Beverages

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
3 takeaways from a former Starbucks exec's leadership philosophy

"The people that you hire are going to change your organization," Howard Behar said at #SHRM19 — so companies might as well enable them to do so.
By Kathryn Moody • June 25, 2019
Dunkin' debuts 'human charger' pop-up for summer solstice

On the longest day of the year, coffee drinkers can visit the activation to snag a free drink, a reusable straw and a tongue-in-cheek user guide.
By Natalie Koltun , Barry Levine • June 21, 2019
Starbucks, Dunkin' further sustainable cup initiatives

Starbucks will test a reusable cup program in London's Gatwick Airport while Dunkin' says it's on track to eliminate foam packaging by the end of the year.
By Lauren Stine • June 11, 2019
Starbucks considering virtual kitchens in US

After testing ghost kitchens in China as part of its delivery program, the chain could bring the model to U.S. metro areas, says CFO Patrick Grismer.
By Julie Littman • June 11, 2019
Chipotle CEO isn't ruling out breakfast

While Brian Niccol told investors that the chain won't add the daypart "anytime soon," the restaurant is looking to enhance its beverage options to perk up afternoon sales.
By Emma Liem Beckett • May 31, 2019
Alcohol pairs well with food delivery, but restaurants missing out

While more diners are ordering meals for delivery, alcohol is not yet widely available and could be a big growth area, according to Technomic.
By Julie Littman • May 20, 2019
Starbucks secures $1B sustainability bond

The coffee chain's third and largest sustainability fund will support its efforts to ethically source coffee as well as build 10,000 green stores globally by 2025.
By Alicia Kelso • May 14, 2019
Starbucks taps Microsoft ML for weather, inventory-based order suggestions

The developments with Microsoft are part of a five-year strategy, which includes investigating disruptive technology and creating proprietary solutions.
By Samantha Ann Schwartz • May 07, 2019