“I want future generations to feel worthy and accepted,” said June, a Starbucks barista who came out at age 58.&nbsp;

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When June retired from a long civilian career with the U.S. Navy in 2015, she felt a mix of relief and uncertainty about her pending third act. That same year, at the age of 58, she also decided to come out to family and friends as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I have described the feeling to my inner circle as being able to finally breathe and go out into the world without fear, shame or apology,” June, who identifies as non-binary and prefers she or they pronouns, wrote in a social media post at the time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For June, now a Starbucks partner (employee), Pride Month is a special time to remember what it means to live her truth. “I just want people to feel comfortable in their own skin. I do celebrate in June. We put our little flag out in the yard. We do mostly just quiet things,” she says.&nbsp;

Coming out later in life was not without its difficulties. June faced some backlash, but the support from her family was unwavering.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"My family’s very accepting and supportive. My ex-husband and I are still good friends,” she says. “We have a son together and a granddaughter. It's been a blessing.”&nbsp;

Eight years ago, June married the love of her life, Vera. While the two enjoy time to travel and relax, June found she wasn’t ready to stop working just yet.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“I got kind of bored being at home all the time,” she admits. “My wife noticed I was getting a bit grouchy and suggested I get another job to stay active.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

At the time, June’s teenage grandchild, Equi, helped her name those feelings: “They said, ‘I think you’re missing people.’ So I said, ‘You know what? I think you’re right.’”&nbsp;

In 2019, on a whim, June stopped by her local Starbucks near Jacksonville, Florida. She got hired on the spot. Shortly after, Equi, who also identifies as non-binary, joined their “mimi” behind the bar as a barista. For two years, the pair overlapped in the same store and found a new family.&nbsp;

"What brought me here was the need to get out and be more sociable. What keeps me here are the connections I make with my customers, my partners, and my boss,” June says.

‘A Gen Z mind trapped in a boomer’s body’&nbsp;

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&nbsp;A longtime athlete who enjoys swimming and cycling and even ran the Boston Marathon twice, June smiles every time she’s asked about keeping up with so many younger partners.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m a Gen Z mind trapped in a boomer’s body,” she often jokes. “I love the energy and the optimism of my Gen Z partners. They give me hope for the future.”&nbsp;

Those youthful colleagues also inspired June to pursue the college degree she had put off for years. Through the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/starbucks-college-achievement-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks College Achievement Plan</a> (SCAP), which covers 100% tuition upfront for partners to earn a bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University, June took online classes while working part-time. Despite her own initial doubts and difficult courses that nearly derailed her at times, she found a way to thrive by leveraging the support provided by SCAP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“The academic advisors and financial coaches were amazing. There was always someone to help me out.”

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In early May, June was among more than 1,000 partners to graduate from ASU, recieving her degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. Choosing her area of study was a no-brainer. She wants young people to have the knowledge and resources that she never had.&nbsp;

“I want to support LGBTQ+ youth next as a volunteer. Many get kicked out of their homes for being gay, which I can’t wrap my mind around,” she says. “They need our support because we’re here to stay. I want future generations to feel worthy and accepted.”&nbsp;

A place for partners to ‘be their most genuine self’&nbsp;

Drawing from nearly seven decades of lived experiences and a long career in a completely different sector, June also embraces the chance to help her younger partners to think long term and leverage the wide range of company benefits available to them even as part-time workers, from SCAP and health benefits to gender-affirming care, family expansion support and especially the Starbucks Future Roast 401(k) Savings Plan (“I tell them to save! It adds up so quickly and is just compounding. Like magic. Please do it.”)&nbsp;

In turn, June’s partners can’t say enough how much they appreciate her wisdom and presence.&nbsp;

Store manager Chris adds that it’s June’s authenticity and ability to listen that make her stand out. She personifies the company’s promise to be a bridge to a better future, as well as a welcoming place where every partner “feels they can be their most genuine self,” Chris says. &nbsp;

“Customers come from across the city just to come to the store to see June. June’s a celebrity in the store and we’re very fortunate to have them just to make every day a little bit better for the partners and customers.”&nbsp;

Recently named partner of the quarter, June says she’s feeling a bit embarrassed by all attention, but she was excited to represent the LGBTQIA+ community at ASU’s spring graduation. Equi and Vera accompanied her to Tempe, Arizona for the ceremony.&nbsp;

It was a bittersweet reunion, as June had to return to Florida after the ceremony to begin yet another unexpected journey: chemotherapy for stage IV cancer. While she’s a well-known fixture in store and part of countless customers’ daily rituals, something many may not know is that over the past two years, June has continued working and studying through the diagnosis.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I feel fine. I get a little tired once in a while, but I’m able to eat, I’m able to go to work, I can exercise,” she says. “I'm learning to live in the moment.”&nbsp;

Her partners in her store continue to lift her spirits, she said. When her hair began to fall out recently from treatment, shift supervisor Jake and store manager Chris shocked everyone by shaving their heads in solidarity.&nbsp;&nbsp;

June shared a photo of the trio via text with a simple caption: “I love my Starbucks family! Makes my journey much easier.”&nbsp;

They clearly love her, too, and are grateful that the 68-year-old plans to stay at Starbucks as long as she can.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have a diverse group of people working here, so June makes sure everybody feels included, everybody’s taken care of,” says Jake, shift supervisor at her store. “She’s 100% locked in with the community that she obviously represents. … June’s the best.”&nbsp;

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Starbucks partner June’s journey to Pride: How a retired baby boomer found joy and acceptance in a Gen Z world - Starbucks Stories

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Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

Starbucks Stories

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Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks partner June’s journey to Pride: How a retired baby boomer found joy and acceptance in a Gen Z world

For June, a Starbucks partner (employee) and recent graduate through Starbucks College Achievement Program, Pride Month is a special time to remember what it means to live her truth.

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2024/starbucks-partner-junes-journey-to-pride-how-a-retired-baby-boomer-found-joy-and-acceptance-in-a-gen-z-world/

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When muralist and illustrator artist Sofie Birkin first began to sketch her designs for the new collection of Starbucks drinkware through the Artist Collaboration program, she wanted to create moments that feel both genuine and relatable. “I’m a queer artist, and I like to make things that feel very empowering and democratic to a wide breadth of people,” Birkin said. “I hope people will see it and immediately recognize that this is by us and for us.” 

Birkin’s collection is the latest offering in Starbucks Artist Collaboration program, which celebrates and elevates the voices and stories of artists from around the world. Her hot and cold tumblers will be available in Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada starting May 28, while supplies last. 

She often creates meaningful moments with LGBTQIA2+ (also known as 2LSBGTQI+ in Canada) characters in her work, which includes an immersive installation at Denver’s Meow Wolf Convergence Station and the U.K. Royal Mail’s first collection of Pride stamps. “I really like to illustrate human connection,” Birkin said. “The unifying theme is that I just really like to show the ways that people are with each other.”&nbsp;

She also brings a love of color and kitsch to her collection. “My house is filled with tiny, delightful things,” she said. “I like to create something that someone can hold and enjoy every time they look at it. I hope the collection can bring a little bit of that to people.”&nbsp;

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Building a culture of inclusion&nbsp;

Since the beginning, Starbucks partners (employees) have informed and inspired our allyship with the LGBTQIA2+ community. Starbucks is proud to support and celebrate <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/pride/?utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=pride24_20240501&amp;utm_term=starbucks%20pride&amp;utm_matchtype=e&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwxeyxBhC7ARIsAC7dS39fufqGV3iNq53Tb2mQo_y2Y51HH-hOKjiHGG9YC1BTDrIpk9A76rwaApvLEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LGBTQIA2+ partners and communities</a> every day – from offering inclusive health coverage, to partner-inspired community investments, to advocating in support of civil rights and equality. The company also works with non-profit organizations to provide resources to partners and support allyship and has awarded more than $1.5 million from The Starbucks Foundation in the United States and Canada since 2019 to support LGBTQIA2+ organizations.&nbsp;

Learn more about Starbucks support of LGBTQIA2+ community in U.S.

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Learn more about Starbucks support of 2SLBTQI community in Canada

Muralist and illustrator Sofie Birkin’s collection is the latest offering in Starbucks Artist Collaboration program, available in Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada starting May 28.

‘By us and for us:’ New Starbucks merch inspired by LGBTQ+ community  - Starbucks Stories

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‘By us and for us:’ New Starbucks merch inspired by LGBTQ+ community 

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2024/by-us-and-for-us-new-starbucks-merch-inspired-by-lgbtq-community/

For Starbucks partners who may not initially qualify for admission to Arizona State University through the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/starbucks-college-achievement-plan/">Starbucks College Achievement Plan</a>, Pathway to Admission offers the ability to work toward admission, with credit conversion costs fully covered.

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Since 2017, more than 3,500 Starbucks partners seeking a college degree have been admitted to Arizona State University (ASU) through a program called Pathway to Admission. &nbsp;

Pathway to Admission was created in response to learning that one in five partners who applied to ASU were not initially admissible due to past academic history. This first-of-its-kind expansion of the Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) gives every eligible partner the opportunity to earn their first-time bachelor’s degree.&nbsp;

The support – at every step of the way – includes personalized course plans, dedicated coaches, flexible learning to help the transition back into college and credit conversion costs fully covered. &nbsp;

“We hear from partners across the U.S. how Pathway to Admission was a game-changer for their degree trajectory,” said Becky Frisch, SCAP program manager. “Pathway to Admission provides partners the ability to redefine themselves as students, while building confidence and raising their grades one course at a time.” &nbsp;

Read on to learn about three SCAP graduates who used Pathway to Admission:&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zach, store manager, Tennessee

Zach joined Starbucks nearly 10 years ago after a rough period in his life. He’d attended college out of high school but ended up dropping out and getting an associate’s degree.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As his retail career thrived, his mentor and manager encouraged him to consider completing his bachelor’s degree through SCAP. Zach began the process in 2018 but delayed, focusing instead on his promotion to store manager. Then a second child arrived. He was ready to give up for good, but his mentor and friends would not let him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I’m not a risk taker, but you can’t play it safe all the time, and you can't wait for the perfect time for everything,” he said. “Of course, there are exceptions. However, if you’re just battling inside yourself, then now is the right time.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2021, he decided to reapply and was offered Pathway to Admission. He took three courses as part of a personalized plan and eventually gained admission.&nbsp;

“I think it’s absolutely genius,” Zach said. “Show us that you can do it and you’re in, this is your opportunity to commit to yourself to get something that you want. Once I got that wrapped around my head of why I was offered Pathway to Admission, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s fine. I got this. Let’s go.’”&nbsp;

One class a session turned into more classes the next, and he did well enough to earn his admission into Arizona State University. &nbsp;

“I hadn’t been to school in a very long time. Life is much more complicated now than it was then. Now I have two children. I was trying to find that balance,” he said. “And I don't know if it’s just a mindset change, but school was very easy this time around. I think it’s just because of where I was at mentally. That was my focus. I had my family, I had my work, I had my school, and I was really able to balance those things.”

In May, Zach graduated with a degree in Urban Planning. He credits his wife with supporting his goals and managing their kids so he could get through his coursework. In a family where nearly everyone else has graduated from college, a large group traveled to Tempe, Arizona, with Zach to celebrate his achievement together.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Back home in Tennessee, he is excited to support five partners in his store going through SCAP. He encourages them to fully utilize the coaching support that Starbucks and ASU provide to all eligible part-and-full-time partners to navigate circumstances ranging from academic to financial. &nbsp;

And to anyone who is worried about not being admitted for any reason, he has a final piece of advice: “Starbucks and Arizona State University have provided this pathway, this option, where a ‘no’ is not a no. If going to college is what you want, you have the opportunity to make it happen.”&nbsp;

Jim, barista, North Carolina&nbsp;

Jim tried college several times before, but never finished more than a class or two before other priorities got in the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;

One of his biggest obstacles? Math. He’d failed algebra in middle school and high school, and it became a deterrent and a fear.&nbsp;

When he joined Starbucks 9 years ago, he found out about SCAP and decided to apply – motivated to be a better role model for his fiancé’s daughters and to make his parents proud.

“I’m the youngest of five in my family; I was the only one that didn’t finish college,” Jim said. “I always felt that pressure on me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Several semesters in the Pathway to Admission program helped Jim adjust to his new work-life-school balance and create a plan for success. Jim officially enrolled at ASU in 2019. Slow and steady, he worked on his degree in information technology, taking a class or two at a time while working full-time at Starbucks and running a computer repair business on the side. He utilized math tutors, and some of his co-workers even helped him with the subject. &nbsp; &nbsp;

“Math went from being my worst subject to my best and favorite,” Jim said.

He finished with a 3.93 GPA and earned an A in all four of his math classes (including Calculus 2), graduating Summa Cum Laude. He is currently applying for IT and data analyst roles. A Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/the-coveted-starbucks-coffee-master-black-aprons-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coffee Master</a>, he was also selected to attend the Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/people-in-coffee/2023/photo-essay-partners-visit-costa-rica-for-the-2023-origin-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Origin Experience in Costa Rica in 2023</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I tell the partners at work that my biggest regret was delaying it for so long,” Jim said. “That’s what I tell everybody, don’t let age be a factor. I put my fears in front of me for so long. It was a 20-plus year journey. I proved myself wrong. If I passed those math classes with As, I can do anything. That’s how I feel.”

Genece, district manager, California&nbsp;&nbsp;

Genece started working as a barista when she was 30 years old, a single parent looking for health benefits for her two kids. She’d thought about college after high school, and studying to be a nurse, but set that aside when she became a mother.&nbsp;

Fifteen years later, she’s a Starbucks district manager in California, having earned a college degree with honors in organizational leadership. Genece’s daughter, inspired by her mother, also enrolled in SCAP and graduated a few months later.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have redefined some generational history and we get to rewrite our own stories in life,” said Genece, whose parents didn’t attend college. “Starbucks is not only a job for me, but also a deeply personal journey that has helped shape who I am as a person and has given me opportunities I never even dreamed of.”&nbsp;

When she thinks back to the beginning of her college journey, Genece recalls how it all began with the Pathway to Admission program.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I had been out of school for so long, they wanted my transcripts. I couldn't get ahold of those. And I was like, you know what? Let me just start from the beginning, and that's where they explained what the Pathway program was. I was like, let me just navigate this one class. I took that one class, and I was like, ‘This isn't that bad.’ I had to take four classes in Pathways total. I kept testing myself and having the courage to do a little bit more, and I was like, okay, I think I can do this.&nbsp;

“I wanted a better life for myself and my kids; that was really the motivation,” Genece said. “I knew I had to get better for me in order for them to be able to be better for themselves. I knew it had to start with me… I know my story will inspire one person out there. Don’t let fear get in your way. Don’t limit yourself. Don’t ever limit yourself.”

More about Pathway to Admission&nbsp;

Starbucks college admission program helps partners bridge to a better future, no matter the road they take - Starbucks Stories

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Starbucks college admission program helps partners bridge to a better future, no matter the road they take

For Starbucks partners who may not initially qualify for admission to Arizona State University through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, Pathway to Admission offers the ability to work toward admission, with credit conversion costs fully covered.

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2024/starbucks-college-admission-program-helps-partners-bridge-to-a-better-future-no-matter-the-road-they-take/

This month, more than 1,000 Starbucks partners (employees) representing 47 states graduated from Arizona State University through the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/starbucks-college-achievement-plan/">Starbucks College Achievement Plan</a>.

Hundreds of graduates traveled to Tempe with their family and friends to celebrate this milestone achievement, enjoying festivities tailored just for partners who proudly wear the green apron.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the photos below show, every graduate has a unique story to share about the journey to earning their first college degree.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throw Your Cap Winners&nbsp;&nbsp;

Every graduation, Starbucks holds a contest for graduates to share their SCAP story. This year, three partners were selected to earn a company-paid trip to Arizona. Congratulations to the latest Throw Your Cap winners: academic standout Kalyn Denton, baby boomer June Walker-Tillett and star store manager Selene Leong.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Graduation By the Numbers&nbsp;&nbsp;

On May 6, hundreds of SCAP graduates walked the field for spring commencement. Did you know that 90 percent of this year’s class are retail hourly partners from Starbucks stores? This means each partner works at least 20 hours in store per week to qualify for 100% upfront tuition coverage.&nbsp;

Academic Excellence&nbsp;&nbsp;

Throw Your Cap winner Kayln Denton took an unconventional path by starting SCAP as a partner at Starbucks in 2020 before leaving to deploy with FEMA during the COVID-19 pandemic. She later returned as a barista to continue leveraging the upfront tuition benefit. Majoring in sustainability with a minor in justice studies, she had the honor of walking the stage after being named Outstanding Undergraduate from the <a href="https://collegeofglobalfutures.asu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">College of Global Futures.</a>&nbsp;

Ten years of impact and building a bridge to a better future for our partners&nbsp;

Since the start of the Starbucks College Achievement Plan in 2014, more than 13,000 partners have graduated from Arizona State University. Today, more than 25,000 partners are participating in SCAP. Once again, this year’s participants include large numbers of first-generation students looking to join the 75 percent of graduates who’ve reported career progression thanks to their degrees from ASU. And there really is no catch: Partners have zero obligation to stay with Starbucks after they matriculate. Starbucks supports and appreciates all partners who wish to balance work with learning, no matter what their dreams and aspirations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Partners celebrating – together&nbsp;&nbsp;

Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, this year’s in-person celebration took on a new level of meaning. From a festive welcome reception to an emotional open forum for families and the big walk to graduation – partners cherished the opportunity to celebrate and bond with their peers. While they may have endured many lonely nights of studying, a core theme emerged this year when partners shared stories of getting through SCAP together with the support of their friends and loved ones.&nbsp;

In the top-left photo below, Kathryn Schubert and Austin Nottingham are two barista trainers and Coffee Masters who went through the program together. Now engaged, they sealed their joint achievement with a warm embrace. In the top-right photo, partners share high-fives all around. And, in the final photo at the bottom, is another Starbucks love story unfolding as Josh Paz and Melissa Addiego linger on the field and dance. Now that they’ve graduated what will they do? Get married, of course.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Photo essay: Caps off to the class of 2024 - Starbucks Stories

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Photo essay: Caps off to the class of 2024

This month, more than 1,000 Starbucks partners (employees) representing 47 states graduated from the Starbucks College Achievement Plan through our partnership with Arizona State University.

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2024/photo-essay-caps-off-to-the-class-of-2024/

Created by Starbucks master roasters in Milan and Seattle, Starbucks Milano Duetto is one blend, expressed through two bold, contrasting roasts – a light roast, Starbucks Milano Sole, and a dark roast, Starbucks Milano Luna – highlighting the duality between tradition and innovation. &nbsp;

Unveiled for the first time exclusively at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Milano, these coffees are inspired by Milan’s rich culture of coffee, art and design.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To celebrate the launch, the Milano Roastery will offer guests immersive experiences that bring to life the intersection of coffee, art and music, and showcase the duality of light and dark. Just as art can deepen and beautifully change perceptions, Starbucks invites customers on a journey that deepens their perceptions of coffee roasting and craft. &nbsp;

At Starbucks, everything we do is fueled by the belief that coffee and culture are intertwined – unlocking rich, new experiences with every sip. While we began as a small store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market selling whole bean coffee, our cafes known worldwide today were inspired by the vibrant coffee culture of Milan, Italy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For decades, we have fused the spirit of these two places into our handcrafted beverages and store designs to connect, surprise and delight millions. The opening of the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-arrives-in-milan-italy-roastery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano</a> in 2018 in the heart of the city’s arts district was a full-circle moment that continues to spark conversations.

Even now, after more than 50 years of building expertise in coffee roasting, our master roasters are still challenging themselves to take their craft to the next level. Working together, they have created Starbucks Milano Duetto, one unique and elevated coffee blend, roasted in two distinct ways as Starbucks Milano Luna and Starbucks Milano Sole. These new limited-release, special-edition coffees will be unveiled at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano on May 21, and will be available in Starbucks stores around the world later this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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A transatlantic partnership rooted in history and a passion for craft&nbsp;

To create Starbucks Milano Duetto, Sergio and the team in Seattle collaborated with two master roasters who have their own unique stories. Thirty-four-year partner and global master roaster, Brad Anderson, known for developing the groundbreaking Pike Place® Roast, also helped open the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Milano. While there, he trained Oscar Manuel Quintana Hernandez, who would become the lead roaster in Italy.&nbsp;

Oscar started as a barista in Madrid in 2011. He was the Spanish regional coffee ambassador for Starbucks before becoming a coffee roaster in Amsterdam. In 2022, he stepped into the role as master roaster at the Reserve Roastery Milano.

“This is one of the highlights of my career as a master roaster,” said Oscar. “I truly enjoyed being able to co-create something so special and unique with the development team, and I believe both Milano Sole and Milano Luna are excellent examples of what we can achieve when we come together and collaborate.”&nbsp;

After nearly a dozen iterations, the result is something the team is excited for partners and customers to try. For the lucky few who’ve sampled the two blends side-by-side, including visitors to Miart, Milan's international modern and contemporary art fair, the early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fusing our love for art and design with human connection and cafe culture&nbsp;

Just as art can deepen and beautifully change perceptions, the Starbucks designers who created the art on the packaging for Starbucks Milano Luna and Starbucks Milano Sole wanted to invite our customers on a visual journey that deepens their perceptions of coffee roasting and craft. &nbsp;

“Creating something that is disruptive and a little bit fresh for our partners and our customers was a really exciting task for us,” said Taylor Mattson, lead art director on the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We were encouraged to think about duality and contrast. Contrast creates clarity, so the design has great contrast to visually represent the two roasts and to highlight the story of the coffee. We also wanted to ensure the essence of Milan is felt in the coffee art design,” said Yumi Reid, a senior designer for Starbucks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The artwork on the tasting cards attached to the limited-edition whole bean coffee features shapes and textures inspired by the terrazzo floor in the Reserve Roastery Milano. Designs of coffee botanicals make a meaningful connection between coffee, Starbucks and art.&nbsp;

Yumi describes these little details as “Easter egg moments, with all kinds of paintbrush, and texture, and high energy in the design.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

On a recent afternoon, Sergio met up with the two designers to taste the final Starbucks Milano Sole and Starbucks Milano Luna blends – side-by-side.&nbsp;

“This is an opportunity to create conversation around coffee, the art of roasting, and our heritage,” Sergio said. “Our hope is that after tasting these coffees, our partners and customers are inspired, and perhaps have that ‘aha’ moment that many baristas have when tasting coffee. The moment where one wants to learn more. ‘What is this? Why does it taste like this? How did this come to life?’”&nbsp;

After months of collaboration, Yumi and Taylor were delighted to smell and sip the flavors of the coffees, details they’ve now memorized by heart.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yumi said it felt like they finally put the puzzle pieces together “to tell the story behind the Starbucks Milano Duetto.”&nbsp;

They can’t wait for customers to have the same experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The special one-day event will feature artwork by Milan artists. The murals are inspired by contrast, juxtaposition, and the duality of light and dark – like day to night; sole to luna; jagged and elegant. Inside the Roastery, customers can experience a dynamic digital installation that reimagines the coffee roasting process as a mesmerizing 3D particle animation. This simulation brings the transformative journey of coffee beans to life, with particles moving and interacting in a confined space that serves as a digital window into a coffee roaster. &nbsp;

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Starbucks Milano Sole and Starbucks Milano Luna will launch in stores around the world later this year.&nbsp;

Created by Starbucks master roasters in Milan and Seattle, Starbucks Milano Duetto is one blend, expressed through two bold, contrasting roasts– a light roast, Starbucks Milano Sole, and a dark roast, Starbucks Milano Luna. Unveiled for the first time exclusively at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Milano, these coffees are inspired by Milan’s rich culture of coffee, art and design.

Starbucks Milano Duetto – an innovative ode to coffee, arts and culture - Starbucks Stories

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2024/05/SBX20240521-PA080-Duetto-Starbucks_Duo_006A.jpg

Starbucks Milano Duetto – an innovative ode to coffee, arts and culture

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2024/starbucks-milano-duetto-an-innovative-ode-to-coffee-arts-and-culture/

Created by Starbucks master roasters in Milan and Seattle, Starbucks Milano Duetto is one blend, expressed through two bold, contrasting roasts– a light roast, Starbucks Milano Sole, and a dark roast, Starbucks Milano Luna. Unveiled for the first time exclusively at the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery Milano, these coffees are inspired by Milan’s rich culture of coffee, art and design.  

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During the pandemic, artist Monyee Chau found an unusual solution to keep their cat Moro happy and out of the houseplants. It was a flower cat costume with a hood surrounded in petals from an online mystery package, and Chau found that Moro relaxed whenever he was wearing it. “We loved dressing him up, it really calmed him down being in clothes. Most of the time we put him in clothes so that he wouldn’t mess with our plants – we have so many in our house,” Chau said.&nbsp;

Finding those small moments of togetherness and everyday joy was the inspiration for Chau with the newest merchandise collection for the Starbucks Artist Collaboration Series, which celebrates the unique stories of artists from all over the world. The collection, guest-starring Moro in costume, will be available in U.S. Starbucks stores this summer to honor Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chau, who uses they and them pronouns, grew up spending time in their family seafood restaurant in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, an experience that has deeply influenced their life and art.

“Being a descendant of Chinese immigrants, a lot of my work feels like a practice of relationship and of healing,” Chau said. “It comes out in different ways of just celebrating the life I get to have and embracing all of those cultural traditions that have been really integral to building who I am.”&nbsp;

Each design is stamped with Chau’s signature, designed to look like a traditional Chinese stamp with their initials and the Chinese character for their last name as a way to honor their family. “Being raised in a seafood restaurant in Seattle has influenced that sense of togetherness – working together and celebrating together,” Chau said. “Appreciating those small moments were really illustrated in all of these vessels.”&nbsp;

Three pieces of Chau’s drinkware, which includes a 24-ounce cold cup, a 16-ounce stainless steel tumbler and a 14-ounce ceramic mug, will be available at Starbucks stores in the United States starting in May, while supplies last.

The collection’s 24-ounce cold cup depicts a comfortable home scene with two figures that represent Chau and their partner tending to a towering houseplant, while Moro the cat looks on. Hand-drawn hatch marks add a cozy fabric-like texture to the design.

While spending a couple of weeks working on a mural in a nearby Washington town, Chau brought their two cats with them. The collection’s 16-ounce stainless steel tumbler features a figure in overalls that represents the artist going out on a new adventure, with Moro along for the ride.

Moro is the star of the collection’s 14-ounce ceramic mug, wearing an expression of faux ferocity (or perhaps “fur-ocity”?), with a petal hood that looks like a lion’s mane.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Building a culture of inclusion

All year long, we are proud to celebrate the diverse experiences our partners bring to Starbucks.&nbsp; Starbucks is guided by our Mission and Values with a belief that real inclusion is not only defined by metrics – it requires intent. We’re on a journey to create an environment where everyone is welcome and feels a sense of belonging. Our culture has been built over more than 50 years by the efforts of partners dedicated to making Starbucks a different kind of company. Through their commitment to their communities and one another, we have demonstrated anything is possible when we nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection. We continue to build upon this foundation and continue to evolve to make Starbucks a truly diverse, inclusive, equitable and accessible company.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

This month, Starbucks, together with our Pan-Asian Partner Network and India Partner Network we celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.&nbsp; Centered on the theme, “The Power of Belonging and Sharing Our Cultural Values.” AANHPI Heritage Month recognizes the diverse lived experiences and vital contributions of our Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.&nbsp;

Tumber, Cold Cup and Mug on pink background

Monyee Chau’s art will be featured on the latest collection of Starbucks drinkware at participating U.S. stores this summer to honor Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

New Starbucks merch collaboration celebrates togetherness and joy in the everyday - Starbucks Stories

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New Starbucks merch collaboration celebrates togetherness and joy in the everyday

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Here you’ll find the latest summertime news and stories happening at Starbucks.

Starbucks Launches New Handcrafted Iced Energy Beverages

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New Starbucks merchandise for on-the-go summer sipping

New Starbucks merch honors disability community with a message of care

Summer’s On at Starbucks with New Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers Beverages

How Starbucks made a splash with its new (and blue!) summer drink with popping pearls

New Starbucks Merchandise to Match All the Summer Vibes&nbsp;

Summer App-y Days: A Season Full of Exciting Offers in the Starbucks App

Starbucks Reserve Locations Introduce New Vibrant Summer Coffee Cocktails, Food &amp; Merchandise Collections

2024 Starbucks summer highlights - Starbucks Stories

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2024 Starbucks summer highlights

When Simon Vuong, beverage developer for Starbucks, began to work on new recipe ideas for Starbucks summer menu, he started by getting in touch with those summertime vibes.&nbsp;

“We started out thinking about summer moments like hanging out by the pool and having a barbecue with friends. We have never had a blue beverage, but when we first created the recipe, the color really captured the feeling we were going for – reminiscent of long, summer days and bright skies for everyone to enjoy,” Vuong said.&nbsp;

For the flavor, the team chose a combination of summer berries that inspired the drink’s name with the flavors of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. 

To add a refreshing pop of flavor and color, the team added juicy raspberry flavored pearls. They drew inspiration from drinks around the world, especially East Asian beverages with boba or pearls that have been popular for decades. Starbucks stores in Asia Pacific have also tapped into the trend in recent years, offering a Dark Caramel Coffee Sphere Frappuccino® blended beverage with bursting coffee spheres and a Peach Plum Pearls Oolong with plum-flavored pearls. 

“We started with fruit pieces, but we wanted something even bolder,” said Vuong. “So, we thought, ‘Let’s put fruit-flavored pearls in the beverage and try it out.’ It’s very fun the way it delivers the flavor when it pops in your mouth.” &nbsp;

The result is the lineup of Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers beverages with hints of cool berry and bursting raspberry flavored pearls. The icy drinks are part of the new summer menu, available in U.S. stores starting May 7, for a limited time.

This latest lineup includes <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123855/iced">Summer-Berry</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123854/iced">Summer-Berry with Lemonade</a>, and <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123856/iced">Summer Skies Drink</a>, made with creamy coconutmilk. All three feature a wider green compostable straw that’s perfect for both sipping and stirring – and are sure to make a splash this summer.&nbsp;

The vibrant new Summer-Berry Starbucks Refreshers® beverages arrive in U.S. stores starting today (May 7), for a limited time.

How Starbucks made a splash with its new (and blue!) summer drink with popping pearls - Starbucks Stories

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Stories

Starbucks partner June’s journey to Pride: How a retired baby boomer found joy and acceptance in a Gen Z world

‘By us and for us:’ New Starbucks merch inspired by LGBTQ+ community

Starbucks college admission program helps partners bridge to a better future, no matter the road they take

Photo essay: Caps off to the class of 2024

Starbucks Milano Duetto – an innovative ode to coffee, arts and culture

New Starbucks merch collaboration celebrates togetherness and joy in the everyday

2024 Starbucks summer highlights

How Starbucks made a splash with its new (and blue!) summer drink with popping pearls

5 things to know about first-ever Starbucks Promises Day

New, more sustainable Starbucks cold cups are made with up to 20 percent less plastic

Find an EV Charger at Starbucks stores from Seattle to Denver

11 fun facts (and 1 surprise!) about Starbucks new collectible merch