Niccol, who previously led fast-food chain Chipotle, has aimed to boost Starbucks in its home market after a period of lagging performance.
He has touted “Green Apron Service”, where drink preparers, or baristas, are supposed to make an extra effort, whether through putting notes to customers on drink orders or “whether it’s a friendly smile, remembering your name, or making your day just a little bit better”, as it says on Starbucks’ website.
Starbucks had previously planned to open between 600-650 stores this year around the world. But in a securities filing, the company, which has 41,000 stores globally, said it would open around 440 shops in fiscal 2026.
Starbucks shares were down 1.2% in early afternoon trading on Thursday.
– AFP