BofA Securities analysts Sara Senatore and Katherine Griffin expressed their views on the restaurant industry for the year ahead 2025.The analysts expect slow but still healthy job growth to support restaurant demand, industry pricing to moderate, and promotional activity to rise as input prices fall.Notably, the analysts write that the industry growth in 2024 aligned with historical averages—Blackbox industry SSSG was -0.2% compared to the 2013-2019 average of -0.1%, and PCE growth was +4.9% versus the pre ...

Starbucks is extending its free refills policy to non-rewards members with reusable cups.Customers at participating stores will be eligible for a top-up of many brewed coffee and teas.Starbucks is also reversing its open-door policy, limiting facilities to paying customers and staff.Starbucks is expanding its free refills policy to all customers at participating stores as part of its new code of conduct, effective January 27.AD Non-rewards members at the coffee giant will soon be able to receive refills at ...

About this content About Oliver Haill Oliver has been writing about companies and markets since the early 2000s, cutting his teeth as a financial journalist at Growth Company Investor with a focusing on AIM companies and small caps, before a few years later becoming a section editor and then head of research. He joined Proactive after a couple of years freelancing, where he worked for the Financial Times Group, ITV, Press Association, Reuters sports desk, the London Olympic News Service, Rugby World Cup ...

Starbucks has reversed its North American policy allowing people to sit in stores and use the loo without buying anything. Patrons in the US and Canada now must buy something or leave. Starbucks did not respond to questions about the impact the policy change could have on its UK shops.Sky News asked if there was a code of conduct in UK branches, if people were required to make a purchase, and if there were plans to revise the code if one existed.Money blog: Spain proposes 100% tax on foreign-owned homes The ...

Policy Change - Starbucks is reversing its open-door policy, which previously allowed non-paying guests to use restrooms or linger in stores [1][2] - The new policy reserves cafes, patios, and restrooms exclusively for paying customers and staff [2] - A customer is defined as anyone making a purchase or accompanying someone making a purchase [4] Implementation Details - The policy change will take effect on January 27 in all North American stores [4] - Signs displaying the new code of conduct will be posted in every store [4] - Staff will be trained to enforce the policy and may request violators to leave, with potential support from local law enforcement if necessary [4] Rationale and Context - The change aims to prioritize paying customers who wish to enjoy the cafes or use restrooms during their visit [3] - This reversal follows a 2018 open-door policy implemented after a controversial incident in Philadelphia where two Black men were arrested for sitting in a store without making a purchase [6] - The company's CEO, Brian Niccol, previously expressed a vision for Starbucks to serve as a "third space" for people to hang out [6] Customer Experience - Starbucks aims to create inviting spaces with comfortable seating and thoughtful design, distinguishing between "to-go" and "for-here" service [5]

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Starbucks (SBUX) .Starbucks currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.98, on ...

Regarding coffee chains, most of the focus centers on Starbucks (SBUX -0.38%). This makes sense, as the industry leader has grown from a regional name to an international sensation in its 33 years as a publicly-traded company.But with Starbucks now a mature business, the market may have its next big coffee stock with the emergence of Dutch Bros (BROS 1.80%). The company has grown popular for its Dutch Classics, drinks based on espresso and half and half. Other beverages such as teas, smoothies, and lemonade ...

With a nearly 12,000% gain since its IPO, Starbucks (SBUX -0.38%) has undoubtedly created a few millionaires out of investors that bought its stock in the early days and held on to it over the years. Given Starbucks' huge returns, investors may be wondering if there could be another big coffee stock winner brewing.The coffeehouse operator with the best chance to replicate Starbucks' success is Dutch Bros (BROS 1.80%). Let's look at the opportunities in front of the company.The right ingredientsIn order for ...

Company Strategy and Leadership - Starbucks is hosting a three-hour training session for US store employees later this month, aimed at revitalizing the company under new CEO Brian Niccol [1][9] - The training will focus on re-emphasizing Starbucks' role as a welcoming coffeehouse where customers gather and enjoy high-quality coffee crafted by skilled baristas [2][9] - CEO Brian Niccol, who previously led major changes at Chipotle, has introduced several operational changes since taking over in September, including the reintroduction of self-service condiment bars and a goal of preparing customer orders in four minutes or less [5][6] Employee Engagement and Operational Efficiency - Store employees, referred to as "partners," are required to attend the training sessions, which will take place between January 21 and 26 at various times and locations [3][4] - Some partners may need to fill in shifts at other stores to accommodate attendance, highlighting the company's commitment to ensuring widespread participation [4] - Employees have expressed hope that the training will lead to further workflow improvements, such as the recent change of using blenders instead of shaking drinks, which saves valuable seconds per order [7] Market Context and Challenges - The training initiative comes as Starbucks faces slumping sales in recent quarters, prompting a broader turnaround effort under Niccol's leadership [5][9] - The company aims to balance being an inviting place for customers to linger while also efficiently serving those seeking quick to-go service [6]

It's hard to think of a business with more iconic brands than PepsiCo. Not only does it own its namesake Pepsi brand, which was launched under the Pepsi-Cola name in 1898, but it also owns big-name brands such as Mountain Dew, Lay's potato chips, Gatorade, Doritos, Tostitos, Quaker Oats, and more.Pepsi has been in business for more than a century and has a market capitalization surpassing $200 billion. For its part, coffee giant Starbucks hasn't been in business quite as long -- it opened its doors in 1971. ...