Starbucks: Brewing Up AI and New Treats

Starbucks is diving into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) to make ordering your favorite drink even easier. Imagine chatting with your phone and having your order ready by the time you arrive at the store. That's the future Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is hinting at. He shared this vision during a recent podcast appearance at the Dreamforce conference in San Francisco, a big event focused on AI. But AI isn't just about voice ordering. Starbucks is already using AI to help baristas with real-time assistance through a feature called Green Dot Assist. This virtual assistant helps employees quickly find information about ingredients or drink recipes, making their jobs smoother. It's like having a helpful guide right at their fingertips. The company is also experimenting with other AI tools to improve operations, like Smart Queue, which helps manage orders and keeps customers informed about their order status. However, don't expect robots to start serving your coffee anytime soon. Niccol emphasized that Starbucks is focusing on real people to create a genuine experience. In addition to tech upgrades, Starbucks is also expanding its menu. Niccol mentioned new artisanal pastries and protein-packed breakfast items. Popular egg bites, like bacon and gruyère and egg white and roasted red pepper, are here to stay. The company is also experimenting with alcoholic beverages at some of its Reserve stores, offering unique drinks like the Lavender Matcha Margarita and Espresso Martini. Starbucks is also giving its stores a makeover. With over 1, 000 "uplifts" planned this fiscal year, the company is adding plants, rugs, and other touches to create a cozier atmosphere. Niccol believes every coffee shop should have that special seat that feels like it's just for you. While AI is still in its early stages at Starbucks, it's clear that the company is exploring new ways to enhance the customer experience. From voice ordering to new menu items, Starbucks is brewing up some exciting changes.