Why AI is 2024's top restaurant tech trend

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

14 fast casual restaurant execs reveal how they are testing artificial intelligence or robotics.

Reusable cups sticking around at Starbucks

January 3, 2024

Customers at all company-operated and participating licensed Starbucks stores ih the U.S. and Canada may now use their clean, personal cups when ordering in…

Starbucks stores home to EV charging stations

December 28, 2023

Volvo Car USA will deploy 50 Volvo and Starbucks branded EV chargers at 15 Starbucks locations along a 1,350-mile route between the Denver area and Seattle…

Starbucks cutting turnover rates via benefit enhancements

November 6, 2023

Starbucks employees working an average of 20 hours per week now have faster access to paid vacation, raises, financial well-being and skills-building benefits…

20 years later: Pumpkin spice still rules

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although it's too early to tell if all-things pumpkin will increase traffic this year, it's a likely outcome based on the past 20 years. Most chains have…

Starbucks testing reusable cups in California

August 14, 2023

Starbucks has launched a reusable cup test in 12 Starbucks stores in Napa and Petaluma, California, allowing customers to bring their own cups to fill orders…

Target adds Starbucks to drive-up options

August 9, 2023

Target shoppers can now order their favorite Starbucks order and grab it while picking up their merchandise at a Target drive-up location.

Is cold the new hot at Starbucks?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 3, 2023

The cold business at Starbucks is hotter than ever as sales of unheated drinks reached 75% of U.S. beverage sales during the chain's third quarter, which ended…

Starbucks offering Oleato beverages in 11 more states

June 7, 2023

Starbucks is extending its line of olive oil-infused Oleato beverages into 11 more states.

Starbucks expanding reusable cup policy to drive-thru, mobile

June 5, 2023

Starbucks plans to expand its personal reusable cup policy to the drive-thru and mobile order channel, at any U.S. store, by the end of 2023.

Former Starbucks, Jack in the Box executive joins Smoothie King as COO

May 25, 2023

Smoothie King has hired Camille Hymes as chief operating officer to help lead it through the next phase of national growth.

Starbucks percolates solid Q2

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 3, 2023

Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan said the chain was focused on advancing technology, enhancing equipment, and streamlining operations.

Starbucks operating 3,500 'green stores'

April 21, 2023

Since launching its 2020 plan to cut carbon, water and waste in half by 2030, Starbucks has transformed over 3,500 cafes into "green stores," and is one-third…

Starbucks names Brad Lerman EVP/general counsel

April 13, 2023

Brad Lerman Starbucks Coffee Co. has named Brad Lerman executive vice president and general counsel. Lerman will serve on the executive leadership…

Coffee outlook: Demand strong despite faltering consumer confidence

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

Consumers still want to spend money on coffee, but some product preferences are changing and external macroeconomic factors are concerning.

Giant Food debuting in-store fast casual concept

March 28, 2023

Giant Food, a Washington D.C. regional grocery chain, is now home to Nalley Fresh, a fast casual brand based in Maryland. Nalley Fresh is inside Giant Food's…

Laxman Narasimhan takes over Starbucks CEO role

March 20, 2023

Laxman Narasimhan, who was named incoming CEO of Starbucks last year, has officially succeeded Howard Schultz as CEO.

Starbucks adding extra-virgin olive oil to coffee

February 22, 2023

Inspired by interim CEO Howard Schultz's trip to Milan, Starbucks has unveiled a line of coffee beverages — Oleato — infused with a spoonful of Partanna…

China pulls down Starbucks earnings

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

February 3, 2023

Although Starbucks reported Thursday that Q1 same-store sales grew in the U.S. by 10%, China's lower-than-expected performance left the coffee giant 2 cents…

Starbucks, Doordash partnership heats up

January 17, 2023

Starbucks Coffee Company and DoorDash Inc. are expanding their partnership with delivery service launching in Northern California, Texas, Georgia, Florida and…