Starbucks will host a 'Welcome Back to Starbucks' training for store employees as its new CEO tries to boost sales

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]