Starbucks to Close 250 North American Coffeehouses

On September 24, leaders at Starbucks decided to close approximately 250 North America coffeehouses, according to the company news page.

The store closures will account for roughly 1% of its more than 18,000 US and Canada locations, as part of its "Back to Starbucks" turnaround strategy.

QSR Tech Expectations Rise as Nearly All Consumers Weigh Digital Experience

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in where consumers choose to eat, but new research from Canopy suggests quick-service restaurants have little room for error as digital touchpoints become more embedded in the customer experience.

Canopy’s 2026 Restaurant Tech Report: Add Sauce, Hold the Friction, based on a survey of 1,007 US consumers, found that technology now influences dining choices for 94% of respondents, up from 80% in 2025. At the same time, 37% said they have abandoned an order because...

Starbucks Divests Chinese Business to Boyu Capital; Invests in US Operations and Personnel

On April 2, Starbucks Coffee Company leaders divested 60% of their business in China to local firm, Boyu Capital, according to a press release. On the same day, company leaders announced investment in US employees with an incentive package aimed at positioning Starbucks employment as the “most competitive total compensation and benefits packages in the industry,” read the separate release. 

In terms of the deal in China, the “joint venture oversees approximately 8,000 company-operated coffeehouses today, which will transition to a licensed operating model..."

Starbucks Divests Majority of China Operations to Boyu Capital

On November 3, Starbucks sold up to 60% of the company’s retail operations in China to investment firm Boyu Capital, according to a financial release from the global coffee chain which values their Chinese business to exceed $13 billion. 

“Under the agreement, Boyu and Starbucks will operate a joint venture with Boyu holding a up to 60% interest in Starbucks retail operations in China,” read the release...