Starbucks has always been the classic coffee chain we all know and love. You can pretty much assume there will be one within 5 minutes of all college campuses. But over the past week, the coffee chain has announced several changes, and one of them might be the iconic name itself (trust me, I gasped too). Here’s what we know so far about the name change and the reduction of menu items.
Is Starbucks changing its name?
After taking over as the company’s new CEO in September of 2024, Brian Niccol has made it his mission to model Starbucks as a new and improved ‘community coffeehouse.’ For him, this begins with a new spin on the classic name that has been around for generations. Whether you refer to it as ‘starbs,’ ‘starbies,’ or just plain ‘Starbucks,’ you might want to start adding ‘The Starbucks Coffee Company’ to your vocabulary.
On January 26, customers began to notice the new name appearing on the Starbucks app, the home website link, and in some of the company’s new TV commercials. Niccol has also used the name in interviews as he discusses a promise to return to Starbucks’ original identity as a warm and inviting coffeehouse for customers everywhere.
In a message on the Starbucks website, he writes, “We’re focusing on what has always set Starbucks apart – a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas.”
Is the Starbucks menu changing too?
In addition to a name change, the Starbucks menu will also be getting a facelift.
Although there have not been any specific items named, Niccol confirmed that around one-third of beverages and food will be taken off of the regular menu.
In a statement he shared with People, Niccol said that he hopes this will leave space for new items and opportunities that customers can fall in love with. (Let’s hope they don’t take away my Strawberry Acai Lemonade.)
What else can we expect from this Starbucks makeover?
As a part of the revamp, Starbucks has already implemented different features to perk up the coffee house ambiance.
The condiment bar is up and running across different locations in case customers need to add an extra splash of cream or sweetener to their desired beverage.
Don’t forget that if you order ‘for here’ at your local Starbucks, you also have a new choice of your coffee, tea, or specialty drink to be served in a ceramic coffee mug or glass cup. Customers also have the new option to bring in their own reusable cup or tumbler which their beverage will also be served in.
After ordering, you will also remain eligible for free refills of Starbucks signature iced and hot coffees, or hot and iced teas to enjoy for the rest of your visit.