Starbucks officially announces its food/drink menu expansion

Beginning June 26 Starbucks will expand its lunch offerings at the more than 4,400 Starbucks stores in the United States that currently offer lunch. The release says: "Inspired by savory spices and eclectic essences from around the world, the lunch selections include national and regional specialties." Regional additions include white chicken curry with couscous, albacore tuna penne, "champagne pasta salad," bowtie pasta with goat cheese, and Asian sesame noodle salad. (Starbucks release)
> "The move is a slight departure for Starbucks"

Comments

[Susan]

Oh, for crying out loud. What the hell is wrong with these people?

[[sic]]

Will the Starbucks of the future resemble its current incarnation at all? I think we are turning into an overpriced McDonalds. If the execs can class up the joint with new ideas instead of dumbing it down with new syrups and crappaccinos, we might have a chance to resist implosion.
I'm just glad my store is too small for ovens and sandwiches.

[STARBUCKS GOSSIP WEBMASTER]

I predict you'll see more "interesting things" coming out of Starbucks. As shareholders become more and more frustrated by a sinking stock price, there's greater pressure on management to try new things. Desperation can make execs take risky (and questionable) measures.

[baroosta]

I'm waiting for the Starbucks ice cream to start being sold in our stores. Cold Stone much?

[Skavoovee]

God, I hope we never have to serve the ice cream in stores...that would be too much, I'd probably quit on the spot.

[Hirayuki]

I dunno--they sound good to me (burden on Starbucks staff notwithstanding). Too bad the stores here don't serve lunch.

[Taylor]

Our samples came in Friday and for the most part they are pretty good. They seem pricey for the size, but they are dense and compared to the sandwiches there is more filling so it evens out (you're not eating tons of bread.). I haven't gone in yet today for the launch, but I anticipate they will do extremely well at our location. I'm excited actually.

The new packaging is much better too. Now the RTD case will actually look organized.

[Demonic Sweater]

This is most appalling press release that I've read in a long time. It is almost satire.

The headline "Delectable Dishes and Refreshing Raspberry Mocha Beverages Add to Flavorful Menu at Starbucks This Summer" must have been written by a summer intern.

"convenient food in flavorful options, and refreshing taste"

"Palate pleasing salads, snacks and sweet parfaits will leave customers delighted as they pick up a lunch with their latte"

"tantalize the taste buds"

"Inspired by savory spices and eclectic essences from around the world"

"fruity flavor concoctions"

Thankfully, the press release was printed on a barf bag.

[Lauren]

For stores that don't have warming (yet) this really helps our bottom line a ton. It doesn't take much effort on my part (I open, I put them out, we have enough room to put ALL of them out), and all I do is "beep" them on my scanner and...there's $5.50 added to my average ticket.

Plus the curry with couscous? So amazing. The crisp apples in it? Wow. I think it's a huge supply chain step for Starbucks and it's not some crappy frappuccino -- so I'm good.

[espressoterraca]

Anyone else heard statements from customers like "nice display, but it IS excessive packaging" (more waste) regarding the sandwiches?

[Sheik]

When is the company's name going to be changed from "Starbucks Coffee" to just "Starbucks?"

It's become very clear that the chain is trying to become more of a restaurant than a coffee shop.

[SUPERBARISTA]

Did anyone else look at the mountain of garbage at the end of the new hard set last night and think.."way to be enviromentally friendly starbucks"?

[baroosta]

No, because we recycled all of it! (I know not everyone has the ability to do this though.)

[Jonathan]

I do believe one day that the Starbucks stores (new ones and those that can accommodate them) will have an ice cream bar, where customers can order sundaes, milkshakes, and the like with Starbucks premium ice cream. This is already the second summer in a row we've promoted our ice cream with special coupons in the merchandise wall.

Hell, if they gave us labor, I wouldn't mind. But we all know that won't happen. Just like the "warm by default" pastries that started today. What's next? A Starbucks bar in each store? "Yes, can I have a grande mocha with cream liqueor, please?" LOL.

J

[Anonymous]

What in hell is Starbucks thinking?

I've a bad feeling come Christmas season, their offerings are going to get way ridiculous.

[JustHowItIs]

Upfront: I love SBUX. I go there once a day (tall americano!), I own stock, I love "my" store... But, and I say this with hesitancy because I know how crappy some jobs can be, but I have noticed this more and more both on this website and in the stores: The sense of entitlement some people at Starbucks have, and I'm not talking about the customers... It's the employees. You'll see it above about the employee who says they won't serve ice cream. Or with the warming ovens. Or the salads. Or Starbucks' focus away from coffee.

Basically, I feel that you do what your boss says you'll do or you'll find a new job. Starbucks is a GIANT company that has enjoyed a phase of success most companies NEVER see. Now, slowly, they're coming off of that and they have to move into different directions. Yes, all of them won't work, but it only takes one really good idea to get you back on top. Partners who won't do this and won't do that basically don't deserve a place in Starbucks.

You work for "the man." I know it sucks, but you do. You're there to generate HUGE profits for a company. You agree to this the minute you accept Starbucks' offer of employment. They give you a paycheck (of which I do think you all deserve more. A lot more.) and a work environment most people in retail would LOVE to have. They go above and beyond for you all, but it's all optional past the point of a secure, safe work environment and a paycheck.

You're not entitled to anything more, or anything less. If Starbucks comes out tomorrow with a brand new ice cream bar, and I want an ice cream, you'd better serve it to me. I, as a customer, an entitled to you doing your job, which includes duties your boss tells you you have.

It's either that, or find a new job. Frankly, I don't have the time or inclination to PAY someone's paycheck via my purchases if they're crappy and bitter to me for asking them to their job.

[DT]

so just...i take it you have NEVER complained about your job? not once?

and working in retail (from someone who did it for 8 years) is a whole different ballgame of stress. This site gives these guys/girls an outlet to vent.

the new food is really, really good!

um... i think cafes have sold food for a long time now. this isn't a new venture in coffee shops.
if you are going to use the place as your office or study place, i think its nice to have something besides a scone to eat.

[danielle]

I think the new food is pretty good...
have to agree with Lauren, the Curry Chicken with cous cous is AMAZINGLY good for a prepackaged product.

We get warming in our store in a couple of weeks, and I must admit, I am looking forward to see how it all comes together. After 14 years with Starbucks, I am optimistic, and even with the negatives, Starbucks has so much good going on!

I would, however, FREAK OUT!!!! if I had to scoop ice cream!!! :)

[itsnotamermaid]

we promote the ice cream w/ coupons every summer. we even have ice cream samples in the stores every couple of summers. that's actaully a really fun day. somewhat confusing to people---they think the ice cream is new (its at least 10 yrs old), or they think we are going to start selling it and milkshakes, sundaes, etc. in the starbucks retail stores, when the ice cream is sold at the grocery store.
i have been told, and it has even been on the register(under misc), that some corp. owned stores have had ice cream and milkshakes in stores.
i like the new food offerings, but this isn't all that new. we had a lunch menu of the same size 7 years ago. they even brought back some of the same salads, although i think the current offerings are of a higher quality.
ready-made products--whatever. i just don't want to start assembling the food.

[cornfrost]

Another vote for the chicken curry with couscous. Tasty and textury. Yummy!

We also had the tuna salad in the red pepper wrap, or whatever it was. Purely pedestrian. The chicken-ham club sandwich is nothing new.

[TXSM]

JustHowItIs ~ I appreciated your comments. Starbucks does provide a great work opportunity. If partners don't like it, well, there are plenty of other places to can earn a paycheck. A job's a job. If you have one you actually get to enjoy from time to time, then count yourself fortunate and among a small percentage of the world's population.

As for the updated lunch menu, I love it. The food is higher quality and is at a very competitive price point. From a retail perspective, it had a much greater visual impact than the previous packaging. Both partners and customers responded extremely well to the rollout today - my case was almost sold out by 3pm.

[seventysix]

My store won't be getting meals. I'm kind of sad, but kind of happy at the same time. Just something else to shove into our very tiny RTD case.

I'm happy with our pastry selection. Sure, only like one thing isn't sweet. Oh well. It's all good.

seventysix [76]
HAUD IGNOTA LOQUOR
STARBUCKS REBEL ALLIANCE

[Northern Latte]

Anyone going to he New England Open Forum tomorrow? Now is your big chance to ask any quesions you'd like from Joe while he's in town....See ya all there.

[movingon]

Gotta tell you, I started at Starbucks 10 years ago becasue I love coffee. Now, my conscience needs a rest. I just landed a job working in insurance, health insurance. Somehow, it feels less dirty than working for Starbucks does. Oh well, my SM is going to piss her pance when I go.

The first day of the new lunch "offerings" and my store was forced [by the DM] to take them out and mark them out... simply because the RTD case was a few degrees over the appropriate temp... they're awesome though...

[Lilith]

Just you wait for the upcoming retail merchandise simplification... 1/3 less skus by holiday. 1/2 the skus by Jan!!

[Starbucks Poster Boy]

Yup...pretty soon we're going to start selling venti extra hot chicken nuggets with extra caramel.

By the way, Consumer Reports is right. McDonalds has better brewed coffee than Starbucks. I was drinkin that shit all day today at work, until my manager told me I couldn't run across the street anymore to get it...or I had to at least pour it into one of our starbucks cups. HA.

[atownsbuxrules]

Oh come on, stop being negative. Nobody's asking you to do anything but put the stuff in the case. The stuff actually tastes good and looks appealing, and god forbid some customers might wanna spend more money with less effort on your part!
I like this better than warming and better than a new frappucino, so... high five Starbucks! You're on the right track, folks like me will stick around and stay positive and weed out the crybabies, don't worry. ;)

Starbucks is mistakenly trying to be everything to all people. They have forgotten what they are: a coffee company. The very best coffee company in the world. Why isn't that enough??

So very, very sad.

[PDX Barista]

The new lunch items are very good! I also enjoy the new rasberry mocha frappuccino.

Did you know that the new lunch packaging is 100% recycleable?

We just had open forum here in PDX today and found that Starbucks is going to reduce the number of holiday sku'ed items by 35% from last year!! Merry Frickin' Christmas! The goal is also to have less promotional changes each year and to have no "sneaker promotions" like Summer phase 2b. Sounds as though they are listening to us.

How was the Open Forum with Joe Delaqua?

[Anonymous2]

Did anyone notice that Starbucks is providing customer samples of the new salads in July? Here is the catch though, the samples being sent are of items that not every store was required to carry.

[Tim]

As long as it tastes good, I have no problem with the extra workload. Otherwise, it'll just be ridiculous.

[Jenaya]

This is sort of off-subject, but why is Starbucks advertising the Raspberry Mocha Frappuccino as a new drink? It's not new: I've been having those by custom order for months, since raspberry and mocha flavorings are on the permanent menu anyway. The only difference is that their syrup is Juicy Raspberry now instead of just Raspberry.

[Ryan]

as for the tall americano customer...

I agree actually...I am a partner, but I do totally agree that we are getting paid to make them profit and to serve the customers well...as much as we may hate it, it is a fact of life, Sbux isn't going to pay us more than we are taking in...so those high prices sandwiches are paying for our jobs!

However, I also see the other side, Justhowitis, and I hope you can understand the other side too.

I have worked in the company 2 years, and even in those 2 years I have seen many changes, some I like, some I don't like. But the fact of the matter is that the morale all across sbux nationwide has gone down for the partners. Therefore, yes, we don't complain because of the "big man upstairs", but what if we are ALL complaining? Then it would mean that there must be something wrong. I don't think we have to complain about warming or new sandwiches, I had complaints about the schematics because they were impossible to read, but other than that I'm fine with it. The problem comes in, Justhowitis, when they start serving ice cream and don't adequately train and staff us. THAT is when we complain because it is a nuisance, and I have seen that happen toooo many times, including with warming.

[jabanga]

lauren selling prepared foods helps the topline alot more than it helps the bottom line. because of the relative food cost vs. coffee and beverages it will actually raise your controllable contribution numbers and have far less impact on your profit contribution than it will on your total sales. if these numbers are not in your existing budget it can actually contribute to costing you your bonus. what it can help with (for one sales year) is same store comp sales which of course is something wall street looks at carefully.

[Tattoo'dBarista]

My store (mid-Atlantic suburban) does a brisk business with RTD sandwiches, fruit salads, etc. because a.m. customers like that they can get lunch here along with their Venti Bolds. They've got the money, they want high-quality--and generally our RTD offerings provide that.
It's the coffee that's bringing them in (one recent morning, I rang at least 60 transactions in an hour), and RTD selections that add to their enthusiastic loyalty. We have a bagel chain two doors down and I see a lot of customers who already have their bag from there when they come in for their morning Verona or Breakfast Blend.

[Morefood4us]

I hope all locations will eventually serve chicken, pizza, hamburgers, and (yes) ice cream! Yum!

[Demonic Sweater]

Overall it is great place to work. The whole world of retail and restaurants is hiring. It isn't like you have to stay if you don't like Paul McCartney or whatever. The things people whine about on this board are absurd.

Tattoo'd Barista,

60 transactions in an hour? Gasp. That's busy, alright.

[Mack D. Male]

Is any of this stuff coming to Canada? I have seen the Raspberry Mocha drinks, but that's about it so far.

[Hm... Food]

What's in the champagne pasta salad?

[Grebby]

I had the Iced Raspberry Mocha this morning...pretty tasty, almost too sweet though. The old yogurt parfaits are terrific and I would get one every day, if I had cash coming out my ears. New flavors are going to make it that much harder to stay away, and if the other new food is as good then this is a smart move for Starbucks. I gave up on their sandwiches years ago after forcing my way though rubbery bread and leathery lettuce.

[Joe O.]

Jabanga,

You're only half right in your analysis.

Selling a lot of RTD salads/sandwiches will raise food cost because the cost of those items as a percentage of the selling price is higher than beverages. You make it up, however, in labor cost because they are nowhere near as labor intensive.

You also make it up in fixed costs because they are what's known as "incremental" sales...as a rule, the person buying them is already there to buy a drink so the RTD sale is a bonus which is why Starbucks has RTD cases in the first place (it's also why you have impulse fixtures right there at the register).

Anytime you can get a customer to buy more when they're already there, the bottom line benefits because the labor doesn't change and the fixed costs don't change but the amount of money received by the customer goes up.

The pure dollar contribution of the sandwiches and salads is more than any tall drink, at least equal to a grande drink and not much less than a venti drink. As long as you manage to your markout percentages, you won't have a problem.

THAT's why Lauren can go out and sell a bunch of these. Not only will it NOT adversely affect her bonus, it will actually help ensure she gets one.

The reason stockholders are concerned about the addition of such items is it does take store management's attention away from core products. If you don't manage it properly then, yes, it can affect your bottom line in the same way not managing coffee or bakery will.

[Catiline]

Joe, you seem very knowledgable about the business aspects of this. I appreciate that input.

If it were still a stockholder I would be more worried about customer perception of Starbucks' lack of focus rather than the actual effect on management or the bottom line. Starbucks is able to charge a premium on coffee because they are percieved as a specialist in coffee. If all you do is coffee, then customer thinks you MUST be good at coffee. The qualitative difference between Starbucks and McDonalds coffee (if there is one) is far less than the percieved difference. If you turn yourself into a general convenience store then you will lose the ability to charge like a specialty store. Just because a product line is profitable in isolation doesn't mean it will add to the overall profit to the company long term.

[justsomecustomer]

I've been lurking for the past few months with nothing to add to the discussion, but enjoying the added dimension this site gives to my once- or twice-a-week Starbucks visits.

I work in a downtown location with relatively few choices for buying lunch, so it's nice to have the option of a well-prepared sandwich on the days I don't have time to brown-bag it.

[Anon]

Joe O. wrote:

"As long as you manage to your markout percentages, you won't have a problem."

How do markouts work? my mgr throws away tons of bagels and muffins every day.

Doesnt this affect his bottom line by throwing so much stuff away?

[jabanga]

joe o thanks for pointing out that the labor does offset some of the higher food costs of the prepared food. but when, as you pointed out, that a $5 or $6 item is still only delivering as much to the bottom line as an item costing maybe half that much, it still contributes way more to the gross sales than it does to the bottom line. as for how positive it is for bonusing or controllable you'd really have to weigh all the other factors in the store's product mix. i still think it is possible for a higher food cost percentage to negatively effect your controllable even if it has a positive effect on your labor percentage. i could be wrong.

[Tattoo'dBarista]

Yes, indeed. 60. Now not every morning shift is that crazy-busy but we're one of the busiest in our district. I often handle the register during mornings--have gotten pretty good at remembering folks' drinks, which always makes 'em happy. :-) Especially the Iced Decaf Quad Venti 3 Splenda, Extra Ice White Mocha. ;-)