connects directly to the Starbucks flywheel for growth, a model powered by experiences, rituals and connection, she said. Each element reinforces the next, strengthening affinity and driving repeat visits.

Her team has been developing ideas that make every step of the customer journey feel worthy of their time, she said.

Colorful slices of cake with a green and pink swirl pattern, topped with a pink icing, stacked on a wooden surface.

“We know how to get people talking with our strong track record of culture-shaping innovation,” she said. “From seasonal lattes to Protein Cold Foam, we have consistently created platforms that redefine the industry. Innovation isn’t optional. It’s oxygen for our brand.”

This spring Starbucks will expand its menu with espresso, matcha and chai drinks featuring flavors such as ube and coconut. The company is also updating its core lineup and bringing in new always-on options like pistachio, coconut, lavender and sugar-free caramel to give customers more variety throughout the year.

Tea, especially in the afternoon, continues to fuel momentum. Starbucks will roll out a dedicated matcha menu next week. In the spring, customers will see a premium chai offering that allows them to adjust sweetness. Customizable Energy Refreshers will also debut, from options to make them decaf to adding an extra boost of energy.

Starbucks food business has doubled since 2020, and new offerings this year aim to continue that growth. The bakery case will be expanded with a lineup of globally inspired flavors, such as the Strawberry Matcha Loaf. The company is also adding more all-day options including flatbreads, wraps and snacks like protein balls.

“We’re not chasing trends,” Lieberman said. “We’re building on a beloved platform and never giving customers a reason to go anywhere else.”

Read more about coming menu items here.

3 min read

January 29, 2026

Brian Niccol opens Starbucks Investor Day with confidence in the company’s turnaround and path for long-term, sustainable growth

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.

A speaker in a green blazer stands on stage, presenting at Starbucks' Investor Day event. A large screen behind displays "STARBUCKS INVESTOR DAY NYC '26" in bold white text against a green background. The stage features wooden paneling and warm lighting.

“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.”

4 min read

January 29, 2026

Supporting the moments that matter with artificial intelligence

BHAGYESH PHANSE, SVP, CHIEF DATA & ANALYTICS Officer

Updated June 2026

At Starbucks, the moments that matter most come from people. Our business is rooted in human connection – and our technology is designed to strengthen it, not replace it.

Our approach is practical and grounded: we use technology and AI to free up our green apron partners to focus on craft, connection and exceptional customer service. If it strengthens the experience, we scale it. If not, we iterate on it.

This is how AI supports the Starbucks experience — for customers, partners and the long‑term health of our business. It’s the quiet force behind every cup served, every green apron partner and every moment of connection.

Designed for customers and partners, built for the coffeehouse

Great coffeehouses run on rhythm, trust and confidence. When technology works behind the scenes to give partners clarity and support in the moment, the entire experience flows.

AI‑powered tools like Green Dot Assist act as a real‑time companion for coffeehouse partners — delivering quick, conversational answers to everyday questions, from recipes and routines to service standards.

Instead of escalating during a peak, partners get what they need instantly and keep moving with confidence.

That means:

Smoother service with fewer interruptions.
More consistent execution.
And partners who feel empowered to make decisions in real time.

We’re planning to extend that same intelligence to our equipment and systems — using AI to surface early signals, recommend next steps and reduce downtime.

When machines work as expected, partners can stay focused on what matters most: handcrafting beverages and connecting with customers.

This is technology doing its job quietly – felt less, delivering more, so what shows up is a better Starbucks.

Reducing friction so connection can lead

AI also helps us simplify some of the hardest parts of the job, reducing friction so partners can focus on delivering a great customer experience.

Our Smart Queue technology intelligently sequences orders across café, drive thru, mobile and delivery — keeping production in rhythm, especially during peak hours. The result is faster, more consistent handoffs for customers and a calmer, more controlled flow behind the bar.

Looking ahead, we’re applying the same principle to other high‑friction tasks:

AI-enabled forecasting to ensure customer favorites are available when and where they’re needed.
Data-driven scheduling to better match staffing with demand and partner needs.

These capabilities help us run a better Starbucks – improving flow, increasing consistency and enabling great coffeehouse experiences at scale.

Making digital feel more personal

As digital becomes an increasingly important access point to Starbucks, our goal is simple: less friction, better service – and always making it feel unmistakably Starbucks.

Earlier this year, we introduced the beta Starbucks app in ChatGPT to help customers discover drinks starting from a feeling, using their own words or through a photo.

This innovation simplifies how customers move from inspiration to order.

Across every interaction, we’re using technology to create more personal, intuitive digital experiences. The goal isn’t a different Starbucks – it’s a better Starbucks.

Technology that knows when to step back
At its best, AI is invisible:

Orders move with purpose.
Partners feel prepared.
Customers feel recognized and cared for.

And the moment, that pause in a busy day, remains at the center of the Starbucks experience.

That’s the role of AI at Starbucks: to amplify human connection, strengthen execution and support long‑term growth.

When we get it right, technology fades into the background, because the more invisible our technology becomes, the more visible our craft becomes – and what our customers experience is simply a better Starbucks.

3 min read

January 28, 2026

Starbucks to lay out growth plan at Investor Day, building on momentum of last two quarters

The Back to Starbucks plan is working. That’s a key takeaway from Starbucks most recent earnings report, released on Wednesday, which showed accelerated growth during Q1 and steady momentum over recent quarters. Now the company is preparing to share the the next chapter of its transformation at Investor Day on Thursday.

“We have a plan, we have been working the plan, and the plan is working,” said Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks.

On the earnings call Wednesday, Starbucks shared that in Q1 FY26, consolidated net revenues grew by 6% to $9.9 billion and global comparable store sales accelerated to 4% growth. Across North America as a whole, and the U.S. US business, company operated sales comps were both 4%. International sales comps grew 5%.

“We’re pleased with our progress,” Niccol said. “We believe we remain ahead of schedule. And we’re confident on our path forward.”

On Thursday at Starbucks Investor Day, Niccol and other leaders will lay out their plan for the next phase of growth. About 150 investors and members of the media are expected to join in person in New York while others watch via live stream.

At the half-day event, in-person participants won’t just hear about what’s coming, they’ll be immersed in it. They’ll participate in a coffee tasting of a new dark roast, led by master coffee developer Sergio Alvarez; see and experience how our coffeehouses are delivering world-class customer experience through the company’s Green Apron Service operating model, how they are being uplifted with softer seating, warmer lighting, plants and more and they will get an early look (and taste) of upcoming menu innovation at Starbucks.

Niccol will walk the audience through the progress that has happened since he laid out his Back to Starbucks plan when he took over the leadership of the company 18-months ago.

“We will lay out our … path to sustained growth and profitability and how we plan to deliver the best of Starbucks for our customers, partners and shareholders,” said Niccol.

Joining Niccol on Thursday will be:

Tressie Lieberman, Starbucks global chief brand officer, will share how the company is driving demand and unleashing growth potential through innovation and by making Starbucks more visible, relevant and loved everywhere;
Mike Grams, Starbucks chief operating officer, will showcase how our Green Apron Service operating model is delivering progress in throughput, elevating the customer experience, enhancing coffeehouses and growing the portfolio;
Brady Brewer, chief executive officer for Starbucks International, will share the company’s plan to accelerate global growth with an aspiration to get Starbucks in the hands of as many consumers around the world as possible; and
Cathy Smith, Starbucks chief financial officer, will outline the company’s financial framework through fiscal 2028 and how investments translate into profitable, sustainable growth.

Watch this blog for live updates through Investor Day.

4 min read

January 20, 2026

Message from Brian Niccol

To everyone who shares a Starbucks moment with us,

Most of life happens in small moments. On the way to work. Between tasks. With a quick hello. Starbucks was built for those moments.

From the beginning, we believed coffee could be more than fuel. It could serve a pause, a quick ‘hello’, a conversation. As Howard Schultz walked the streets of Milan and watched people linger over fresh pulled espresso — talking, laughing, in the moment — he saw something novel: a third place where time slowed just enough to feel connected.

That human truth gave life to Starbucks and the community coffeehouse we strive to be today. That connection and belonging our green apron partners foster with every cup are what truly set us apart.

And as we get back to Starbucks, we’re committed to delivering you the very best of who we are.

That means serving you with detail and intention. Local baristas who know you by name. Warm aromas that welcome you. Music that sets the mood. A great cup of coffee, made just for you. The perfect chair to relax and unwind. And that first sip that slows time.

Two baristas in green aprons are smiling while preparing drinks. Steam rises from a kettle as one pours into a cup.

At Starbucks, we craft the world’s finest coffee, served with a moment of connection. We offer choices you love, whether it’s a seasonal favorite or our classic Pike Place. We make ordering effortless, so it feels like the experience is yours alone. And when we do it right, a visit to Starbucks offers you a moment of joy that makes your daily ritual feel complete.

We know that some days you need a place to linger. Whether it’s with a ceramic mug, a quiet corner and a comfy seat that makes time with your child, a moment to yourself or a good conversation feel just right. And other days you need something quick and convenient. A drive thru pick-up or a ready mobile order served by a familiar face. We’ve been working to make both kinds of days better, with thoughtful updates to our cafes and a renewed commitment to serve you with consistency and care.

Whatever you choose, know you belong. Because the soul of Starbucks is you.

What has always set us apart isn’t just what we serve. It’s how you feel when you choose to make us part of your day. I’ve visited other coffee shops, and I often see pieces of the Siren. But when we’re at our best, no one does it just like us.

So, in a world that’s gotten louder, faster and more demanding, it’s our promise to do right by you. To welcome you into our community coffeehouses with a smile. To personalize your beverage, so it’s just right. To serve you on time, every time, with world-class green apron service however, whenever and wherever you choose. And to listen, do better and make it right, should we ever fall short.

A smiling woman with long, wavy hair holds a Starbucks coffee cup. She wears a light brown top and is seated among greenery.

We’re committed to offering you the best of who we are. And to make every visit to Starbucks feel worth it, all year, all day, every day. Because we know these small moments in life matter more than ever. We’ve captured moments just like this in our new ad spot, “Together,” featuring real customers and partners in Starbucks coffeehouses across the country. From morning rituals and midday meetups to evening stay-a-while moments, it shows the authentic joy and connection that turns our great coffee into so much more.

Thank you for choosing Starbucks. And thank you for letting us be part of your day.

With appreciation,
Brian Niccol

3 min read

January 15, 2026

From Pilot to Progress: Meet the Coffeehouse Coach

sara kelly, chief partner officer

Strong coffeehouses start with strong leadership – leaders who are present, supported, and ready to grow. That belief guided the updates we shared with over 14,000 coffeehouse leaders at Starbucks Leadership Experience 2025 last summer, when we announced plans to bring at least one dedicated assistant store manager (ASM) to nearly all coffeehouses across North America.

In the fall, we put those updates into practice through a pilot in select U.S. districts, testing and refining the role with partners and leaders on the floor. Over the course of the pilot, 62 partners stepped into the position and helped us understand what works — from hiring and onboarding to training, leadership coverage, and the everyday moments that make a coffeehouse run.

What we learned from the pilot was clear: when leaders have the right tools and time, everyone benefits. Partners felt more supported. Coffeehouse leaders could better balance their workload. Shifts ran smoother. And partners felt more confident about career growth opportunities.

Building on the insights from the fall pilot, we’re also transitioning the role to a new title: the coffeehouse coach. This better reflects what the role is designed to do — be more focused on people and the coffeehouse experience. Coffeehouse coaches are dedicated, full-time leaders who will work with their coffeehouse leader to keep things running smoothly across all day parts, supporting customers and helping partners grow. They’re the go-to resource during busy shifts, ready to jump in, answer questions, and provide real-time coaching.

What’s Next

We’re putting those learnings to work. This investment is a big part of our commitment to hire 90% of retail leaders internally and create clear paths for partners who want to step into leadership roles and build a career with Starbucks. Coffeehouse coach roles will begin posting nationwide in the coming months and continue throughout the year, with the goal of having at least one coffeehouse coach in nearly every U.S. location by year’s end, effectively doubling our leadership presence and support. Canada is next on the horizon.

To every partner who helped shape this pilot: thank you! You’ve laid the foundation for stronger coffeehouses and new opportunities ahead. And to partners considering what’s next: we’re building the path, and we can’t wait to see where you take it.

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