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Starbucks is making big changes to its menu and workforce. Starting March 4, several "less popular" drinks will no longer be available. The company says this will help improve service and quality while making room for new offerings. The move comes under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol, who aims to bring the coffee giant back to its roots.
Menu Overhaul Begins
Starbucks announced that it will "optimize" its menu by removing about 30% of its food and drink items by the end of the fiscal year. The goal is to simplify operations and focus on customer favorites. The company believes this will help speed up service and improve consistency.
A Starbucks spokesperson confirmed that some Frappuccino flavors and other beverages will be discontinued. Drinks that didn’t sell well, were complicated to make, or were too similar to others are being cut.
Here’s the full list of drinks that will be removed:
- Espresso Frappuccino
- Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino
- Java Chip Frappuccino
- White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino
- Chai Crème Frappuccino
- Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino
- Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino
- Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino
- White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino
- White Hot Chocolate
- Royal English Breakfast Latte
- Iced Matcha Lemonade
- Honey Almondmilk Flat White
Starbucks says the changes will allow for more innovation and better execution of its most popular drinks. "We’re simplifying our menu to focus on fewer, more popular items, executed with excellence," the company said in a statement.
New Drinks Coming Soon
While some drinks are leaving, Starbucks is bringing back some fan favorites and introducing new items. This spring, customers can look forward to the return of Lavender beverages, as well as a new Iced Cherry Chai. A Jalapeño Chicken Pocket will also be added to the menu.
Corporate Job Cuts
In addition to menu changes, Starbucks is also reducing its corporate workforce. On Monday, the company announced that it will lay off 1,100 employees in its global corporate divisions. These layoffs come after senior leaders reviewed the company's structure and workforce size.
The company will also leave "several hundred" corporate job openings unfilled. However, these cuts will not affect baristas or store employees.
CEO Brian Niccol acknowledged the impact of the layoffs. "I recognize this news is difficult," he said in a statement. "It is not a decision the leadership team took lightly. We understand the real effect this has on partners’ lives and their families."
Employees losing their jobs will receive severance packages, which may include pay, healthcare, and career transition support.
