Starbucks

Starbucks is introducing five orange cream drinks to its summer menu for a limited time. The drinks include cold brew, espresso, matcha, chai, and a Frappuccino, all featuring an orange-vanilla flavor.

Starbucks plans to open 30 new stores in Brazil in 2026, a 33% increase from its current number. The chain is now operated by Zamp, a Mubadala-backed group managing Burger King in Brazil. The expansion follows the collapse of former partner SouthRock, which went bankrupt in 2023 with $360m in debts.

Vietnam is excavating a graveyard to build a Trump International golf resort with residences along the Red River. A Starbucks coffeehouse opened on Vietnam's tallest mountain near Sapa, and Elon Musk received a Starlink satellite license to expand operations.

Starbucks is adapting its consumer strategy in China, as observed by an American expatriate who notes differences in local stores compared to those in the United States. The company aims to maintain its presence in the Chinese market by tailoring its approach to local preferences.

The article compares how American brands celebrated the 1976 bicentennial with commercial products to their more restrained approach for the 2026 250th anniversary. Companies like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Target are sponsors of America250 but avoid prominent branding, contrasting with the overt patriotism of 1976.

Jack in the Box is releasing a limited-edition Jack Sipper cup after an Instagram post sparked significant fan demand. The fast-food chain initially shared the cup as a joke, referencing the collectible cup trend popularized by Starbucks.

Amazon has reduced the price of a barista-approved espresso machine by $400. The article suggests this discount makes it worthwhile to avoid Starbucks for coffee.

The S'mores Frappuccino has returned to Starbucks' menu today, accompanied by two new summer-limited drinks: S’mores Cold Brew and Iced S’mores Chai.

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn is avoiding media questions about her gubernatorial campaign ahead of Tennessee's Republican primary. At an event with the Greater Nashville Technology Council, she left quickly without answering queries about her run or positions on issues like corporate subsidies. Political commentator Steve Gill criticized her evasive responses as unfit for a potential state leader.

The article discusses the growing popularity of functional beverages, citing examples like protein coffee and CBD soda. A Starbucks manager noted that sales of protein cold foam are nearly equal to those of flat whites.

Over 1,000 new stores are planned for the US in 2026 by retailers like Dollar General, Aldi, and Starbucks, while store closures are expected to exceed openings. Discount retailers are expanding as consumers prioritize deals, but major chains like Macy's are reducing physical locations.

Starbucks is launching a new pink Bearista cold cup designed to achieve viral popularity, with the company suggesting it may be more adorable than previous versions.

Starbucks will release a pink version of its viral bear-shaped collectible cup, the Bearista Glass Cold Cup, inspired by The Pink Drink. The cup will be available in select U.S. stores starting July 13, with early access for Rewards Reserve members from July 9.

Starbucks has introduced a new Reserve rewards card that costs over $1,400 annually, leading to customer outrage and accusations of being an 'insane scam'. The high price has prompted backlash from fans who feel the program is exploitative.

Starbucks workers in St. Louis fought off two hooded men who entered the store in December 2023. The workers were later fired for intervening, according to a new video.

Starbucks is cutting office jobs in the UK and Hong Kong as part of a restructuring effort. The company is also exploring options for its Chinese operations, including the possibility of selling a stake in the business.

Starbucks filed a lawsuit against the union Starbucks Workers United in Iowa federal court, alleging trademark infringement by using the company's name and logo on promotional materials, social media, and merchandise. The union, which organized 12,000 baristas, claims Starbucks has blocked contract negotiations and filed a separate lawsuit in Pennsylvania to assert its right to use the brand. Starbucks argues the union's use of its trademarks dilutes its brand and falsely implies endorsement of unrelated social and political issues.

John Rose, a candidate for governor, criticizes Starbucks' relocation to Tennessee and its diversity initiatives in a campaign ad, opposing the $30 million taxpayer incentives offered to the company. He emphasizes protecting Tennessee's culture and aligns with Trump's business stance.

Bose is expanding into entertainment by launching Bose Studios, which includes a record label, original TV and film series, YouTube content, podcasts, and live events. The company aims to collaborate with emerging artists without owning music rights and plans to avoid direct competition with major label conglomerates.

Starbucks stores in South Korea will close for half a day for staff training after a promotional campaign linked to a historical military crackdown on a 1980 pro-democracy uprising sparked public backlash. The 'Tank Day' promotion coincided with the 46th anniversary of the Gwangju uprising, leading to criticism.

Global demand for high-protein products is outpacing the supply of whey protein, a dairy byproduct used in food and supplements, causing price surges and shortages. Prices for whey protein concentrate and isolate have risen sharply in the U.S. and Europe, with wholesale costs increasing by over 150% in some cases. Reduced exports to China and strong domestic demand for protein-rich foods are exacerbating the supply strain.

Starbucks is relaunching a fan favorite drink that was removed from menus, with rewards members receiving early access. The move highlights a return to a popular item that had mysteriously disappeared.

Starbucks is releasing a new limited-edition Bearista Cup for the 2026 World Cup, but U.S. customers cannot purchase it in stores. The cup will be available in participating locations across Canada, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region, while U.S. customers can only buy it online.

U.S. jobless aid filings increased to 229,000 in the week ending June 6, the highest since early February but still historically low. Despite concerns over the war in Iran and rising inflation, hiring has improved recently, with 172,000 jobs added in May and a 4.3% unemployment rate. Companies like Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, and Walmart have cut jobs, while job openings rose to 7.6 million in April.

Starbucks stock is performing well in a declining market on Wednesday. The Investing Club releases a daily afternoon update called the Homestretch.

Starbucks is considering a stake sale or IPO for its Japanese business, with preliminary talks with investment banks. The business could be valued at up to $3.1 billion.

Starbucks is reintroducing its S'mores Frappuccino after a six-year absence and launching a S'mores Cold Brew and new blended drinks as part of its expanded summer menu.

Starbucks is expanding its Refresher line, a $2 billion beverage platform, to attract Gen Z and millennial customers with cold, customizable drinks. The new blended Refreshers aim to drive afternoon sales and compete with energy drinks and social-media-fueled trends.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson dismissed concerns about wealthy residents and businesses leaving Washington due to a new millionaire tax, despite a survey showing 44% of business leaders consider relocating. The tax, signed into law in March, imposes a 9.9% income tax on households earning over $1 million annually, with Wilson citing business donations to a tiny house project as evidence of collaboration.

Starbucks faced backlash in South Korea after launching a promotion on the anniversary of a historical massacre, leading customers to destroy tumblers and boycott the chain. The marketing stunt was perceived as culturally insensitive.

Starbucks faced backlash in South Korea after launching a promotion on the anniversary of a historical massacre, leading to customers destroying tumblers and boycotting the chain. The marketing stunt backfired, causing public outrage and negative reactions.

The Seattle mayor has shifted from calling for a boycott of Starbucks to heaping compliments on the company after it began relocating its headquarters out of the city.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson admitted to breaking her Starbucks boycott by purchasing a latte, despite previously urging residents to shun the company. Starbucks is closing additional stores in Seattle, while former CEO Howard Schultz criticized the mayor's 'socialist rhetoric' in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. The company announced plans to invest in Nashville and laid off employees in Seattle.

US jobless aid filings rose to 225,000 in the week ending May 30, the highest since the Iran war began in February, though layoffs remain historically low. The war has driven oil prices up 50%, with gas prices now at $4.24 per gallon, and contributed to rising inflation, which hit 3.8% in April 2025. Companies like Verizon, UPS, Amazon, Disney, Starbucks, and Walmart have recently cut jobs amid economic uncertainty.

U.S. jobless aid filings reached their highest level in four months in early June 2025, with 225,000 new applications, amid economic uncertainty linked to the war in Iran. Despite historically low layoffs, the labor market remains in a 'low-hire, low-fire' state, with the unemployment rate at 4.3%. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, rising oil and gas prices, and inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target are complicating economic conditions.

Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino is returning to U.S. and international coffeehouses for one weekend later this summer. The vibrant pink-and-blue drink briefly reappeared at this year’s Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival before its scheduled comeback.

Domino's, a major pizza chain, may introduce a protein-boosted pizza as part of industry trends toward higher-protein menu offerings. Analysts from Bernstein and industry expert Maeve Webster highlighted protein's growing popularity among consumers, citing examples like Starbucks' Protein Lattes and Coca-Cola's exploration of protein-rich beverages.

General Mills is selling its Häagen-Dazs ice-cream shops in mainland China to an investor group including Chinese tea brand Ningji. The deal grants exclusive rights to operate Häagen-Dazs shops and gifting businesses in China, while General Mills retains sales of Häagen-Dazs ice cream through retail and food service channels. Analysts note declining relevance of Häagen-Dazs' premium-priced, high-fat products in China, where low-fat gelato options are gaining popularity.

Starbucks is reintroducing a popular summer frappuccino that had been unavailable for seven years, delighting fans. The return of the drink is part of the company's seasonal offerings.

General Mills is selling its mainland China Haagen-Dazs stores to an investor group led by local chain Ningji Lemon Tea, aiming to revamp the struggling business amid China's competitive market. Analysts view this as a proactive move to boost profitability.