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Which Starbucks drinks are disappearing? Starbucks won't say


Which Starbucks drinks are disappearing? Starbucks won't say

The image accompanying the article titled Starbucks states that this makes the menu simpler. But what is not said is not said

Picture: sets (Getty Images)

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Starbucks (SBUX+1.83%) says an important part of it Turnaround strategy under new CEO Brian Niccol is to simplify the notoriously extensive menu make it smaller.

“To improve throughput, quality and consistency, we are simplifying our complex menu to align with our identity as a coffee company,” Niccol said Wednesday during the company's earnings call. “We are maintaining our customers’ choice, but focusing on fewer, better offers.”

But the coffee giant is tight-lipped about the actual cuts.

Starbucks has announced that it will be eliminating its olive oil-infused oleato drinks starting November 7th. However, it does not say what other items may be eliminated. In multiple conversations with a Starbucks spokesperson this week, the company would not confirm or deny other menu items that are up for elimination.

The decision to abandon Oleato, introduced with great fanfare only to trigger customer complaints, fits neatly into Niccol's plans for an eventual turnaround three quarters of declining sales. Niccol, a former Chipotle CEO who took the helm as Starbucks boss in September, says the menu reduction is partly intended relieve baristas and speed up service.

“As a standard business, we regularly update our menu,” a Starbucks spokesperson told Quartz this week. “From the beginning of November we will no longer offer oleato drinks. Although this decision was made before Brain took on the role of CEO, the decision to eliminate drinks is consistent with the strategy to simplify our menu.”

Starbucks also said this week that this will be the case Stop charging extra for non-dairy milk substitutes. Starbucks has said it will keep menu prices stable through fiscal 2025.

The company is shifting its marketing focus back to coffee quality and is preparing to redesign its stores, increase staff and simplify mobile ordering. It remains to be seen how this will play out in the long term. Niccol, who led successful turnarounds at Chipotle (CMG+4.38%) and Taco Bell (Yummy+1.17%), plans to take over Starbucks back to his roots – at least in the USA

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