News Blog

Today, Anand is sharing with the Starbucks Technology (ST) team that we’re moving select teams within ST to Nashville, while others in ST will remain in Seattle. Partners whose roles are being relocated will hear directly from their technology leaders, and we’ll support them as they make the decision on what’s right for them.

More broadly our new office in Nashville reflects three key advantages: proximity to key suppliers, access to a deep and growing talent pool in the region, notably in technology, and alignment with where we expect future coffeehouse growth. We are committed to supporting strong in-office cultures across our geographic footprint, which is why intact teams will be based in the same location to maximize collaboration and impact.

In May, we will open a temporary office in a building in the Gulch, while we build out the interior of our full-time location, a stunning new building in the downtown Peabody Union complex, where we will occupy the whole building. We expect to move into the Peabody Union space in 2027.

We are excited about this phase of growth for our talent and the company. We also recognize that announcements like this can raise questions. We’re committed to communicating as decisions are made in the next couple of months and will keep you updated so you have the facts and hear updates directly from Starbucks. For now, our focus is on supporting the teams most directly impacted, as well as continuing to drive Back to Starbucks as an enterprise.  

Thank you for everything you do to bring the Starbucks experience to life every day. This next chapter reflects the strength of our foundation and our confidence in the future we’re building together.

With appreciation,

Sara Kelly
chief partner officer

Why we built this 

Over the past year, one thing has become clear: customers aren’t always starting with a menu. They’re starting with a feeling.

People open chat tools to think out loud – to describe the kind of moment they’re in, or imagine something they want to create. “I need something warm and cozy.” “Give me a boost.” “It’s sunny and I want something refreshing.” Or sometimes a picture says it best.

We want to meet customers right in that moment of inspiration and make it easier than ever to find a drink that fits.

The beta Starbucks app in ChatGPT is a huge step to make that possible. And it does it in a way that still feels unmistakably Starbucks – warm, inviting, and rooted in creativity.  

Powered by innovation, grounded in human connection 

This is the kind of technology that sparks creativity and helps customers discover something new. For our baristas, it means customers arrive feeling more ready, more inspired, and more excited about the drink they’re about to enjoy – which creates even richer moments of connection across the counter.

As a beta experience, it’s also an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and refine as we go. You’ll see us continue exploring new ways technology can delight our customers while supporting our baristas. This is only the beginning.  

Read more here about how Starbucks is supporting the moments that matter with AI.  

It’s important to keep the good vibes moving forward, he says, but also to leave 2006 back where it belongs: in the past. Because whether you’re making peace with what was, Refreshing for what is or refueling for what’s next, Starbucks can help you move forward with all good energy.  

We’re also continuing to innovate our tea platform, which continues to be a favorite for many customers in the afternoon. Tea sales have climbed more than 70% since 2021* and we’re leaning into the fandom by offering new flavors, including the new Iced Mango Cream Chai and Iced Mango Cream Matcha coming to coffeehouses in the U.S. on April 7.  

Starbucks coffeehouses will look and feel different during the afternoon starting this spring and throughout the summer. Digital menu boards will transition from morning recommendations to spotlight afternoon favorites like Energy Refreshers, iced teas and grab‑and‑go snacks. The atmosphere will shift too, with upbeat afternoon playlists bringing an energetic coffeehouse vibe.  For customers who begin their visit in the Starbucks app, the afternoon menu will highlight refreshing beverages, protein-packed sandwiches, sweet treats, and other ways to help customers achieve a little boost.

Together, these elements, combined with green apron service will shape a new daily ritual for our customers, one that brings the signature warmth, innovation and connection of Starbucks into the heart of their afternoon. With refreshed menus and an evolved coffeehouse experience we’re creating more reasons than ever to choose Starbucks as that essential mid‑day reset. This is just the beginning of what’s possible when we reimagine the afternoon, the Starbucks way. 

*FY25 U.S. company-operated 

That commitment to partners continues to guide how the business evolves.  Starbucks recently introduced new ways for hourly partners to earn more, but also to grow in their careers. 

The company has expanded leadership pathways, like the new coffeehouse coach position, and has added even more opportunities to learn, like the Next Leadership Academy. These efforts help shape and inspire strong teams, build culture and support our partners being able to deliver the Green Apron Service that sets Starbucks apart and brings joy and connection to customers every day. 

Want to join us? Learn more and explore open roles here. 

These updates build on one of the  strongest total compensation and benefits packages in retail — available at just 20 hours per week  or more— and  valued at an  average $30 per hour for an hourly role.   

They also build on a commitment to providing strong career opportunities with new coffeehouse coach roles rolling out this summer, and our new Next Leadership Academy to expand career pathways and support  Starbucks  goal to promote  90% of retail leaders from within.  

The results are clear:  

• We receive more than  1 million applications each year for barista roles  in the U.S.   
• Partner sentiment is continuing to improve, with a growing  majority recommending Starbucks as  a great place  to work.  
• Record low turnover in our coffeehouse roles, significantly below industry average.   
• More coffeehouse partners  getting  the hours they want, with  nearly  85%  receiving the schedule and hours they prefer.   

 Below is today’s  message  to U.S. retail partners from  Mike Grams  and  Sara Kelly.  

Partners,  

Today we’re announcing some exciting news to help hourly partners have more ways to share in the success of Back to Starbucks. 

Every day, you bring the Starbucks experience to life in our coffeehouses, from the way you welcome customers to how you support one another on shift. Those small “I’ve got you” moments are the heart of our coffeehouses. Your hard work is paying off. We are gaining momentum, and the shine is back on the Starbucks brand. 

More ways to share in our success   

We’re introducing a new program that builds on what you receive today in base pay, tips and Bean Stock:  

• A  new  Back to Starbucks Partner Reward: Baristas and shift supervisors can earn up to an additional  $1,200 per year ($300 per quarter)  when your coffeehouse meets and exceeds certain sales, operational and customer service metrics. This reward recognizes teams that work together to deliver excellence and is part of our commitment to shared success. The program begins in July with the first payout  determined this fall. 
• More  ways for customers to tip: Customers see and feel the difference in our coffeehouses and have told us they want more ways to say thank you. To make that easier, we’re expanding tipping options so customers will soon be able to tip by credit and debit card through Mobile Order & Pay and when using their app to Scan & Pay at the register. 
• Weekly pay: We heard from you that getting paid sooner would help, so we’re moving all U.S. partners to weekly pay  beginning in  August. You’ll get the money you earn, faster.   

Taken together, the new bonus and expanded tipping options have the potential to increase what eligible partners receive by approximately 5–8% on average, on top of what you receive today. 

We will start rolling out  these changes across U.S.  company-operated  coffeehouses starting  July 2026, with planned full implementation this summer. We’ll  share more details with  you and your  coffeehouse leaders  soon.  

We’re proud of the craft and connection you create every day, and we remain committed to supporting you on your journey with benefits like comprehensive healthcare, Bean Stock, 100% upfront tuition coverage for a bachelor’s degree, 18 weeks of paid parental leave, mental health support and more — all when you work 20 or more hours per week. 

This new program, at the approximately 5% of U.S. locations where partners have a union, will be subject to collective bargaining as required by federal law.  

More ways to grow  

We know the opportunity to grow a career at Starbucks is also important. We’ll soon share plans for a new Next Leadership Academy to help partners grow at Starbucks, and seize the opportunity provided by our new coffeehouse coach roles and our commitment to fill 90% of retail leadership roles from within. 

We’re grateful for everything you do. The care, craft and connection you bring to your coffeehouses every day are what make Starbucks, Starbucks.  

With appreciation,  
Mike and Sara 

*The  actual  amount  of tips received by a tip-eligible partner can vary  substantially depending  upon coffeehouse location, quality of service, customers served and other factors. Tips are a gratuity provided by customers at their discretion and are not guaranteed.  

A Starbucks coffeehouse at the heart of the festival 

The Starbucks Coffeehouse at Coachella will serve cold beverages and curated playlists in a space expressly designed for Coachella festivalgoers to recharge and reset. It will be open to all attendees throughout both weekends. The coffeehouse will serve a rotating lineup of complimentary drinks, including Starbucks Cold Brew, Iced Matcha Latte, Strawberry Acai Refresher and the highly anticipated return of a fan-favorite: the Unicorn Frappuccino® Blended Beverage, available exclusively at Coachella for a few hours each day. Additional Starbucks ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages will be available for purchase at concessions throughout Coachella festival grounds. 

Unicorn Frappuccino® Blended Beverage – an icon returns 

As Starbucks makes its Coachella debut, the iconic Unicorn Frappuccino® Blended Beverage also returns following its surge back into the cultural spotlight earlier this year. An emblem of color, and the festival’s free‑spirited energy, the beverage’s bold hues and unexpected flavor twists mirror the creativity and individuality celebrated across the festival grounds, making it a must‑have accessory for festivalgoers looking to sip something as vibrant and unforgettable as the weekend itself. 

Starbucks House: A retreat for ‘Desert Sirens’ 

Outside the festival grounds, Starbucks House will host an invite-only group of festivalgoers to its “Desert Sirens,” a play on the iconic Starbucks siren. The house, designed as a private festival oasis, will feature thoughtfully designed amenities, including a fully stocked kitchen with Starbucks at-home coffee and creamers and Starbucks RTD beverages, customized apparel, snacks and other travel essentials.  

Starbucks Music: A legacy of music and connection  

Starbucks presence at Coachella builds on a decades-long connection to music that has been central to Starbucks coffeehouse culture since its earliest days. From the iconic Starbucks CDs and artist discovery programs and collaborations with emerging and established musicians, music has long shaped the Starbucks Experience for customers and partners (baristas). 

Today, the Starbucks Music legacy continues through curated playlists, guest DJ pop‑ups, and immersive coffeehouse moments that celebrate musicians and their craft. At Coachella and beyond, Starbucks remains committed to championing artists while fostering connection, community and discovery through the shared experience of music. 

A milestone years in the making

Starbucks set the goal in 2017 to donate 100 million trees to help smallholder coffee farmers renovate aging or disease-prone plots and improve the productivity of their farms. Many of the trees donated draw on research advanced at  Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks global research and development farm in Costa Rica. There, agronomists study hundreds of  hybrids  and varieties along with soil health, plant nutrition and disease tolerance to help farmers adapt to the realities of a changing climate.  

This effort would not be possible without nearly three decades of partnership with Conservation International. As a partner in this work, Conservation International helps integrate environmental and social safeguards into the program, from helping to protect forests to promoting shade management and upholding farmer rights. Throughout the life of the initiative, the organization engages directly with farmers, nursery providers and supplier partners to confirm that farmers received high quality seedlings and that safeguards are understood and respected. This monitoring helps ensure the approach stayed responsive to farmer needs and delivers meaningful benefits across the supply chain.  

“With climate change threatening the future of coffee, building resilient farming systems has never been more urgent. Supporting farmers as they adapt to changing conditions can help them and their land stay productive while protecting vital ecosystems,” said Raina Lang, Conservation International’s Senior Director of Sustainable Coffee. “Cross-sector collaboration between business, NGOs and communities is the future of conservation, as it can lead to positive outcomes for climate, people and livelihoods.” 

How these trees make a difference

Healthy coffee trees can help support a family’s livelihood for decades when matched to the growing conditions of its region. Many farmers still rely on trees that struggle under climate pressure or are susceptible to diseases like coffee leaf rust. Replanting with stronger varieties can give farmers a foundation for more stable production over time, especially when tree replanting is paired with agronomy support and access to financing.  

One of the ways Starbucks expands access to financing is through the Global Farmer Fund. Last year, the company reached its 2025 goal to provide $100 million in financing to smallholder farmers around the world.

The fund partners with non-governmental organizations, fund fund managers and financial institutions to help farmers access capital for farm renovation, infrastructure improvements and greater financial stability. Many loan recipients also receive technical assistance in agronomy best practices business planning and price risk management. They may also receive training in management skills and understanding climate risks, followed by support to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate. These advisory services aim to benefit farmers long after the loan is paid.

These gains help extend the viability of coffee production in regions experiencing climate stress and strengthen the long-term resilience of the global coffee supply. 

Looking ahead: 50 million more trees

Reaching the 100 million milestone is an important step, but it is not the end of the journey. The additional 50 million coffee trees Starbucks will donate in the next phase builds on the company’s long-standing commitment to responsible sourcing and on-farm innovation while supporting the Back to Starbucks focus on quality and craft.  

“The future of coffee depends on action,” said Ricardo Arias-Nath, senior vice president, Global Coffee & Tea, and president, Latin America and the Caribbean. “We are investing in farmers, protecting coffee landscapes and scaling solutions that help strengthen resilience across our supply chain. When we lead with purpose, we help support the future of coffee for everyone.”  

Supporting the future of high-quality arabica coffee also supports the future of Starbucks and the communities that grow it. With 100 million trees already in the ground and 50 million more to come, Starbucks is working with farmers to strengthen climate resilience, improve productivity and help ensure that high-quality arabica remains available for years to come.  

Starbucks cold foam is a creamy, frothy topping that enhances cold coffee, tea or Refreshers with added texture and flavor, creating a layered, indulgent drink. Cold foam’s popularity continues to rise, with double-digit percentage growth in fiscal 2025 and Q1 fiscal 2026 across U.S. company-operated coffeehouses. 

Easy tips to add protein to your favorite Starbucks beverage: 

• Level-up your Caffè Latte with Protein-boosted Milk: Order the Friday favorite Vanilla Protein Latte adds 27 to 36 grams* of protein (also try it with sugar-free vanilla!).
• Order the Friday favorite customization and add Protein Cold Foam to Cold Brew:  Protein Cold Foam adds 15 grams* of protein to your favorite cold coffee beverage.
• Try Protein Cold Foam on a favorite Matcha beverage: The Iced Banana Cream Protein Matcha offers a vibrant option that’s creamy with tropical flair and offers 24 grams*of protein.
• Swap standard milk for protein-boosted milk in an Iced Shaken Espresso: When ordering, ask your barista to use Protein-boosted Milk or select the option in the Milk section of the Starbucks app. Adds to 12-15 grams* of protein.
• Try the Iced Caramel Protein Latte (also available with sugar free caramel!) for 29 grams*of protein.

With Daylight Savings and the official start of the spring season here, longer days are inspiring customers to reach for functional fuel that fits real life from baseball games and road trips to keeping up with busy spring calendars. As the company gets Back to Starbucks, protein drinks are another way Starbucks is modernizing its menu with offerings that fit evolving customer tastes and meet the rising demand for protein in a way that is innovative, premium and uniquely Starbucks. 

*Grams of protein are approximate. Protein amounts for beverages assume grande size. Customizations cost extra.