coffee

Leadership

As vandalism grows and questions mount, Starbucks CEO condemns violence

Laxman Narasimhan did not mention Israel or Hamas by name when, in a letter on Tuesday he said that “misinformation” about Starbucks’ position has helped lead to vandalism at its stores. “We stand for humanity.”

Consumer Trends

Breakfast visits up as more workers return to the office

Consumers purchased breakfast at restaurants more frequently over the past year and the biggest spenders were men.

The Strategic Organizing Center, a coalition of labor groups, is targeting the coffee giant’s board, arguing that the company’s fight against unions hurts the brand.

From a Chestnut Praline Latte in the Caribbean to Japan’s Strawberry Merry Cream Frappuccino, stores in different parts of the world celebrate with seasonal drinks that reflect the culture.

Investment firm General Atlantic has agreed to take a majority stake in the global coffee, juice and sandwich chain with plans to expand franchising.

Peppermint is pushing out pumpkin spice and taking over beverage menus for the holidays, with coffee chains leading the way.

The drive-thru beverage chain’s shop profit margins soared last quarter, to 31%, thanks to a combination of price hikes and efficiency. It will help with California wages set to increase next year.

The chain’s U.S. same-store sales rose 8% as more customers ordered more products and more add-ons and its loyalty membership hit a record.

The Seattle-based coffee giant believes it has plenty of room to add more stores in the U.S., but it also believes that efficiencies can cut $3 billion in costs over the next three years.

The chain’s president will take over at the drive-thru coffee chain for the retiring Todd Graeve on Jan. 1.

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