You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Starbucks has invested $500 million in additional coffeehouse labor, CFO Cathy Smith said during the company’s 2026 Investor Day in New York City this week. As Starbucks and its union continue to clash — the two groups have yet to agree on a union contract after two months of organized strikes — the company is doubling down on labor investment and operational improvements. At Investor Day, Starbucks unveiled several bac ...

Core Insights - Starbucks is experiencing a resurgence, achieving its first comparable transaction growth in the US in eight quarters, marking the beginning of a new strategic phase [1] - The company is focused on revitalizing its brand and culture, with leadership emphasizing the importance of a vibrant culture in the "Back to Starbucks" initiative [2] Strategic Plans - Starbucks is outlining its strategic plan through fiscal 2028, with expectations for clearer multi-year financial targets and details on cost savings [2][6] - The company aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency through various initiatives, including store remodels and menu innovations [7][9] Store Remodels - Approximately 200 coffeehouse redesigns have been completed, aimed at encouraging customers to stay longer, with plans to complete over 1,000 remodels by the end of the fiscal year [8] - Each remodel costs about $150,000 and is mostly completed overnight [8] Menu Innovations - Starbucks is refreshing its menu with new spring offerings, including espresso, matcha, and chai beverages, and is accelerating its pace of innovation [9] - The company plans to expand its wellness-focused menu, particularly with protein drinks and healthier snacks [10] Technology Enhancements - Starbucks is enhancing its AI-driven virtual assistant, Green Dot Assist, to support baristas with recipes and information [11] - A new point-of-sale system and an advanced espresso machine, the Mastrena 3, are set to be introduced, improving service speed [13] Staffing and Career Development - The company is establishing clearer staffing structures and pathways for career growth to reduce turnover [14] - A new coffee house coach role has been introduced to promote internal hiring and staff retention [15][16] Performance Metrics - Starbucks is streamlining its performance metrics from nearly 40 to a more focused set, allowing coffeehouse leaders greater control [17] - The company is implementing a "shot score" system to evaluate performance, with top-performing stores showing significantly higher sales [18] Customer Loyalty Program - Starbucks is updating its customer loyalty program with a tiered system and new rewards, including a $2 discount for redeeming 60 points [18] - The company plans to evolve staff recognition programs to reward employees at top-ranking coffeehouses [19]