Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol doesn't expect AI to replace baristas as the coffee chain focuses on improving the "human-to-human experience" for customers.

Brian Niccol took over as Starbucks' CEO in August 2024, as the coffee chain struggled with weak demand for its pricey lattes in the U.S. and contemplated selling a stake in its China division. His turnaround strategy is predicated on cutting costs and enticing customers with a more welcoming coffeehouse experience - a campaign Niccol calls "Back to Starbucks.

SEATTLE — “We set a plan, we’re working the plan, and the plan is working.” Those were the words Brian Niccol, chief executive officer of Starbucks Corp., chose to summarize what was a challenging year for the Seattle-based company.

Starbucks' same-store sales recently turned positive after six straight quarters of declines, which CEO Brian Niccol says shows the company's comeback plan is working. The company aims to win back customers by serving them quickly and making cafes a calmer, more inviting place to spend time.

Starbucks faces renewed restructuring as CEO Brian Niccol looks into more layoffs in 2026 to drive efficiency.

We recently published 10 Stocks Moving on Buzzing News as Analyst Issues Strong Warning About AI Valuations. Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) is one of the stocks moving on buzzing news. Theotrade‬’s Don Kaufman said in a recent program on Schwab Network that he is bullish on Starbucks.

Starbucks introduced protein cold foam and protein-infused lattes in September. The options are helping win over some infrequent Starbucks customers.

Under CEO Brian Niccol's leadership, the company has implemented a turnaround strategy focused on bringing the coffee chain back to its roots.

Starbucks, now under Brian Niccol, we’re slightly more than a year into his tenure, and after some fits and starts, this morning on Squawk on the Street, he told me that he’s finally ahead of