Starbucks puts the brakes on Chipotle takeover rumors

Count me among those who aren't the least bit shocked to learn that the Starbucks-Chipotle acquisition talk was nothing more than a rumor.

Smaller menus may not be the growth hack restaurants thought they were

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

As restaurants continue to balance operational simplicity with the need to give guests reasons to visit, the menu-size debate is unlikely to disappear. The…

Starbucks says sugar-free lawsuit allegations have no merit

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

Starbucks said the lawsuit filed against it this week over the labeling of its sugar-free protein beverages have no merit.

Starbucks announces 250 store closures

September 24, 2026

Starbucks has confirmed in an email to FastCasual.com that it is closing 250 underperforming U.S. stores this week, even as its North American business returns…

Pumpkin season arrives earlier than ever as fast casuals race to claim fall season

For coffee and bakery chains, capturing pumpkin-obsessed customers first, before rivals and before summer even ends, has become as much a part of the season as…

Second Cup names former Wingstop executive Joe Walker CEO

August 4, 2026

Joe Walker, Courtesy of Second Cup Coffee Company, Inc Toronto-based Second Cup Coffee Co. has named former Wingstop executive Joe Walker as its CEO.

3 things fast casual operators can steal from Starbucks' turnaround quarter

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The company's latest earnings call shows how targeted store upgrades, daypart-focused operations and smarter loyalty perks helped fuel growth — and why the…

Starbucks, Delta revive mileage-earning perk for linked loyalty members

July 27, 2026

Starbucks and Delta Air Lines are relaunching a loyalty benefit that lets customers earn frequent flyer miles on their coffee purchases.

Is the pumpkin-spice latte to blame for the fruity coffee trend?

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Remember when we all thought adding a little pumpkin spice to our morning brew was the height of culinary rebellion? It turns out that was just the gateway…

Freddy's joins premium beverage trend with new drink lineup

June 25, 2026

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has launched Freddy's Bevies, a beverage lineup featuring custard cream sodas, flavored teas and lemonades. The…

How Starbucks’ new leadership role could help more women advance in the restaurant industry

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The coffee chain will hire over 300 coffeehouse coaches over the next month, with thousands more by the end of the calendar year. It could be a huge step to…

Starbucks debuts Blue Coconut beverages tied to Water.org donation campaign

June 17, 2026

Seattle-based Starbucks has introduced two summer beverages: the Blue Coconut Refresher and Iced Blue Coconut Matcha. Connected with the cold drinks are a…

The return of the Unicorn Frappuccino: Can Starbucks avoid the headaches this time around?

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

When Starbucks created the drink nearly nine years ago, it generated significant consumer interest, leading to thousands of social media posts but also…

Starbucks' shine is back: 3 lessons from the Brian Niccol playbook

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Simplifying metrics, focusing on incrementality and protecting turnover rates are part of the Starbucks turnaround plan.

Starbucks launches beta ChatGPT integration for personalized beverage discovery

April 16, 2026

Starbucks is leaning into the "vibe" of its customers with a digital experiment designed to turn abstract moods into tangible caffeine orders.

Teriyaki Madness ups protein game with Two-By-Two Bowl

April 10, 2026

Denver-based Teriyaki Madness has boosted the protein presence on its menu by adding the Two-By-Two Bowl, a limited-time offering that builds on the…

Starbucks betting on mango

April 2, 2026

Mango flavors have earned a permanent place on the Starbucks drink menus, according to a company press release.

Starbucks revamps partner incentives: 3 lessons for the fast casual industry

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The initiative, part of the company’s "Back to Starbucks" transformation, introduces quarterly bonuses, expanded digital tipping, and a transition to weekly…

Starbucks launches tiered loyalty program to boost engagement

March 10, 2026

Starbucks Coffee Company launched a reimagined loyalty program on Tuesday, introducing a three-tiered structure designed to increase personalized value for its…

The Rewards Wars: Starbucks bets on AI while Panera returns to traditional math

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

Panera is moving toward a more traditional, transparent math — replacing "surprises" with a predictable points-per-dollar system. It is about removing the…