In its continuing efforts to transform the company and reduce costs, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced it is restructuring its entertainment business to focus on digital strategy and core content with music and books.

core/paragraph

As part of this restructuring, Starbucks will continue its relationship with the Concord Music Group and will turn over the day-to-day management of the Hear Music Record Label to Concord. By assuming responsibility for current and future Hear Music recording artists, Concord will leverage Starbucks curatorial voice to provide music offerings for customers that are fresh and unique. 

"As part of our ongoing transformation, we are committed to examining all aspects of our business that are not directly related to our core," said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo. "We have had numerous successes in music and books including eight GRAMMY® Awards and three No.1 books on the New York Times bestseller list. However, now is the appropriate time to restructure our Entertainment business to better align our efforts with our overall business strategies."

Starbucks will continue its relationship with the William Morris Agency to identify book projects that it can offer in its stores as well as provide strategic counsel on opportunities in the entertainment space. With the Apple and AT&amp;T strategic relationships, Starbucks will look for ways to enhance the customer experience through the use of wi-fi and other in-store technology.

As a result of the Entertainment reorganization, Ken Lombard, senior vice president and president of Starbucks Entertainment who resides in Los Angeles, has left the company to pursue other business interests.

"Ken was instrumental in shaping Starbucks entertainment strategy over the past several years and we are grateful for his numerous contributions to the company," said Schultz.

Chris Bruzzo, chief technology officer, has been promoted to senior vice president and will assume the leadership helm of the Entertainment category as part of his responsibilities.

"Under Chris' leadership, we will focus on providing customers with a superior Starbucks Experience, while building on our legacy of innovation through our redefined entertainment strategy," said Martin Coles, chief operating officer.

Starbucks Refines Its Entertainment Strategy - Starbucks Stories

Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

Starbucks Stories

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/01/Photo_TBD-320x411_1-1.jpg

Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks Refines Its Entertainment Strategy

In its continuing efforts to transform the company and reduce costs, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) today announced it is restructuring its entertainment business to focus on digital strategy and core content with music and books. As part of this restructuring, Starbucks will continue its relationship with the Concord Music Group and will turn over the day-to-day management […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/01/Starbucks_Logo_Hi-res.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/starbucks-refines-its-entertainment-strategy/

twitter:card

twitter:description

twitter:image

twitter:title

Recent litigation has resulted in misunderstanding among some of our customers and partners (employees) about tipping in Starbucks stores. Our tip policy allows hourly partners (baristas and shift supervisors) to receive their fair share of customer tips. Shift supervisors are not managers and have no managerial authority. Even the California Superior Court's recent ruling recognized this distinction.

Both baristas and shift supervisors are hourly store partners who serve our customers and provide the Starbucks Experience in our stores. We do not believe customers differentiate between them, because they provide the same customer service. As a result, they pool their tips when customers express their gratitude for superior service. In contrast, store managers and assistant store managers perform managerial duties, and therefore do not share in the tips given by customers.

Unfortunately, copy-cat lawsuits have been filed. We intend to vigorously fight these lawsuits. 

To further clarify and contrary to some media reports, Starbucks has not taken money from any of its partners. Consistent with what is one of the most widely accepted practices in the service industry, this tip money goes directly from customers to the partners who provide them with superior service. 

For more than 35 years, Starbucks has been committed to treating its partners with the highest respect and dignity. As part of this commitment, Starbucks provides benefits unrivaled by many other companies ? including healthcare for eligible full and part-time partners and stock option programs. All eligible store employees are included in these programs.

We pledge to continue to provide a great workplace for our more than 170,000 partners around the world.

STATEMENT: Starbucks Coffee Company Mischaracterized in Recent Class Action Lawsuits - Starbucks Stories

STATEMENT: Starbucks Coffee Company Mischaracterized in Recent Class Action Lawsuits

Recent litigation has resulted in misunderstanding among some of our customers and partners (employees) about tipping in Starbucks stores. Our tip policy allows hourly partners (baristas and shift supervisors) to receive their fair share of customer tips. Shift supervisors are not managers and have no managerial authority. Even the California Superior Court&#8217;s recent ruling recognized […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/statement-starbucks-coffee-company-mischaracterized-in-recent-class-action/

I am calling regarding the recent press coverage that mischaracterizes Starbucks position as it relates to California's court ruling in terms of the tipping issue and most recently the situation in Massachusetts over the last couple of days. Hopefully by now you have read the letter that I posted on Starbucks.com and the store partner portal last Friday that directly addresses the California courts ruling against Starbucks.

The ruling would take away the right of shift supervisors to receive the tips they earn for providing superior customer service.

I want you to know that we strongly believe that this ruling is extremely unfair and beyond reason. I could go on and on about how wrong I think it is. 

Nevertheless, for the record and to really clarify the situation, Starbucks Coffee Company has never and will never take money from our baristas or any other Starbucks partners. This is so contrary to our values, our culture and just everything we stand for.

I can't tell you how much it upsets me that we are being so grossly mischaracterized in the newspapers by the media and I want to personally let you know that we would never condone any type of behavior that would lead anyone to conclude that we would take money from our people. When I read these headlines about Starbucks skimming or stealing from our partners it's just beyond my comprehension how irresponsible it is.

To the contrary, we put the highest priority for 35+ years on treating our partners with respect and dignity, and we do our best never to jeopardize the trust we have with one another. Are we a perfect company? Absolutely not. Do we make mistakes? Yes. But our heart has always been in the right place.

Now, unfortunately, there has been another copy-cat litigation, including the recent Massachusetts lawsuit that we have been advised about, but we have not yet been served and that has caused more press that has mischaracterized the situation.

The reason I am calling is that I want you to really understand the truth. I promise you that we will vigorously defend ourselves and appeal the recent California ruling as well as any other lawsuits that we believe are unjust.

We have built a wonderful company that all of you have helped to make successful, and I ask that you continue to do all the things that you do for Starbucks every day. I want you to hear my voice and understand both my concern about the mischaracterization, and most importantly, the truth, and really separate the fiction from the facts. So there you have it. I will leave it at that and if there are any questions or concerns, you can email me and I will respond and hopefully we will get through this in a way in which the truth will win out.

Voicemail to Partners from Howard Schultz - Starbucks Stories

Voicemail to Partners from Howard Schultz

Hello partners, this is Howard calling. I am calling regarding the recent press coverage that mischaracterizes Starbucks position as it relates to California&#8217;s court ruling in terms of the tipping issue and most recently the situation in Massachusetts over the last couple of days.  Hopefully by now you have read the letter that I posted […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/voicemail-to-partners-from-howard-schultz/

With more than 6,000 shareholders in attendance, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today unveiled a series of innovative customer-facing initiatives at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo, shared his vision for transforming the Starbucks customer experience and reinforcing a strong foundation from which to grow. The announcements marked the next stage of Starbucks transformation following nearly three months of passionate work that began with Schultz's return as ceo on January 7. Beyond the five initiatives the company said it would deliver, Schultz also announced that Starbucks had signed an agreement to acquire The Coffee Equipment Company and its CloverÂ® brewing system. "Eleven weeks ago, I made a personal commitment to every one of our customers and partners (employees) to reaffirm our place as the world's coffee authority," said Schultz. "By embracing our heritage, returning to our core - all things coffee - and our relentless commitment to innovation, we will reignite the emotional connection we have with our customers and transform the Starbucks Experience. I am confident that the ground-breaking initiatives we've announced today demonstrate our laser focus on living up to that commitment. We know that this is just the beginning, but we also know that there has never been a more exhilarating or promising time in our history." At the Annual Meeting, Starbucks unveiled the following new initiatives. They are focused on improving the current state of the U.S. business, re-igniting the emotional attachment with customers and making foundational changes for the long term: Ã¢â¬Â¢Â A proprietary and revolutionary in-store CloverÂ® brewing system that delivers the best cup of brewed coffee available anywhere; Ã¢â¬Â¢Â A complete reinvention of brewed coffee in-store, that will be brought to life by baristas across the U.S., who will scoop and grind a new unique coffee blend, connecting customers to the early days of Starbucks; Ã¢â¬Â¢Â The introduction of a new state-of-the-art espresso system that provides the perfect shot every time and helps facilitate the critical connection between barista and customer; Ã¢â¬Â¢Â The first phase of a Starbucks Card Rewards program, rewarding registered cardholders and providing unique new benefits when using their cards in Starbucks stores; Ã¢â¬Â¢Â The launch of MyStarbucksIdea.com, Starbucks first online community, that takes the Starbucks Experience outside the store and enables customers to play a role in shaping the company's future; and, Ã¢â¬Â¢Â An expanded relationship with Conservation International that enhances Starbucks 37-year commitment to ethically sourcing the world's finest coffees and reaffirms Starbucks leadership position in sustainable sourcing and climate preservation. "There have been times in our history where others questioned whether we had reached our limit – yet time and time again, we have responded by reaching even greater heights," Schultz said. "Today, we again demonstrated our commitment to surpassing the expectations of every one of our customers, shareholders and partners.Â  We hope we've given everyone a reason to believe – not only in the endurance of the Starbucks legacy, but also in our ability to continually raise the bar for what it means to be the world's leading roaster and retailer of specialty coffee." BACKGROUND ON THE NEW INITIATIVES The Next Coffee Revolution – CloverÂ® Brewing System Starbucks has entered into an agreement to acquire The Coffee Equipment Company, whereby Starbucks will become the exclusive provider of the revolutionary CloverÂ® brewing system. With its proprietary brewing process, the CloverÂ® machine has quickly become regarded as the gold standard in innovation in brewing equipment. Clover's unique brewing process is similar to the coffee press method, but utilizes a special vacuum technology that brings out the complex, rich and distinctive flavors of some of Starbucks rarest and most exotic coffees – such as Aged Sumatra and Ethiopia Yergacheffe. The CloverÂ® brewing system also adds to the theater and drama of the coffee experience through its highly visual brewing method. Some Starbucks stores in Seattle and Boston are currently using CloverÂ® brewing systems and the Company plans to further accelerate the rollout of the machines in select U.S. and international markets. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "This acquisition will provide us with an opportunity to give customers individually brewed cups of some of Starbucks most exotic coffees," said Schultz. "In my over 25 years with Starbucks, the Clover machine unequivocally delivers the best cup of brewed coffee I have ever tasted." The Reinvention of Brewed Coffee: Introducing Pike Place Roast Starbucks challenged its coffee and roasting teams to create the world's most exceptional coffee blends. The result of those efforts is the new Pike Place Roast. Beginning in mid-April, this unique new coffee will be brewed in every U.S. company-operated store every day, giving customers a unique, consistent and fresh brewed coffee experience. Pike Place Roast exemplifies Starbucks 37-year heritage and expertise in buying, blending and roasting the world's finest coffees. Starbucks roasts Pike Place Roast to be smooth and bold, bringing to life the cocoa and toasted nut flavors in the coffee. Also next month, all Starbucks company-operated stores in the U.S. will further elevate the customer experience when they begin to scoop and grind the beans they use for brewed coffee. To enable customers to enjoy the freshest, high-quality cup of brewed coffee, stores also will brew smaller batches with a hold time of no more than 30 minutes. Licensed stores in the U.S., as well as Starbucks locations outside the U.S., also will move to a 30-minute hold time over the coming months. "We are returning to the very best elements of our heritage and bringing back the simple romance and excitement of coffee," said Schultz. "Since 1971, we have sourced, roasted and sold the world's finest coffees. By highlighting that history through Pike Place Roast, and bringing back the sounds and aromas of the coffeehouse, we are raising the bar on what it means to serve the perfect cup of coffee." Introduction of the Next Generation Espresso Machine: Mastrena™ Over the last several months, Starbucks stores around the world have taken great strides to ensure that every customer receives a drink that exceeds their expectations, every time. From an unprecedented education and training initiative focused on espresso excellence, to the upgrading of Starbucks VerisimoÂ® espresso machines in U.S. and Canada stores to ensure the highest-quality espresso with each shot, every partner at Starbucks has demonstrated a relentless commitment to quality. As part of those continuing efforts, Starbucks today unveiled the Mastrena™, the next generation of world-class espresso machines exclusive to Starbucks stores. The Mastrena™ represents more than five years of development and collaboration between Starbucks and Thermoplan AG, one of the world's leading espresso machine manufacturers. The Mastrena™ is the gold standard among espresso machines. It grinds every shot to order and its other many exceptional features result in superior consistency of espresso shots, greater options for milk steaming and customization, and a lower profile to enable baristas to connect visually with customers for personal, immediate interaction and service. As part of its investment in delivering a world-class in-store experience, Starbucks is planning an aggressive rollout of the Mastrena™. By the end of the year, more than 30 percent of U.S. company-operated stores will have the new machine and 75 percent will have the Mastrena™ by the end of 2010. Additionally, new international stores will receive the Mastrena™ starting in the summer of 2008, and all international stores will complete the VerisimoÂ® upgrade by the end of this calendar year. "With the Mastrena™ and the upgraded Verisimo, there is no doubt that our customers will enjoy the finest shots of espresso in the world," continued Schultz. "We have brought the art of espresso to the world, and by providing our baristas with the best training and tools, we will continue to define the industry standard." Adding Rewards to the Starbucks Card Since its introduction in 2001, the Starbucks Card has revolutionized the way customers pay for their daily coffee experience. With more than 193 million cards issued in the U.S. and Canada since its introduction, there are approximately five million active Starbucks Card holders at any given time. This spring, every registered card holder will enjoy an elevated experience every time they use their cards. In April, Starbucks will begin providing registered Starbucks Card holders these immediate, value-added benefits when they use their card at participating Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada: Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Complimentary customization on select syrups (including flavors such as vanilla, hazelnut and cinnamon) and milk alternatives (such as soy or half and half). For instance, a Tall Vanilla Soy Latte would be the same price as a regular Tall Café Latte because the soy and the vanilla are free. Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Complimentary Tall beverage of choice (including FrappuccinoÂ® blended beverages) with the purchase of one pound of whole bean coffee (on the same visit). Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Free refills on brewed coffee (on the same visit). Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Two hours daily of free, in-store Wi-Fi, starting this spring in company-operated stores in the U.S. (per registered cardholder). Ã¢â¬Â¢Â The opportunity to join Starbucks in supporting charitable causes. "Already, one in seven customers uses the Starbucks Card, and now we are taking the first steps toward recognizing these customers by providing them value beyond any other coffeehouse," said Schultz. "It is the personal relationship our customers have with our brand, our stores and our baristas that is the foundation of our success. Through this initiative, we are making it even easier to make the Starbucks Experience your own." Creating an Online Starbucks Community Network at MyStarbucksIdea.com The Starbucks Experience grows, in part, from the unique combination of a shared passion for coffee and the exchange of great ideas. For years, Starbucks stores have served as the center of vibrant communities, welcoming customers and encouraging creativity and dialogue. Starbucks today announced the extension of that community beyond the doors of its stores with the launch of MyStarbucksIdea.com. Found at <a href="http://www.mystarbucksidea.com/">www.mystarbucksidea.com</a>, the site is Starbucks first online community and enables customers to share their ideas, engage in conversations and play a role in shaping Starbucks future. This new community seeks to strengthen Starbucks connection with customers by: Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Establishing a meaningful dialogue between and among community members and Starbucks, extending the coffeehouse experience outside store walls;Â  Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Creating a new space for customers to share ideas and be part of shaping Starbucks in the future; and, Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Building an open forum to share the Starbucks story in a way that fosters authenticity, transparency and leadership in conversations about Starbucks. The new website launches today and features an area – Ideas Into Action – where customers can track the progress of ideas that Starbucks is working to bring to life. Starbucks is also launching a site for Starbucks partners to share their ideas and engage in conversations. "We engage in millions of conversations with our customers everyday, and those conversations and ideas have helped shape the company we are today," said Schultz. "With the launch of MyStarbucksIdea, we are extending the Starbucks community online and creating a dynamic forum that enables us to capture and act upon our customers' best ideas." Taking Ethical Sourcing to New Levels Today, Starbucks also expanded its 37-year commitment to ethically sourced coffee with a renewed relationship with Conservation International (CI). Starbucks and CI began working together more than a decade ago to further integrate environmental conservation principles into Starbucks coffee-buying practices to ensure the sustainable production of high-quality coffee. These efforts became the foundation for C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) Practices, a comprehensive program that addresses the environmental, social and economic transparency issues that are so critical to the long term health of the farmers and suppliers with whom they work. Starbucks today unveiled a renewed five-year global commitment with CI to tackle climate change, by working together to support farmers who are preserving forests in coffee regions. The project will begin with two launch sites in Sumatra, Indonesia, and Chiapas, Mexico. To directly link customers to this effort, the company also unveiled a new mark for its coffee. This mark symbolizes Starbucks partnership with CI and its commitment to coffee that is responsibly grown, ethically sourced and proudly served. Starbucks will work with its suppliers and CI to meet the following goals to rollout the mark: Ã¢â¬Â¢Â By mid-April 2008, our new brewed coffee offering, Pike Place Roast, served daily at U.S. company-operated stores will qualify for the new mark. Ã¢â¬Â¢Â By mid-April 2008, all whole bean espresso and espresso-based drinks in Europe, Middle East and Africa stores will qualify for the new mark. Ã¢â¬Â¢Â By March 2009, all whole bean espresso and espresso-based drinks in all U.S. stores will qualify for the new mark. Ã¢â¬Â¢Â By the end of 2009, we intend to have all espresso-based drinks qualify for this mark. Ã¢â¬Â¢Â The ultimate goal is for all StarbucksÂ® coffee to qualify for this mark. "This is a pioneering agreement built on the foundation of our 10-year relationship," stated Schultz. "It will allow us to have a positive impact on one of the global community's most pressing issues." "We are excited to grow this relationship, and prouder still to demonstrate our commitment by having Pike Place Roast be the first coffee to carry the new mark that symbolizes our renewed commitment," added Schultz. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.conservation.org/">www.conservation.org</a>.

core/freeform

Starbucks Unveils New Strategic Initiatives To Transform and Innovate the Customer Experience - Starbucks Stories

Starbucks Unveils New Strategic Initiatives To Transform and Innovate the Customer Experience

Also Announces Acquisition of The Coffee Equipment Company and its State of the Art Clover&reg; Brewing System

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/starbucks-unveils-new-strategic-initiatives-to-transform-and-innovate-the-c/

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) will host its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at 10 a.m. PDT on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 in Seattle, Washington at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center. Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo will discuss the Company's performance as well as unveil transformational initiatives. The meeting will also include shareholder voting on corporate matters. Attendees must present proof of share ownership as of the record date for admission to the venue. A live webcast of the meeting may be accessed via the following address: <a href="http://investor.starbucks.com">http://investor.starbucks.com</a>. An archive of the webcast will be available at the same address through April 23, 2008.

About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with nearly 16,000 stores and more than 170,000 partners (employees) in 44 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://www.starbucks.com">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Starbucks Announces 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders - Starbucks Stories

Starbucks Announces 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) will host its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at 10 a.m. PDT on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 in Seattle, Washington at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at the Seattle Center. Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo will discuss the Company&#8217;s performance as well as unveil transformational initiatives. The meeting will also […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/starbucks-announces-2008-annual-meeting-of-shareholders/

Ethos Water, the brand dedicated to helping children get clean water, is driving support for its mission by collaborating with H20 Africa, a foundation focused on clean water initiatives. Later this month, H20 Africa's co-founder, Matt Damon, will appear in a national Ethos Water print advertising campaign encouraging consumers to get involved in raising awareness and funding for the world water crisis.

The campaign coincides with the expanded distribution of Ethos? water into more than 40,000 convenience, grocery, mass and drug stores across the United States through the Pepsi-Cola bottling system. Since Starbucks acquired Ethos Water in 2005, the product has become available in more than 7,000 company-operated stores in the U.S. and Canada. Ethos? water is packaged, distributed and marketed by Pepsi-Cola through the North American Coffee Partnership (NACP), a joint venture between Starbucks and Pepsi-Cola North America.

"As we make Ethos available more broadly, we're thrilled to collaborate with H20 Africa, which shares our commitment to the same mission," said Ahad Afridi, VP of waters at Pepsi-Cola North America. "This is a unique partnership where the Ethos Water brand, H20 Africa and Matt Damon join forces with the public to encourage millions of people to make a difference against the world water crisis."

"This is about two organizations, Ethos Water and H20 Africa, coming together to do something positive by creating awareness of the world water crisis," said Keith Quinn, co-founder of H20 Africa. "In addition, the donation by PepsiCo to H20 Africa allows us to implement safe water programs in Africa and improve the lives of many people." Earlier this year, PepsiCo made a US$2.5 million grant commitment to H20 Africa to help support clean water projects in Niger, Mali, Senegal and other African countries.

For each bottle of Ethos? water sold, US$0.05 and C$0.10 is directed to the Ethos Water Fund, which is part of the Starbucks Foundation. To date, the Ethos Water Fund has generated a total of more than US$6.2 million in grant commitments benefiting an estimated 439,000 people in water-stressed countries. Ethos Water aims to contribute US$10 million by 2010 to non-governmental organizations implementing water, sanitation and hygiene education programs. Further details are available at <a href="http://www.ethoswater.com">www.ethoswater.com</a>.

"More than 1 billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water," said Peter Thum, founder of Ethos Water. "Anyone can get involved in the cause by purchasing our brand, donating to water-focused non-governmental organizations and sharing information with friends and family. These simple actions add up to make a significant impact."

Ethos Water is an avid supporter of World Water Day, a day of international action to help alleviate the world water crisis. On Saturday, March 22, Ethos Water will join forces with non-governmental organizations to host Walks for Water, which are inspired by the journey women and children in water-stressed countries make each day to obtain clean water for their families. Events will take place in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle and other communities across the U.S. For details about participation in local events or the Virtual Walk for Water, visit <a href="http://www.worldwaterday.net">www.worldwaterday.net</a>.

Ethos Water and H2O Africa Join Forces to Help Alleviate the World Water Crisis - Starbucks Stories

Ethos Water and H2O Africa Join Forces to Help Alleviate the World Water Crisis

Ethos Water, the brand dedicated to helping children get clean water, is driving support for its mission by collaborating with H20 Africa, a foundation focused on clean water initiatives. Later this month, H20 Africa&#8217;s co-founder, Matt Damon, will appear in a national Ethos Water print advertising campaign encouraging consumers to get involved in raising awareness […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/ethos-water-and-h2o-africa-join-forces-to-help-alleviate-the-world-water-cr/

Leveraging the depth of its global senior management team, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced that Cliff Burrows, currently president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), has been named president, Starbucks Coffee U.S., effective March 12, 2008. Burrows succeeds Launi Skinner, who resigned to spend more time with her husband and two daughters.
"We are very sorry to see Launi go, but we know that her legacy at Starbucks is strong and that we are a better company thanks to her passion, commitment and leadership," said Martin Coles, chief operating officer. "We are also very pleased that we were able to name a new leader for our U.S. business from within our company. Cliff has led our business and brand to tremendous success in the EMEA region most recently and the UK prior to this. We now look to him to apply that same drive and business acumen to leading our U.S. business."
Â 
Burrows began his career with Starbucks in April 2001, as vice president and managing director, UK, building the Starbucks brand and more than doubling the number of stores in that market under his leadership. In April 2006, he was appointed to the position of president, EMEA. During his tenure, Burrows was responsible for accelerating the growth and profitability of this business, while building a strong team of leaders to drive continued market success.
Â 
Prior to joining Starbucks, Burrows spent the majority of his career with Habitat Designs Limited, a furniture and housewares retailer. He served as managing director, responsible for the UK and European retail and franchise business. Born in the UK, Burrows grew up in Zambia and completed his education in London. Burrows is relocating to Seattle, WA with his wife, Anna and their two children.
Â 
As part of Starbucks ongoing transformation and focused efforts to reignite its emotional attachment with customers, the company recently realigned its U.S. divisions. The leaders of each division, listed below, will report directly to Coles until Burrows' transition and immersion with the new team is complete:
Â 
Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Chris Carr, senior vice president, Northwest / Mountain. Prior to his promotion, Carr served as regional vice president, South Central. Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Cos LaPorta, senior vice president, Western / Pacific. LaPorta most recently was senior vice president, Western Division. Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Jim McDermet, senior vice president, Northeast / Atlantic. In his previous role McDermet served as senior vice president, U.S. Store Services. Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Paul Twohig, senior vice president, Southeast / Plains. Twohig most recently was senior vice president, Eastern Division.
Â 
With Burrows departure as president, EMEA, on an interim basis the team will report directly to Jim Alling, president, Starbucks Coffee International until the new president, EMEA is appointed.Â Â  Â  "We are very proud of our leadership team and of their continued commitment to reaffirming our place as the world's coffee authority," said Coles. "I look forward to working with our new U.S. leadership and our teams in EMEA and the UK as we continue our efforts to transform the company and the Starbucks Experience for customers."
Â

Starbucks Continues Transformation of U.S. Business - Starbucks Stories

Starbucks Continues Transformation of U.S. Business

Names New President for U.S. and Announces Leads for Four U.S. Operating Divisions

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/starbucks-continues-transformation-of-u-s-business/

Re: As we embark on Espresso Excellence Training

Aged Sumatra ? that's what I'm drinking as I write you this note. Hands down, it's my favorite coffee. Aged for three to five years in a warehouse in Singapore, then shipped as green coffee to our plant in Kent, Washington, and roasted to perfection. The result is a stunning cup of coffee. The velvety mouthful, the full-body of one of our classic Indonesian coffees, and the subtle but ever-present earthiness and spiciness brought to life by our proprietary aging process. It's rare, it's exotic, and it's ours. What a gift ? and we get to share it with one another and with our customers.

Tomorrow evening, we will come together in an unprecedented event in our company's storied history. We will close all of our U.S. company-operated stores to teach, educate and share our love of coffee, and the art of espresso. And in doing so, we will begin to elevate the Starbucks Experience for our customers. We are passionate about our coffee. And we will revisit our standards of quality that are the foundation for the trust that our customers have in our coffee and in all of us.

But, as I think about it, there is another perhaps equally important reason why we have scheduled this training. It's to celebrate who we are.

We are Starbucks. We should be incredibly proud of what we have built. We are the worldwide leader of specialty coffee. And, believe me when I tell you, we are just getting started. We will overcome the difficult and humbling challenges we face, and will be stronger for it. You have my word on that.

We are Bean Stock, we are Healthcare, and we are also the Cup Fund.

We are at our best when we are entrepreneurial and courageous, push for innovation and reject the status quo. We are leaders not followers--we leave that for others.

We are the third place in the lives of millions of our customers. We are the coffee that brings people together every day around the world to foster conversation and community.

As Starbucks partners, we are bound together by the passion we have for our coffee and the customer experience. More than 170,000 of us stand for quality and an uncompromising ethical standard. We uphold our guiding principles by demonstrating respect and dignity for one another, and for our customers.

Thank you in advance for embracing tomorrow night in the spirit in which it is intended. Have fun, but also make it matter. Learn, teach, and share with your fellow partners.

Celebrate our coffee, one another, and the respect we have for our customers.

Howard Schultz Transformation Agenda Communication #8 - Starbucks Stories

Howard Schultz Transformation Agenda Communication #8

To: All Partners From: Howard Schultz Re: As we embark on Espresso Excellence Training Aged Sumatra ? that&#8217;s what I&#8217;m drinking as I write you this note.  Hands down, it&#8217;s my favorite coffee.  Aged for three to five years in a warehouse in Singapore, then shipped as green coffee to our plant in Kent, Washington, and roasted to […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/howard-schultz-transformation-agenda-communication-8/

WHAT:Â Starbucks conducts historic in-store education and training event for more than 135,000 store partners (employees) across the United States. In-store event and media-related details include: Ã¢â¬Â¢ The company will close each of its nearly 7,100 company-operated stores in the U.S. on Tuesday, February 26 at 5:30 p.m. local time to conduct a nationwide education event, designed to energize partners and transform the customer experience. Ã¢â¬Â¢ Stores with evening hours will re-open at 9:00 p.m.Â Ã¢â¬Â¢ The comprehensive educational curriculum to provide a renewed focus on espresso standards that will help ensure the exceptional quality of every beverage.

WHEN:Â  Tuesday, February 26 and Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Ã¢â¬Â¢ Starbucks in-store b-roll footage available on Tuesday, February 26 at 3:00 - 3:15Â  p.m. EST, C-Band Galaxy 26, Transponder 9 DL 3880 V. Ã¢â¬Â¢ Espresso Excellence training b-roll footage available on Wednesday February 27 at 3-3:15 a.m. and 5-5:15 a.m. EST.Â  Satellite coordinates for both times:Â  C-Band; AMC 3, Transponder 8, DL 3860V. Ã¢â¬Â¢ Still photo images of the in-store training will be available on BusinessWire after 8 p.m. EST.
Â 
STARBUCKS FUN FACTS: Ã¢â¬Â¢ Starbucks will be closed for 3 Â½ hours.Â  That's 210 minutes or 12,600 seconds. Ã¢â¬Â¢ Approximately 7,100 Starbucks stores across the country will temporarily shut their doors to the public. Ã¢â¬Â¢ More than 135,000 baristas in the United States will be trained in a matter of hours. Ã¢â¬Â¢ That amounts to almost a half a million hours of training in one night.
Â 
"12,600 Seconds in Time" – 5 GREAT THINGS TO DO IN JUST 3 Â½ HOURS 1. Thinking of a change in hair color?Â  A full color with highlights takes just about 3 hours. 2. Watch almost all of the nominated short films. 3. When was the last time you made a home cooked meal? You can roast an 8lb -12lb turkey in 3 Â½ hours. 4. What better time to organize those closets, it's a jump start on spring cleaning. 5. After patiently waiting 12,601 seconds, head to Starbucks to get that espresso!

MEDIA ALERT: Starbucks Closes Between 5:30 and 9:00 P.M. on Tuesday to Perfect the Art of Espresso - Starbucks Stories

MEDIA ALERT: Starbucks Closes Between 5:30 and 9:00 P.M. on Tuesday to Perfect the Art of Espresso

B-Roll and Images Available Through Company Feed

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/media-alert-starbucks-closes-between-530-and-900-p-m-on-tuesday-to-perfect/

With a focus on strategic global expansion and providing customers with the distinctive Starbucks Experience, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced that former Starbucks executive Arthur Rubinfeld has returned to the Company in the role of president, Global Development. In this newly created position, Rubinfeld will be responsible for site selection, design and creative concepting for Starbucks stores worldwide.

"Arthur is a world-class business person, who helped the Company grow from 100 to 4,000 stores and was a key member of the leadership team," said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo. "I know his leading-edge work in the area of retail design and architecture will be a tremendous asset as we transform Starbucks for the future."

Most recently, Rubinfeld served as executive vice president, Corporate Strategy and chief development officer at Potbelly Sandwich Works, a rapidly growing restaurant concept. In 2001, he founded AIRVISION, an advisory firm specializing in brand positioning, growth strategies and operational plans for clients, including adidas, Omaha Steaks, Oakley and Washington Mutual. Additionally, Rubinfeld served as Starbucks executive vice president for Store Development from 1992-2001 and is credited with building the world-class function for the Company.

"Arthur's past success, extensive experience, knowledge of the business and Starbucks culture, will provide the foundation and leadership we need to execute the Transformation Agenda and support our long-term success," said Schultz. "I am proud to have him as part of our senior leadership team, once again."

Prior to joining Starbucks in 1992, Rubinfeld was managing partner of Epsteen &amp; Associates, practiced as a national NCARB-certified architect in New York, and authored the book, "Built for Growth ? Expanding Your Business Around the Corner or Across the Globe," a tutorial on brand development, business model infrastructure, retail site selection and innovation.

About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Today, with nearly 16,000 stores and more than 170,000 partners (employees) in 44 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at <a href="http://www.starbucks.com">www.starbucks.com</a>.

Starbucks Continues to Align Organization for Sustained Global Growth - Starbucks Stories

Starbucks Continues to Align Organization for Sustained Global Growth

With a focus on strategic global expansion and providing customers with the distinctive Starbucks Experience, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) today announced that former Starbucks executive Arthur Rubinfeld has returned to the Company in the role of president, Global Development.  In this newly created position, Rubinfeld will be responsible for site selection, design and creative […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/starbucks-continues-to-align-organization-for-sustained-global-growth/

As part of the Company's recently introduced Transformation Agenda, Starbucks communicated several organizational structure changes to its partners (employees) that will better focus efforts on enhancing the customer experience. Additionally, at the Starbucks Annual Meeting on March 19, Howard Schultz, president, ceo and chairman, will outline five key strategic customer-facing initiatives that will continue to transform the customer experience.
Â 
Schultz sent the following email to all Starbucks partners earlier today: ______________________________________________________________________
Dear Partners,
Â 
Since I returned as ceo six weeks ago, we have experienced a lot of change in a very short periodÃ¢â¬Â¦with our renewed focus on the customer experience and the return to our core--all things coffee--as evidenced by our decision to discontinue warmed breakfast sandwiches in U.S. stores by the end of Fiscal '08; unprecedented Art of Espresso three-hour training for U.S. store partners on February 26; free WIFI for partners and customers beginning in the Spring, and more to come. I hope you view these changes as positively as I do.Â  Together, we have created a blueprint to transform the company, and I sincerely appreciate all that you have done and will continue to do every day on behalf of Starbucks.Â 
Â 
I pledged to communicate with you about our efforts to improve the current state of our U.S. Business, reignite the emotional attachment with our customers and make foundational changes to our business; and I have done so in six previous emails.Â  However, this is my most difficult communication to date.
Â 
As I have mentioned in previous communications, in order to reinvigorate our company we must continually analyze and review every part of our company operations.Â  This rigorous look at our business will ensure that we are managing and optimizing our resources as effectively as we can in order to improve the Starbucks Experience.
Â 
We realize that we are operating in an intensely challenging environment, one in which our customers and partners have extremely high expectations of Starbucks. And we have to step up to the challenge of being strategic as well as nimble as our business evolves.Â  Unfortunately, we have not been organized in a manner that allowed us to have a laser focus on the customer. Â  Over the last several weeks, we conducted a thorough organizational analysis, which was, at times, very emotional and extremely stressful.Â  But as I sit at my desk and think about my responsibility to over 170,000 partners and their families who rely on me and others to preserve and enhance our company, I know that I am responsible for ensuring the success of the company for the long term, which means that difficult decisions must be made.Â  Personally, I continue to struggle with the outcome, because I realize how painful it will be for some partners.Â 
Â 
As the result of our review, which was done with great thoughtfulness and respect for everyone concerned, organizational changes have been made. These changes will restructure the company, but they will also result in a decrease of both the number of positions and partners by approximately 600. This total includes the elimination of existing positions and open headcount, as well as the reduction of our current workforce.Â  Within this context, approximately 220 partners have separated from the company.Â  Nearly all were U.S. partners serving in non-retail support roles.Â  We are thankful and proud of the contributions our departing partners have made, and we are committed to treating them with respect and dignity.
Â 
Today, we are announcing the following modifications to our organizational structure that are designed to strengthen our focus on the customer in our U.S. field operations, and centralize and/or consolidate many of our support functions to drive functional excellence and reduce redundancies:
Â 
U.S. Field Operations Effective Monday, February 25, the U.S. field organization will begin transitioning from two divisions to four, with full implementation completed by March 24. The new divisions are: Western/Pacific, Northwest/Mountain, Southeast/Plains and Northeast/Atlantic.
Â 
Not only will this organizational structure create more capacity for our field teams, it will enable the company to align our leaders closer to our customers and partners. This will ensure a stronger level of support in partner development, coaching and accountability in the field. Establishing a customer-centric field support structure in the U.S. Business enables our field teams to focus on our partners, customers and our coffee.
Â 
Each division will be led by a senior vice president, reporting directly to the U.S. president. Within each division, partners supporting Store Development, Marketing, Partner Resources and Finance will report directly to their respective functions while still being accountable for results at the divisional level. These teams are being centralized to create an infrastructure with global span, capability and effectiveness.
Â 
Support Functions The reorganizations of Starbucks support functions are designed to consolidate functional activities into teams that have a shared vision and goals to support the business.
Â 
The following support functions are being reorganized and/or consolidated:
Â 
Ã¢â¬Â¢Â U.S. Store Development Ã¢â¬Â¢Â U.S. Licensed Stores Ã¢â¬Â¢Â U.S. Finance Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Partner Resources Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Marketing Ã¢â¬Â¢Â In-Store Experience Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Global Supply Chain Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Global Communications Ã¢â¬Â¢Â Partner &amp; Asset Protection
Â 
As a result of these organizational changes, some partners may have new roles or new managers.Â 
Â 
Partner Care and Support As I said earlier in this communication, while these decisions were necessary to move our business forward, I fully recognize the personal and professional impacts these actions have on individual partners, and we are committed to making the transitions as smooth as possible.
Â 
Once again, I would like to thank all of our dedicated and passionate partners for their numerous contributions to the company.
Â 
Onward,
Â 
Howard Â

STARBUCKS MAKES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE - Starbucks Stories

STARBUCKS MAKES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES TO ENHANCE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Realignment of U.S. Field Operations and Consolidation of Support Functions to Allow Company to Best Execute Transformation Agenda

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/starbucks-makes-organizational-changes-to-enhance-customer-experience/

Dear Partners, Since I returned as ceo six weeks ago, we have experienced a lot of change in a very short period with our renewed focus on the customer experience and the return to our core all things coffee – as evidenced by our decision to discontinue warmed breakfast sandwiches in U.S. stores by the end of Fiscal '08; unprecedented Art of Espresso three-hour training for U.S. store partners on February 26; free WiFi for partners and customers beginning in the Spring, and more to come. I hope you view these changes as positively as I do. Together, we have created a blueprint to transform the company, and I sincerely appreciate all that you have done and will continue to do every day on behalf of Starbucks.

I pledged to communicate with you about our efforts to improve the current state of our U.S. Business, reignite the emotional attachment with our customers and make foundational changes to our business; and I have done so in six previous emails. However, this is my most difficult communication to date.

As I have mentioned in previous communications, in order to reinvigorate our company we must continually analyze and review every part of our company operations. This rigorous look at our business will ensure that we are managing and optimizing our resources as effectively as we can in order to improve the Starbucks Experience.

We realize that we are operating in an intensely challenging environment, one in which our customers and partners have extremely high expectations of Starbucks. And we have to step up to the challenge of being strategic as well as nimble as our business evolves. Unfortunately, we have not been organized in a manner that allows us to have a laser focus on the customer. Over the last several weeks, we conducted a thorough organizational analysis, which was, at times, very emotional and extremely stressful. But as I sit at my desk and think about my responsibility to over 170,000 partners and their families who rely on me and others to preserve and enhance our company, I know that I am responsible for ensuring the success of the company for the long term, which means that difficult decisions must be made. Personally, I continue to struggle with the outcome, because I realize how painful it will be for some partners.

As the result of our review, which was done with great thoughtfulness and respect for everyone concerned, organizational changes have been made. These changes will restructure the company, but they will also result in a decrease of both the number of positions and partners by approximately 600. This total includes the elimination of existing positions and open headcount, as well as the reduction of our current workforce. Within this context, approximately 220 partners have separated from the company. Nearly all were U.S. partners serving in non-retail support roles. We are thankful and proud of the contributions our departing partners have made, and we are committed to treating them with respect and dignity.

Today, we are announcing the following modifications to our organizational structure that are designed to strengthen our focus on the customer in our U.S. field operations, and centralize and/or consolidate many of our support functions to drive functional excellence and reduce redundancies:

Effective Monday, February 25, the U.S. field organization will begin transitioning from two divisions to four, with full implementation completed by March 24. The new divisions are: Western/Pacific, Northwest/Mountain, Southeast/Plains and Northeast/Atlantic. Not only will this organizational structure create more capacity for our field teams, it will enable the company to align our leaders closer to our customers and partners. This will ensure a stronger level of support in partner development, coaching and accountability in the field. Establishing a customer-centric field support structure in the U.S. Business enables our field teams to focus on our partners, customers and our coffee.

Each division will be led by a senior vice president, reporting directly to the U.S. president. Within each division, partners supporting Store Development, Marketing, Partner Resources and Finance will report directly to their respective functions while still being accountable for results at the divisional level. These teams are being centralized to create an infrastructure with global span, capability and effectiveness. Senior leaders in the U.S. Business will provide specifics in their individual team Town Hall meetings that will be held later today.

The reorganizations of Starbucks support functions are designed to consolidate functional activities into teams that have a shared vision and goals to support the business. The following support functions are being reorganized and/or consolidated:

core/list

As a result of these organizational changes, some partners may have new roles or new managers. Senior leaders in these areas will provide specifics to partners in their individual team Town Hall meetings that will be held later today.

Partner Care and Support

As I said earlier in this communication, while these decisions were necessary to move our business forward, I fully recognize the personal and professional impacts these actions have on individual partners, and we are committed to making the transitions as smooth as possible.

Once again, I would like to thank all of our dedicated and passionate partners for their numerous contributions to the company.

Howard Schultz Transformation Agenda Communication #7 - Starbucks Stories

Howard Schultz Transformation Agenda Communication #7

Dear Partners,Since I returned as ceo six weeks ago, we have experienced a lot of change in a very short period with our renewed focus on the customer experience and the return to our core all things coffee – as evidenced by our decision to discontinue warmed breakfast sandwiches in U.S. stores by the end […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2008/howard-schultz-transformation-agenda-communication-7/

Company News

Company News - Starbucks Stories

Home

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/company-news/

English

Every day, across the globe, our partners support the communities in our stores and the neighborhoods we are a part of. From open mic nights to service projects to spreading messages of hope, we are making our communities stronger.

Community

We are rooted in our mission to nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection. We are committed to creating environments where everyone is welcome and belongs. Updated July 2024

Inclusion & Diversity

We believe in creating meaningful opportunities for our partners—investing in their health, well-being and success. Putting them first and creating a culture where everyone is welcome.

Opportunity

People in Coffee

The Starbucks Foundation’s mission is to strengthen humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster.

The Starbucks Foundation

Our aspiration is to be people positive—investing in humanity and the well-being of everyone we connect with, from our partners to coffee farmers to the customers in our stores and beyond.

People

Planet

Coffee is at our heart, inspiring our craft and driving innovation—in our drinks, our food, our stores and new ways we bring the Starbucks experience to you wherever you are.

Beverages & Food

From the original third place to the latest kinds of Starbucks stores and ways to get your order to your favorite merchandise and more, we’re all about connecting and meeting you where you are.

Customer Experience

From how you order to how we brew and more, we’re obsessed with finding the newest ways to make things better and easier for our partners and customers.