Beverages

Luckin Coffee admits fraud, begins internal investigation

The brand terminated its COO Liu Jian and other employees for fabricating sales between Q2 2019 and Q4 2019.

By Lauren Stine • April 03, 2020

COVID-19 puts BYO coffee cups on hold, but sanitized reusable systems could fill the void

Major brands like Starbucks and Dunkin' have banned the use of personal to-go containers in recent weeks over coronavirus fears, raising new questions in a wider debate around packaging safety. 

By Karine Vann • March 27, 2020

Starbucks offers 'catastrophe pay' to workers impacted by coronavirus

The temporary benefit includes 14 days of paid sick leave for workers diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, and also for those who are at elevated risk due to age or preexisting medical conditions. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 12, 2020

Philz Coffee adds mobile-order-only location

The San Francisco-based coffee chain opened the 1,000-square-foot pilot location in the bustling Salesforce Transit Center, which gives it access to a flow of 45 million travelers each year.  

By Alicia Kelso • March 12, 2020

Dunkin' drafts 'Cheer' star for Instagram sweepstakes

Gabi Butler, the all-star cheerleader who appears in the Netflix docu-series, will post a special "Dunkin' cheer" to the company's account.

By Robert Williams • March 04, 2020

Panera's coffee subscription leverages loyalty to fight breakfast battle

The chain's CEO said the unlimited coffee and tea offering, which diners can access for $8.99 through its rewards program, increased visits by 70% during its pilot. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 27, 2020

NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California

The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to make the switch as they seek to meet environmental goals. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 20, 2020

Chicago Starbucks Roastery generating strong traffic counts

Placer.ai’s data shows that about 50% of the Roastery’s customers come from outside the Chicago area, traveling more than 30 miles to visit the store. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 03, 2020

Starbucks sets course for resource positive supply chain

The operational and procurement changes would touch every corner of the company's operation from food sourcing to building construction.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 23, 2020

How Starbucks uses AI to counter mobile's isolating effect

At NRF's Big Show, CEO Kevin Johnson shared why the chain is embracing artificial intelligence to compensate for some of mobile's downsides.

By Chantal Tode • Jan. 14, 2020

TGI Fridays will revamp bar to ignite alcohol sales

The chain will change its beverage program as well as music, seating and lighting to encourage more socializing in the hopes to boost its alcohol sales, which make up 30% of its $2.1 billion sales. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 14, 2020

Luckin launches self-serve vending machines

Available in standard and mini sizes, Luckin is targeting high-traffic areas like hospitals, campuses and airports with its new unmanned offering in China.

By Lauren Stine • Jan. 10, 2020

Blue Bottle, aiming for 'zero waste' in 2020, could eliminate to-go coffee cups

The upscale coffee chain's goals mirror a larger shift as more and more companies target their waste footprints. The no cup pilot will begin in two California locations.

By E.A. Crunden • Dec. 13, 2019

Caribou Coffee boosts ROI with revamped loyalty program

The coffee chain's redemptions improved 215% after switching to a points-based program during a summer promotion.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 12, 2019

Dive Awards

Executive of the Year: Kevin Johnson, Starbucks

Johnson emerged from former CEO Howard Schultz's shadow, identifying the coffee chain's pain points and using his tech background to boost innovation and sales.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 09, 2019

Alcohol, food sales jump at restaurants on Thanksgiving Eve

The night before, known as "Drinksgiving," is becoming one of the most popular drinking holidays of the year with guest count and sales increasing 23%.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 25, 2019

Starbucks brews buzz for mobile pay with 'Merry Coffee' holiday cups

Short video spots and digital display banners encourage customers to place orders through the chain's app.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 11, 2019

P.F. Chang's targets Miami party crowd with late-night concept

Chang's After Dark will include live entertainment and craft cocktails, and reflects a growing trend among casual restaurants to provide more in-store experiences to differentiate.

By Lauren Stine • Nov. 01, 2019

Starbucks margins hit by insatiable appetite for delivery in China

In every country, delivery is an important part of Starbucks' strategy to keep a leg up on competitors, "but it does come at the expense of what would otherwise be much stronger margin expansion," the CFO said. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 01, 2019

Starbucks outspends pumpkin spice competitors in advertising, adds print to mix

The chain got a jump start on the popular fall flavor trend in August, bringing back its themed drinks and supporting ads.

By Dianna Christe and Chantal Tode • Oct. 17, 2019

Starbucks to roll out 'enhanced' mental health benefits

The chain's aim to boost these offerings includes mental health training for store managers, employee subscriptions to meditation and sleep app Headspace.

By Riia O'Donnell • Sept. 09, 2019

Starbucks to open its largest location to date in Chicago

The four-story, 43,000-square-foot store will be the company's sixth Reserve Roastery, joining Milan, New York, Seattle, Shanghai and Tokyo. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 06, 2019

Starbucks taps Bill Nye the Science Guy to explain nitro cold brew

Marketing firm Big Spaceship and Starbucks' in-house creative agency leverage '90s nostalgia to reach millennials through podcasts, TV ads and online videos.

By Barry Levine • July 30, 2019

Luckin Coffee starts global expansion in the Middle East, India

After challenging Starbucks' dominance in China, the chain is partnering with seasoned operator Kuwait Food Company Americana to move into other big markets.

By Alicia Kelso • July 23, 2019

Starbucks rolls out express store in China

The new stripped-down format, which is focused on delivery and mobile orders, will better position the coffee chain against its growing competitor Luckin.

By Lauren Stine • July 15, 2019