Latest news with #CoffeehouseCodeofConduct
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks CEO calls reversal of open-door policy 'practical," will close stores if needed
Starbucks (SBUX) CEO Brian Niccol said the company is putting a welcoming experience and safety first as it reverses its open-door policy. Earlier this month, the 54-year-old company shared plans to implement a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct where only paying customers can sit in-store or use the restroom — a reversal from its practice of letting anyone in the door. Niccol said the change was made due to feedback from customers and employees. "In order to be the coffeehouse that we want to be, we need to bring some practical pieces to our Code of Conduct," Niccol told Yahoo Finance. "Our first priority is our paying customers ... that just makes a lot of sense." When asked if more security would be needed to implement the change, he said, "If we do need to have additional security, we'll do it," adding that the "No. 1 priority" is for employees to feel supported as they serve customers. "They need to know that they're safe, and they need to know that we're going to be right there with them," he said, noting that if there are cases where the economics don't work, "we'll close the store." Creating a premium store experience could be a key part of differentiation as drive-through coffee chains like Dutch Bros (BROS), Scooters, and 7 Brew continue to expand. "I really do believe the combination of our partners, the quality of our coffee, the craftsmanship that we provide, and then the third-place experience that we can deliver, nobody else does it like us," Niccol said. Starbucks has the potential to double its footprint in the US, projected Niccol. The company currently has over 17,000 locations and opened 113 stores in North America in its most recent quarter. But it's not all good news. "Unfortunately, there will be some stores that will have to close along the way so that we set ourselves up for success going forward," he said. He pointed out markets like Texas and the southeast as under-penetrated for Starbucks. In a note, William Blair's Sharon Zackfia wrote that she expects restaurant development "to slow at an unspecified rate in fiscal 2025," compared to a 6% systemwide growth in fiscal 2024. The company needs to "accommodate upcoming redesigns and renovations while unlocking capital for broader turnaround efforts." She added that new US locations tend to outperform, contributing to "nearly 90% incremental sales within trade areas." — Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@ Click here for all of the latest retail stock news and events to better inform your investing strategy
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks CEO calls reversal of open-door policy 'practical," will close stores if needed
Starbucks (SBUX) CEO Brian Niccol said the company is putting a welcoming experience and safety first as it reverses its open-door policy. Earlier this month, the 54-year-old company shared plans to implement a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct where only paying customers can sit in-store or use the restroom — a reversal from its practice of letting anyone in the door. Niccol said the change was made due to feedback from customers and employees. "In order to be the coffeehouse that we want to be, we need to bring some practical pieces to our Code of Conduct," Niccol told Yahoo Finance. "Our first priority is our paying customers ... that just makes a lot of sense." When asked if more security would be needed to implement the change, he said, "If we do need to have additional security, we'll do it," adding that the "No. 1 priority" is for employees to feel supported as they serve customers. "They need to know that they're safe, and they need to know that we're going to be right there with them," he said, noting that if there are cases where the economics don't work, "we'll close the store." Creating a premium store experience could be a key part of differentiation as drive-through coffee chains like Dutch Bros (BROS), Scooters, and 7 Brew continue to expand. "I really do believe the combination of our partners, the quality of our coffee, the craftsmanship that we provide, and then the third-place experience that we can deliver, nobody else does it like us," Niccol said. Starbucks has the potential to double its footprint in the US, projected Niccol. The company currently has over 17,000 locations and opened 113 stores in North America in its most recent quarter. But it's not all good news. "Unfortunately, there will be some stores that will have to close along the way so that we set ourselves up for success going forward," he said. He pointed out markets like Texas and the southeast as under-penetrated for Starbucks. In a note, William Blair's Sharon Zackfia wrote that she expects restaurant development "to slow at an unspecified rate in fiscal 2025," compared to a 6% systemwide growth in fiscal 2024. The company needs to "accommodate upcoming redesigns and renovations while unlocking capital for broader turnaround efforts." She added that new US locations tend to outperform, contributing to "nearly 90% incremental sales within trade areas." — Brooke DiPalma is a senior reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@ Click here for all of the latest retail stock news and events to better inform your investing strategy Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks brings back 'coffeehouse amenities' like free refills, condiment bar
Starbucks is trying to lure customers back one coffeehouse amenity at a time, announcing Monday that perks like free in-house refills have returned. These changes, including the company's reversal of its open-door policy, comes under the leadership of Brian Niccol, newly appointed CEO and chairman, who vowed to prioritize customers and boost sales in a Jan. 9 statement. "Our stores have always been more than a place to get a drink ... A visit to Starbucks is about connection and joy, and of course, great coffee," said Niccol, hired from Chipotle in 2024. "Many of our customers still experience this magic every day, but in some places − especially in the U.S. − we aren't always delivering. It can feel transactional, menus can feel overwhelming, product is inconsistent, the wait too long or the handoff too hectic. These moments are opportunities for us to do better." Customers who drink their beverages in-house stand to benefit the most from the new and returning coffeehouse amenities like free refills and condiment bars. Here's what to know about other new and returning amenities at the Seattle-based coffee chain, as well as key information about the reversal of the company's open-door policy. Starting Monday, Starbucks customers who plan to drink their hot or iced beverage in-house will be served in a ceramic mug or glass − or a clean personal cup brought from home. These customers will also be able to get free refills within the same visit. Condiment bars have returned and will be stocked with milk and creamer, "making it easier for customers to enjoy their coffee their way." It's unclear whether old condiment bar favorites like cinnamon and nutmeg will return but USA TODAY has reached out to Starbucks to ask. Starbucks said it was reversing its open-door policy in all company-owned North American stores earlier this month, meaning customers must make a purchase in order to hang out or use the bathroom, according to the chain's new code of conduct. The open-door policy had been in effect since 2018 prior to the change. The new code of conduct, which will be posted at U.S. locations, will also ban discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling, Starbucks said. Jaci Anderson, a company spokesperson, previously told USA TODAY that the policy reversal was designed to help prioritize paying customers. "We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores," Anderson said. "Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers already have ... This means our cafes, patios, and restrooms are for customers and partners. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone." Starbucks knows customers may need to use the restroom or log on to the Wi-Fi before they approach the counter to make a purchase, Anderson said. "Of course that is OK – our code of conduct is simply about prioritizing our spaces for our customers during their visits and being clear about what is expected of individuals in our stores," Anderson said. Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Free refills, condiment bar return to Starbucks to lure back customers Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
28-01-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Starbucks brings back 'coffeehouse amenities' like free refills, condiment bar
Starbucks brings back 'coffeehouse amenities' like free refills, condiment bar Starbucks is trying to lure customers back one coffeehouse amenity at a time, announcing Monday that perks like free in-house refills have returned. These changes, including the company's reversal of its open-door policy, comes under the leadership of Brian Niccol, newly appointed CEO and chairman, who vowed to prioritize customers and boost sales in a Jan. 9 statement. "Our stores have always been more than a place to get a drink ... A visit to Starbucks is about connection and joy, and of course, great coffee," said Niccol, hired from Chipotle in 2024. "Many of our customers still experience this magic every day, but in some places − especially in the U.S. − we aren't always delivering. It can feel transactional, menus can feel overwhelming, product is inconsistent, the wait too long or the handoff too hectic. These moments are opportunities for us to do better." Customers who drink their beverages in-house stand to benefit the most from the new and returning coffeehouse amenities like free refills and condiment bars. Here's what to know about other new and returning amenities at the Seattle-based coffee chain, as well as key information about the reversal of the company's open-door policy. Starbucks unveils new and returning 'coffeehouse amenities' Starting Monday, Starbucks customers who plan to drink their hot or iced beverage in-house will be served in a ceramic mug or glass − or a clean personal cup brought from home. These customers will also be able to get free refills within the same visit. Condiment bars have returned and will be stocked with milk and creamer, "making it easier for customers to enjoy their coffee their way." It's unclear whether old condiment bar favorites like cinnamon and nutmeg will return but USA TODAY has reached out to Starbucks to ask. Starbucks reverses open-door policy Starbucks said it was reversing its open-door policy in all company-owned North American stores earlier this month, meaning customers must make a purchase in order to hang out or use the bathroom, according to the chain's new code of conduct. The open-door policy had been in effect since 2018 prior to the change. The new code of conduct, which will be posted at U.S. locations, will also ban discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling, Starbucks said. Jaci Anderson, a company spokesperson, previously told USA TODAY that the policy reversal was designed to help prioritize paying customers. "We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores," Anderson said. "Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers already have ... This means our cafes, patios, and restrooms are for customers and partners. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone." Starbucks knows customers may need to use the restroom or log on to the Wi-Fi before they approach the counter to make a purchase, Anderson said. "Of course that is OK – our code of conduct is simply about prioritizing our spaces for our customers during their visits and being clear about what is expected of individuals in our stores," Anderson said. Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks now offering free refills to some, bringing back condiment bar
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Starbucks is implementing new and old policies at its cafes in the U.S. and Canada to improve the customer experience. Beginning on Monday, customers who order a 'for here' beverage can get free refills of hot or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea, during their visit. Baristas will serve up these orders in coffee mugs, glasses, or clean personal cups, should customers bring one. Hanging out at Starbucks? It will cost you as company reverses its open-door policy There are a few exclusions, Starbucks warns: You can't get a free refill of its Cold Brew, Nitro Cold Brew, Ice Tea Lemonade, flavored Iced Tea, or Refreshers. The offer also doesn't cover to-go orders. If you're in a Starbucks cafe, you'll also find condiment bars are back, complete with creamer, milk and various sweeteners. The chain has also implemented a 'Coffeehouse Code of Conduct' policy, which prohibits panhandling, consumption of outside alcohol, and drug use, including vapes. Starbucks is bringing back this personal touch to orders Changes at the coffee chain come after Starbucks' new chairman and CEO Brian Niccol said he wanted to recapture the community coffeehouse feeling that he believes the shops used to have. That includes a practice begrudged by those with difficult-to-spell names. The company also recently reversed a policy that invited everyone into its stores. You'll now be required to purchase something if you'd like to hang out in a Starbucks. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
