Overview

• Starbucks has begun rolling out its Green Apron Service model across roughly 11,000 U.S. company-operated stores with a target of fulfilling every custom drink within four minutes.
• The SmartQ algorithmic order-sequencing technology is being deployed to prevent mobile orders from delaying customers who place orders inside the café.
• Management is investing over $500 million in additional labor hours over the next year to staff peak demand periods and support the new service standards.
• The chain plans to sunset 80–90 mobile-only pickup locations in fiscal 2026 and convert many into full-service coffeehouses to reinforce the in-store experience.
• Barista strikes and protests over new dress-code rules have accompanied the rollout as analysts maintain close scrutiny after six straight quarters of same-store sales declines.