Cafes News & Analysis

Starbucks (SBUX) to close 250 stores as part of turnaround plan

Starbucks (SBUX) announced it will close about 250 underperforming cafes, representing about 1% of its North American locations, as it undergoes a business revamp under CEO Brian Niccol. This marks the second round of closures in his two-year tenure. The company has also reduced its net new openings forecast for fiscal 2026, projecting 440 new cafes compared to an earlier estimate of 600 to 650. Starbucks expects to incur approximately $300 million in restructuring charges related to these closures. This matters for investors as it reflects ongoing operational adjustments and a shift in growth strategy amid changing financial performance expectations.