Recent events
Recent events tied to this brand in public sources.
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2026
Starbucks settles North Hollywood customer’s lawsuit
A customer settled his negligence lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging that hot liquid spilled onto his lap after a drive-thru drink was handed to him with an unsecured lid. The settlement terms were not disclosed.
2026
Starbucks reportedly working with advisers on takeover proposal for Chipotle
The Financial Times reported on Oct. 8, 2026, that Starbucks has been working with advisers in recent months on a takeover proposal for Chipotle Mexican Grill; the deal is unconfirmed and it is unclear whether Starbucks will pursue it. The report sent Chipotle stock up about 6% on Thursday while Starbucks shares fell slightly. A Starbucks spokesperson said the company does not comment on rumors and speculation, and Chipotle did not immediately respond to a request for comment; analysts viewed the odds of a completed deal as relatively low.
2026
Starbucks launches unusually small storefronts in new company growth plan
Starbucks is launching unusually small storefronts as part of a new company growth plan, as reported by KCENTV.com.
2026
Starbucks opens two stores in Xinjiang
Starbucks opened two stores in Urumqi, marking the brand's entry into Xinjiang amid criticism from U.S. lawmakers over human-rights and forced-labor concerns in the region.
2026
Proposed class-action lawsuit filed against Starbucks over 'sugar-free' protein drinks
A proposed class-action lawsuit was filed on Oct. 2, 2026 in federal court in Washington state by three consumers who bought the drinks in California, New York and Washington, alleging that Starbucks' "sugar-free" protein beverages contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti-sized serving and that no reasonable consumer would expect a drink labeled "sugar-free" to contain that amount. The suit targets eight hot and iced protein beverages, including the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte and protein matcha drinks, and asks the court to stop Starbucks from using "sugar-free" on products containing sugar. Starbucks is disputing the allegations, saying the claims have no merit, that it has consistently provided nutrition information, and that the sugar comes naturally from protein-boosted milk while sugar-free syrups are used for flavoring.
2026
US congressman demands Starbucks close its first stores in China's Xinjiang
A US congressman publicly demanded that Starbucks close its first stores in China's Xinjiang region, as reported by Reuters. No company response is stated in the source.
2026
Starbucks plans store closures across North America
Starbucks plans to close stores across North America, while its locations in Wyoming are set to remain open under the plan.
2026
Starbucks to close about 250 North American cafes in latest round of turnaround closures
Starbucks announced on Thursday, September 24, 2026 that it will close about 250 underperforming cafes in North America, roughly 1% of its more than 18,000 locations in the region, as part of its turnaround under CEO Brian Niccol. For fiscal 2026 the company now projects 440 net new cafe openings, down from its prior outlook of 600 to 650, and expects about $300 million in restructuring charges, including about $200 million for early lease exits and employee separation benefits and about $100 million in noncash disposal and impairment charges. Most closures are expected before the end of fiscal 2026.
2026
Starbucks announces layoffs of more than 200 employees
Starbucks filed a notice on Thursday that it plans to lay off more than 200 workers, saying the cuts stem from a previously announced reorganization and are not part of a new restructuring. Most of the layoffs are expected to impact the coffeehouse and design teams, and affected workers reportedly include employees who declined offers to keep their jobs by moving to Nashville, Tennessee.
2026
Starbucks sued over hot tea spill injuries at San Diego store
Oil-and-gas executive Vladimir Podlipskiy, 63, sued Starbucks in San Diego Superior Court on June 24, alleging that a hot tea served with an unsecured lid on a wobbly table spilled on his lap and genitals, causing catastrophic burns and debilitating nerve damage; the case was removed to San Diego federal court on August 6, and Starbucks denied the allegations in an August 6 answer.
2022
Starbucks cuts back UK sales of Fairtrade coffee
Starbucks is cutting back on the amount of Fairtrade coffee it sells in the UK, a move described in the article as a blow to the Fairtrade Foundation.
2022
Starbucks adjusts prices for some drinks and food
Starbucks adjusted the prices of some drinks and food. Its customer service said the pricing was based on a comprehensive assessment of operating costs and other factors.
2022
Starbucks raised prices on selected items in mainland China
Starbucks raised prices on selected beverages and food items at its mainland China stores by about 1–2 yuan; packaged coffee beans and merchandise were excluded. Starbucks said pricing considered operating costs and other factors.
2022
Starbucks faces backlash over Chongqing store incident
Starbucks faced criticism in China after a report that staff at a Chongqing store told police officers eating outside to move away went viral. Starbucks apologized for inappropriate communications, called the incident a misunderstanding, and denied that staff chased away police officers or tried to file complaints against them.
2022
Starbucks and Uber Eats offer 50% off
Starbucks partnered with Uber Eats to offer 50% off Starbucks orders placed through Uber Eats on February 14.
2022
Starbucks announces further price increases for 2022
Starbucks announced plans to raise product prices again in 2022, with further increases expected in the coming months. The article says the company attributed the planned increases to rising inflation and labor-related costs.
2022
Starbucks partners with Meituan in China
Starbucks entered into a partnership with Meituan that allows customers in China to order coffee delivery through Meituan's platform. The companies also planned private coffee tastings and coffee-making sessions at Starbucks stores, and Starbucks said its stores would have pages on Meituan's platforms by the end of the year.
2022
Starbucks’ upgraded delivery service goes live on Meituan
Starbucks’ upgraded “专星送” service went live nationwide on Meituan delivery, offering dedicated discounts, linked membership benefits, dedicated delivery and customized ordering. Starbucks Reserve coffee products also became available through the service for the first time.
2022
Starbucks delivery service appears on Meituan
Starbucks' Starbucks Delivers service was reported live on Meituan's delivery platform in China, with the platforms' membership systems connected.
2022
Starbucks workers walk out over workplace safety concerns
Employees at a Starbucks store in Buffalo walked off the job, saying they lacked the staff and resources to work safely amid rising COVID-19 cases. Starbucks closed the store for the day. Starbucks Workers United accused the company of prioritizing profits over workers; a Starbucks spokesperson said the company had met and exceeded CDC and expert guidelines and offered vaccine and isolation pay.