Smoothie King, Tropical Smoothie Cafe join the 'proteinization' of the fast casual industry

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Both beverage brands join Starbucks, Nekter Juice Bar and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in the focus on protein

The 'proteinization' of the fast casual industry: Starbucks, Nekter, Coffee Bean & Tea bulk up winter menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

While the "New Year, New Me" resolution season often focuses on restriction, smart brands are leaning into satiety and muscle recovery to drive traffic.

Driving traffic in 2026: 4 coffee chain strategies fast casuals should embrace

by Shira Petrack — Content Manager, Placer.ai

Fast casual brands can drive traffic in 2026 without freebies by learning from Scooter's, Starbucks, 7 Brews and Dunkin.

2025 in review: FastCasual’s 10 most-read stories

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Top stories centered on major brand pivots, such as Golden Corral rebranding its fast casual concept, and the return of seasonal events like Starbucks' Red Cup…

Starbucks reveals 9 most-viral drinks of 2025

December 11, 2025

Starbucks released a list of its most viral customized beverages of 2025, highlighting how social media trends created by customers and employees continue to…

Starbucks self-order kiosks arrive in Seoul

November 18, 2025

Starbucks Korea has debuted two self-order kiosks at its Myeong-dong branch in central Seoul.

How Starbucks proved that 'free' isn’t everything

by Lila Margalit — Content Writer, Placer.ai

The chain's Bearista launch drove a 37.8% visit spike compared to the chain’s 12-month daily average, with traffic remaining elevated since. Lila Margalit…

Starbucks' turnaround plan takes hold

October 30, 2025

The chain reported its first global comp growth in seven quartersfueled by service and international markets.

Delta, Starbucks brew 'In-Air Coffeehouse' for loyalty members

October 29, 2025

The In-Air Coffeehouse is the first Group Drop event, with more unique experiences planned for next year.

Why closing pickup-only stores is not a 'retreat' for Starbucks

by Craig Miller — Author, M5 Alliance

The company recognized that convenience without connection risks eroding the brand's differentiated value and hard-earned loyalty. By 2026, all 80 to 9…

Starbucks pilots assistant manager role

October 22, 2025

Starbucks is making a significant investment in store-level leadership with a pilot program for a dedicated assistant store manager role in North America…

Starbucks understands the protein assignment

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

October 1, 2025

Understanding more customers are looking to add more protein to their diets Starbucks has added a line of protein-boosted lattes, milks and cold foam drinks to…

Starbucks shuttering stores, eliminating 900 jobs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

September 25, 2025

Starbucks is undergoing a significant corporate restructuring and rationalization of its North American store portfolio, announcing the elimination of nearly…

Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte still driving traffic

by Shira Petrack — Content Manager, Placer.ai

Starbucks' fall launch doesn't just boost its own traffic; it sets the benchmark for the entire industry.

Starbucks CEO reveals 5-step recovery plan

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Despite a 2% decline in global comparable store sales and a 45% year-over-year decrease in EPS, CEO Brian Niccol is spearheading a turnaround strategy…

Starbucks unveils 'Secret Menu' on app

July 14, 2025

Starbucks is officially embracing its long-standing "secret menu" tradition, integrating customized drink creations directly into its mobile app. The coffee…

Cali Coffee grinds away at Starbucks, Dunkin'

Join Fast Casual Nation host Paul Barron as he interviews Craig Avera, founder and CEO of Cali Coffee, a Florida-based drive-thru coffee chain that's doubled…

Can protein, "back to basics" approach re-energize Starbucks?

by R.J. Hottovy — Head of Analytical Research, Placer.ai

If Starbucks can give its large, established customer base new reasons to visit, it can unlock significant growth.

Starbucks testing AI-powered virtual assistants

June 11, 2025

Starbucks has introduced Green Dot Assist, a generative AI-powered virtual assistant designed to support the coffee giant's baristas in coffeehouses globally.

Starbucks adding (wellness) shots to the menu

May 29, 2025

Starbucks is embracing functional beverages thanks to a partnership with Sol-ti, a San Diego-based functional beverage brand. Highlighting a growing trend…