When Starbucks announced plans to introduce a new retail leader role at its Leadership Experience in Las Vegas last June, the announcement brought the gathering of more than 14,000 of the company’s coffeehouse leaders to their feet.
Now after a successful pilot across 62 U.S. coffeehouses, Starbucks has begun the national rollout of coffeehouse coach hiring. More than 300 roles are expected to be filled in the next month, with thousands more by the end of the calendar year.
The announcement marks progress in the company’s goal of doubling coffeehouse leadership in most U.S. coffeehouses next year, supporting career growth for partners and providing stable leadership in coffeehouses, which will drive more consistent performance in the business. Starbucks is also committed to fill 90% of retail leadership roles internally.
The coffeehouse coach is a full-time leadership role that supports the coffeehouse leader in managing operations across more dayparts, developing partners in real-time and creating greater consistency throughout the coffeehouse experience. It also serves as a clear first step into leadership, with the opportunity for hourly baristas to advance into an entry-level leadership role within an average of two to three years, with increased base pay, larger bonuses and a guaranteed full-time schedule.
This role addresses a longstanding challenge with the traditional single-manager model in retail: consistently delivering the level of leadership and coaching partners and customers expect.
From pilot to results
Early results from a coffeehouse coach pilot across 62 locations in six markets this year show that stronger leadership is already unlocking partner growth, improving customer experiences and driving more consistent business performance. Key findings:
Pilot locations showed a positive relationship between expanded leadership coverage across dayparts and improved coffeehouse execution.
More than 90% of pilot coffeehouse coach roles filled were internal promotions, reinforcing commitment to internal hiring.
Leaders gained capacity for key planning and partner development tasks, and felt more comfortable being able to disconnect outside of working hours.
Hourly partners felt more supported and prepared, leading to stronger, more consistent customer connection.
“Serving as a coffeehouse coach has expanded my perspective on leadership and career growth at Starbucks. The role has allowed me to strengthen my coaching skills, build deeper connections with partners and contribute to a more consistent store experience. It has shown me the meaningful impact leadership can have on both team culture and operational success.” -Tim L., coffeehouse coach, Rio Grande Valley, Texas
“The biggest impact I’m seeing is my partners have the support they need across all dayparts where the coffeehouse coach ensures the store is providing the best customer and partner experience.” -Melissa C., coffeehouse leader, Rio Grande Valley, Texas
Making Starbucks the best job in retail
From the goal of hiring 90% of retail leaders from within to the expansion of the coffeehouse coach role, Starbucks continues to invest in more accessible pathways to leadership. Combined with industry-leading benefits like 100% upfront tuition coverage through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, these efforts support partners at every stage of their careers.
Together, they are helping make career growth more visible and attainable, while strengthening day-to-day support across Starbucks coffeehouses — advancing the company’s long-term investment in retail leadership.
This summer, we’re bringing back the Bearista Glass with a twist — a bright, Pink Drink–inspired look to bring the feel-good vibes and energy to the summer.
The limited-edition Pink Bearista™ Glass Cold Cups will be arriving in select Starbucks coffeehouses on July 13.
Part of the broader Pink Drink merchandise collection, the new Pink Bearista™ Glass Cold Cup wears an adorable hat and has a strawberry straw topper, making it unbearably cute. Inspired by the customer-favorite Pink Drink and designed to bring a playful, seasonal touch, it’s styled to feel bright, playful and unmistakably Starbucks.
Early access for Starbucks Reserve members on July 9
Starbucks Rewards Reserve members will get early access starting July 9 through the Starbucks Shop, Starbucks new online shop where customers can find unique merchandise, coffees and even sign up for a coffee subscription. The Pink Bearista™ Glass Cold Cup then launches in select coffeehouses across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and North Africa on July 13 while supplies last. Each customer will have a two-item purchase limit in coffeehouses.
Starbucks story began in 1971 from a narrow storefront at Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Inside, the air was filled with the aroma of fresh-roasted coffee beans from around the world, as beans were hand-scooped by coffee experts into wax paper bags for customers to brew at home. And even since then, the space has evolved (an espresso bar was added in 1987).
That dedication to coffee and human connection has remained at the heart of the experience, even as the store has welcomed millions of visitors from around the world.
Today, Pike Place is welcoming visitors after a short closure for renovations and building on its legacy with a renewed focus on connection, craft and storytelling to create an even more personal and welcoming experience for customers and partners.
Visitors are invited to explore the space during a dedicated reservation time, creating more room to engage with the environment and the partners (employees) who bring it to life. From a curated menu of handcrafted beverages to guided moments of coffee discovery, the new experience reflects the energy and history of Seattle while welcoming customers in a more intentional and immersive way.
At the heart of the Pike Place Experience are Starbucks partners – bringing each visit to life as storytellers, guides and educators, and creating moments of connection throughout the space.
Partners here continue to craft beverages behind the bar, while also taking on expanded roles as brand and cultural ambassadors – hosting experiences and working toward formal certification as official Pike Place Market and City of Seattle tour guides.
Customers will discover a thoughtfully curated menu that honors Starbucks heritage, alongside exclusive merchandise available only at the original Starbucks store in Pike Place Market.
A Continued Commitment to Seattle
As Seattle enters a busy season of summer tourism and the World Cup, this next chapter for Starbucks original store reflects an ongoing commitment to the place where Starbucks began and to the customers and communities it continues to serve.
As the doors reopen, Starbucks invites customers to step inside, slow down and experience this store not just as a place to visit – but as a place to connect.
As fans around the world gather to cheer on their national teams, Starbucks is celebrating the role coffee and connection play in these shared moments.
The world’s coffee cup is getting a new sleeve
On June 11, customers who order a beverage of any* size, including brewed coffee and brewed tea, at participating Starbucks coffeehouses in the U.S. will receive a free, limited-edition U.S. cup sleeve, while supplies last. Inspired by the captain’s armband, the red, white and blue sleeve celebrates global fandom and the unifying power of the game.
This activation taps into the unique global energy of moments like these, when fans show up for their teams across countries and time zones, and everyday rituals feel more connected and meaningful. Starbucks community coffeehouses are an extension of that shared experience, bringing people together and creating spaces where connection and collective enthusiasm come to life.
Around the world, starting June 10, Starbucks will celebrate the global game in more than 30 markets, hosting fan gatherings and giving away locally inspired captain cup sleeves in select coffeehouses, while supplies last. These gatherings and giveaways are designed to foster connection and bring the excitement of the game into coffeehouses in ways only Starbucks can.
In several markets, including England and Scotland, Starbucks coffeehouses will host nationwide cup sleeve giveaways with purchase of a beverage for one day only on June 11, while supplies last.
Meet the new sports-themed Bearista Cup, inspired by the global game
Starbucks is also introducing a new Bearista Cup featuring a soccer-themed hat, available at participating coffeehouses across Canada, Latin America and the Asia Pacific region. It’s available in the U.S. online only at the Starbucks Shop starting June 11 for Starbucks Rewards Reserve tier members, while supplies last.
The new drinkware taps into the excitement of the moment and celebrates fans around the world.
A moment for fans and coffee lovers
NYC visitors at the Starbucks Reserve coffeehouse inside the Empire State Building can step into larger‑than‑life moments celebrating the global game. On the lower‑level Tasting Room & Experiences lounge, guests will find an oversized soccer Bearista cup and a full installation of captain‑themed coffee sleeves.
Whether fans are stopping by Starbucks as part of a pregame ritual or gathering with friends to cheer on a favorite team, Starbucks is proud to be part of the local communities and everyday moments that connect us all.
*Excludes bottled water, ready-to-drink beverages and alcohol.
Starbucks confirmed that the legendary Unicorn Frappuccino® blended beverage will return for one weekend to close out the summer.
The vibrant beverage, which became a viral sensation in 2017 (and popped up early this year at Coachella Music Festival) will be coming to coffeehouses across the United States and around the world. More details to come.
Erin Silvoy, svp, global marketing and channel development
For many customers, a Starbucks run has long been part of their morning routine. Increasingly, it is becoming part of their afternoon too. We are seeing more customers stop in later in the day — whether it’s for a refreshing beverage on the go, or a chance to relax in a comfortable chair or in the shade of a green patio umbrella with one of our delicious new food items. And that is beginning to show up in our business in a meaningful way.
Starbucks coffeehouses across the United States are seeing more customers in the afternoons and into the evenings, with total visits increasing after 2 p.m. The biggest gains are between 3 and 5 p.m., where traffic growth is outpacing the rest of the afternoon.¹ We’re seeing more visits continuing into the early evening, which shows how Starbucks is becoming part of customers’ routines well beyond the morning.
Fueling momentum with innovation
Leading that momentum in the afternoons is beverage innovation as Starbucks continues to roll out a steady pipeline of new choices across matcha, chai, coffee and Refreshers. Starbucks Refreshers have become one of the company’s top-selling beverage platforms (second only to espresso) and drives strong performance in the afternoon.
Since its introduction in April, Starbucks Energy Refreshers are resonating with customers in the afternoon, offering the ability to tailor caffeine levels while meeting demand for refreshing options beyond the morning coffee occasion. The beverages continue to account for a growing share of the platform, reflecting strong customer adoption.
Contributing to that momentum, the new Tropical Butterfly Refresher, introduced May 12 as part of the summer menu, is also off to a promising start just weeks after launch. Inspired by vibrant tropical flavors, the beverage features bright citrus notes and a layered color that evolves as it is stirred, delivering a refreshing boost and a visually distinctive experience for customers.
Starbucks is also drawing in afternoon customers with an expanded food menu, which now features the Chicken Caesar Wrap and Sesame Ginger Chicken Wrap. Both new wraps, available at select coffeehouses in California and Washington state, offer fresh and satisfying options designed perfectly for the afternoon. These additions, along with the buzzworthy Unicorn Cake Pop, expand choice and pair perfectly with both hot and cold drinks.
Creating a distinct afternoon experience
Mornings continue to be a strong foundation for Starbucks. From updated digital menu boards to curated music, Starbucks is creating a coffeehouse experience that feels just as relevant in the afternoon, whether customers are stopping in briefly or staying a little longer. What is emerging is something additive with more occasions, more ways to visit and more reasons to come in throughout the day. Altogether, the company is creating a holistic experience that feels natural to customers, one that fits into how they already move through their day, with Starbucks along the way.
¹Data reflects the last 90 days (Feb. 15 to May 16) at U.S. coffeehouses.
Today, we’re celebrating more than 1,100 Starbucks partners — the largest class to date — graduating from Arizona State University with their first bachelor’s degree, on us. This marks an extraordinary milestone of nearly 20,000 partners who have turned their part- or full-time job into a college degree and a future full of possibilities, with another 27,000 on their way.
SCAP continues to stand apart
When the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) launched in 2014, it was the first-of-its kind. More than a decade later, it remains the most valuable college benefit in retail, with:
100% upfront tuition coverage
Eligibility for partners working an average of 20+ hours a week
More than 150 degrees offered through ASU’s top-ranked online program
Enrollment, career and success coaches, tutoring and accessibility services
About 13% of our U.S. workforce is participating in SCAP — six times the Fortune 500 average — and is up 60% over the past five years, demonstrating the value in continuing to offer a college benefit that creates economic opportunity for our partners.
Even more meaningful is what happens next – real impact and growth for partners:
80% graduation rate – 16 points higher than the national average for full-time bachelor’s degree seeking students
More than 20% of coffeehouse leadership roles and 13% of Starbucks early-career corporate roles are filled by SCAP scholars and graduates
66% of partners who have graduated say they likely would not have earned their degree without SCAP
75% report career growth after earning their degree
Nearly 30% of ASU’s Barrett Honors College online students are SCAP scholars
SCAP also expands access through Pathway to Admission, created because 1 in 5 partners were not initially academically admissible. More than 6,000 partners have earned admission to ASU who may not have previously seen college as an option.
Delivering the best job in retail
By investing in partners and their education, we’re helping them build the skills, confidence and experience to grow at Starbucks and beyond. Alongside Bean Stock, up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave and our commitment to fill 90% of retail leadership from within, SCAP reflects what’s possible when we put people first with truly life‑changing benefits.
To our graduating partners: Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement! Your determination and ambition inspire us.
For more than a decade, Starbucks has supported those who serve, Veterans and their families, honoring their service not just with words, but with sustained action. In recognition of Military Appreciation Month, we are deepening our year-round commitment in meaningful ways, rooted in connection, community and belonging.
Today, we are announcing our ambition to significantly expand our Military Family Coffeehouses beyond the 250 we operate today, with the aim to reach around 450 over the next four years. As part of our Back to Starbucks plan, we are getting back to the Community Coffeehouse by creating places that feel warm, welcoming and locally inspired. Military Family Coffeehouses are a clear expression of that strategy.
Located on or near military bases, these coffeehouses are designed to offer familiarity and connection in communities shaped by constant change. They bring together service members, Veterans, military spouses, caregivers, and neighbors over great coffee and a shared sense of belonging. With more than 250 Military Family Coffeehouses already open, this builds on more than a decade of experience and reflects a renewed focus on what Starbucks does best: great coffee, welcoming coffeehouses and strong community connection.
In addition to our Military Family Coffeehouse expansion, we will be honoring service through stories. In partnership with Blue Star Families, Starbucks will help launch a national storytelling activation called BlueStar250 Stories, inviting people to share personal and family connections to U.S. military service. These stories honor the everyday Americans who serve and the families who stand beside them. Stories will be preserved through Blue Star Families and shared thoughtfully to expand their reach and inspire generations to come.
As in past years, we are encouraging our customers to support military families through purposeful giving. Throughout May, customers can purchase a Military Appreciation Month eGift through the Starbucks app and eGift site. For every military eGift purchased in May, Starbucks will donate $5 to Blue Star Families to support their ongoing work with military communities, with a goal of raising $250,000.
Starbucks support for those who serve, Veterans and their families extend beyond a single month or announcement. Through unique benefits and services, mental health resources and community investments, Starbucks continues to take action in ways that matter. The expansion of Military Family Coffeehouses, the launch of BlueStar250 Stories and our Military Appreciation Month eGift campaign underpins our belief that this community – many of whom we call partners – provide invaluable contributions. They aren’t only part of our workforce and neighborhoods; they’re part of our story.
Starbucks and licensed business partner Alsea opened this week Casa de las Sirenas (House of the Sirens), the first Starbucks flagship coffeehouse in Guadalajara — marking a meaningful step forward in Starbucks long‑standing commitment to inclusive community development in Mexico.
Located on Manuel Avenida Ávila Camacho in a revitalized former bank building, Casa de las Sirenas is inspired by Starbucks iconic Siren and designed as a welcoming social hub that celebrates connection, creativity and opportunity. More than a coffeehouse, the space reflects a broader investment in women’s economic participation through employment, training and community collaboration.
Through a Global Community Impact Grant from The Starbucks Foundation, and in partnership with Fundación Alsea and Fundación Marisa, Starbucks Mexico is launching the initiative Autonomy Is Sweet Too. It will support more than 1,000 women in Jalisco with training and personal development programs designed to strengthen pathways to long‑term economic independence. A portion of every purchase at Casa de las Sirenas — up to 7% of store sales — will directly support this work.
The coffeehouse itself tells a story of women’s leadership and creativity. From murals by local artist Alejandra Poiré that were shaped by conversations with women in the community to hand‑crafted tile by women‑led studio LOFA and custom lighting produced with local artisans at Filamento, the design reflects resilience, shared identity and local pride.
Casa de las Sirenas is a place where community, culture and opportunity meet and where neighbors can gather, connect and help shape a more inclusive future together.
Each April, Milan becomes the global epicenter of creative expression during Milan Design Week. This year, from April 20-26, Starbucks joined in and showcased coffee culture beyond the cup with:
An exhibition at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano offering a behind-the-scenes look at the design process behind the new coffeehouse furniture
Iconic Starbucks cups showcased in a creative partnership with a high-end department store and “The Devil Wears Prada 2”
An installation centered on sustainability with chairs made from coffee grounds
Starbucks heritage meets Italian culture at the Milan Roastery
Starbucks celebrated Italian design and its shared language of craft, design and culture with its new exhibition, “Inspired by Italy,” at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano.
Two new design elements of the Starbucks coffeehouse experience took center stage in the exhibition: an elegant new lounge chair and stylish ceramic mugs.
The soft and generously comfortable Viola lounge chair (“viola” means purple in Italian) was inspired by the iconic purple chair found in Starbucks coffeehouses in the 1990s, offering an invitation to sit, stay and connect. It became a symbol of Starbucks as a welcoming third place.
The new Starbucks ceramic for-here mug is designed for moments worth lingering over. Inspired by Italian café culture, its porcelain body features a wider opening to enhance foam and aroma and a naturally balanced handle, finished in white or deep green.
Both the chair and the mugs are part of Starbucks coffeehouse uplifts, which began rolling out last year in the United States. Over the past 18 months, Starbucks has been reaffirming its role as a community coffeehouse, elevating the in-store experience and restoring the warmth and comfort customers value most.
Uplifted Starbucks coffeehouses feature softer seating, richer textures, warmer color palettes, thoughtful lighting, improved acoustics, ceramic cups and locally inspired details. Through the experience, guests saw how thoughtful design helps coffeehouses feel welcoming, human and designed for connection
Starbucks connects coffee, fashion and film through “The Devil Wears Prada 2” in Milan
In the center of Milan, Starbucks stepped into the world of fashion through a dynamic partnership with Rinascente, the city’s legendary high-end department store.
The store featured window displays recreating the fictional Runway magazine offices seen in “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” In the displays, Starbucks cups are on the desks of Runway boss Miranda Priestly and other characters from the movie, a nod to a scene from the first movie where Priestly sends her assistant Andy out to get her Starbucks order each morning.
Starbucks was also part of the Italian premiere of “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” where fashion leaders, editors and tastemakers gathered on Rinascente’s rooftop, sipping Starbucks coffee while celebrating the intersection of film, fashion and culture. The premiere also featured a recreation of the Runway offices, including Starbucks cups on some of the desks.
How Starbucks turned used coffee grounds into sustainable design
Just steps away from the San Babila theater in Milan, Starbucks commitment to sustainability took center stage through the SLIDE Design Project, an installation that transformed used coffee grounds into something entirely new.
There, at the Starbucks coffeehouse in the Durini Design District of Milan, visitors could sit in chairs made of a new compound using coffee grounds from Starbucks cafes in Milan and Bergamo. After the coffee grounds were collected, they were transferred to Krill Design, which converted the organic waste into second-life raw material used for the chairs.
Anchoring the installation was a 10-foot-tall sculpture, made of the same materials, of a barista wearing the Starbucks green apron
The furniture and sculpture served as a tangible expression of Starbucks broader sustainability ambitions, proving that thoughtful design using materials often considered waste can play a role in building a more resilient future.
Culture and connection
Across Milan, Starbucks activations shared a common thread: bringing people together through coffee, creativity and connection. Whether inside the Roastery, above the city skyline or within a design studio setting, Starbucks continues to explore new ways to show up at the intersection of culture and community.
