The trip to Shanghai and Beijing was Narasimhan’s first visit outside of North America since he became chief executive officer of Starbucks on March 20.

Following a string of mass shootings, Starbucks ceo Howard Schultz sat down with partners in Seattle to discuss the importance of wellbeing, community and the evolving Third Place.

Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson, senior vice presidents of U.S. operations, shared this letter to Starbucks partners on creating a safe, welcoming and kind third place.