Starbucks Announces 300 Corporate Layoffs and Regional Office Closures in U.S.

Brian Niccol became CEO in 2024 and launched a “Back to Starbucks” turnaround targeting faster service, more seating and higher barista staffing. The plan already cut nearly 2,000 corporate roles in 2023-24 and closed hundreds of underperforming stores across North America and Europe.

CNBC

On May 15, 2026, Starbucks announced 300 U.S. corporate job eliminations and the closure of four regional support offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Burbank, California. The cuts affect marketing, HR and supply-chain functions and spare all coffeehouse staff. Restructuring charges total $400 million.

New York Times

The layoff package involves 300 jobs and $400 million in restructuring costs: $120 million cash severance and $280 million asset impairment. U.S. same-store sales for locations open >= 1 year rose 7.1 % in the quarter ending March 29, with a 4.3 % rise in transactions. Quarterly revenue hit $9.5 billion, up 9 % YoY. About 9,000 U.S. non-retail workers and 5,000 international staff were employed as of September 2025. A Nashville office will host up to 2,000 employees within five years.

Reuters

Starbucks called the moves “further action under the Back to Starbucks strategy, sharpening focus, reducing complexity and lowering costs.” CEO Brian Niccol said the firm must sustain momentum, achieve repeatable results and keep a “healthy cost structure that supports profitable growth.” A review of the international corporate organization could trigger more cuts. The board also approved an incentive plan that could award up to $6 million to each top executive if cost-cutting targets are met by 2027.

Reuters

Wall Street analysts warned the 7.1 % sales rise may partly reflect weak-store closures and noted operating-profit margins have fallen nearly 50 % since the turnaround began. They doubt the $400 million restructuring will be offset by savings amid tariff-driven price pressure.

New York Times

Company filings list 9,000 U.S. non-retail workers, while earlier statements gave a different number, prompting a correction. Executives tout strong top-line growth, yet independent data show profit margins have dropped by roughly half, creating a gap. The timeline for further international cuts is undefined.

Reuters

• “Our focus now is on sustaining our momentum and making our results repeatable and durable, all while delivering a healthy cost structure that supports profitable growth,” — Brian Niccol, CEO

Starbucks to lay off 300 US corporate workers and close regional offices

• “We are taking further action under the Back to Starbucks strategy, building on our strong business momentum and working to return the company to durable, profitable growth,” — Starbucks spokesperson

CNBC

• “These choices are never easy — especially here at home — but they’re an important part of focusing on what we do best and delivering on our Back to Starbucks strategy,” — Jaci Anderson, Starbucks spokesperson

MyNorthwest

• “The Nashville office will be a complement to our global and North America headquarters in Seattle, where we will maintain a large presence,” — Sara Kelly, Chief Partner Officer

MyNorthwest