Starbucks — page 33

monthly digest of selected news items on unit growth, investment and financial developments, international expansion, people, and milestones attained by franchisors large, medium, and emerging.

Nation's Restaurant News reports that real estate prices continue to march upward, with companies like Starbucks taking notice and planning to open more destination-oriented stores.

Nation’s Restaurant News reports Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. has hired former Starbucks and Kate Spade executive Marissa Andrade as Chief Human Resources Officer.

The restaurant industry has gone virtual. A recent QSR Magazine article highlights how food service pros are utilizing new technology to create real-time virtual experiences for both customers and employees.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf introduces a mobile app for mobile ordering, integrating with Uber for ride-hailing services and enhancing the customer experience.

Starbucks, Chipotle, and other industry giants offer college tuition programs to retain employees and reduce turnover.

A Los Angeles judge orders coffee sellers in California to put a cancer warning on coffee sold in the state due to a chemical byproduct of roasting coffee beans.

Starbucks achieves 100% pay equity for employees of all genders and races, releasing tools and best practices for preventing pay disparities.

Office Evolution is expanding its presence in the Atlanta suburbs with a new location, offering office space, coworking, and shared spaces.

Office Evolution, a rental-office concept, has expanded rapidly since becoming a franchise, with a growing demand for reliable non-traditional working spaces.

Wings N' Things rebrands as Epic Wings and begins franchising, opening its first location in Mission Viejo, California.

Bernard Acoca is named CEO of El Pollo Loco, bringing a proven track record of driving sales and profit growth through new product development and brand communications.

Noodles & Company expanded employee benefits, including student loan assistance and extended maternity leave, as part of its #LifeatNoodles initiative.

China has undergone significant economic and demographic changes since 1982, with a growing middle class and increased consumer spending.

El Pollo Loco is under new leadership. According to a recent article in Nation's Restaurant News, the brand has announced that the former Teavanna president, Bernard Acoca, will take up the role of CEO for the franchise.

Limited-service brands hope to compete with fine dining restaurants this Valentine’s Day by offering deals to customers.

Dunkin’ Brands plans to add 1,000 new U.S. stores by the end of 2020, but faces concerns about labor shortages and increased competition.

Starbucks is testing a cashless store in Seattle, as more customers use their phones to buy coffee.

Brands can implement a video strategy, elevate successful tactics, and try new technology and platforms to grow their social media presence.

Fortune Magazine ranks Starbucks 5th on its list of the most admired companies in the world, highlighting the brand's corporate reputation and social responsibility.

Starbucks began testing a cashless store in Seattle, evaluating customer and employee feedback on the experience.

The article discusses the potential downsides of over-digitalization and its impact on customer experience, but is not relevant to franchising or multi-unit operations.

Starbucks fans can now try a new espresso across America, as the company premieres its Blonde Espresso nationwide.

A franchise company leader shares the importance of understanding the critical role that every employee and department plays in creating a world-class customer experience.