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Starbucks faces ongoing challenges in New York with declining sales, poor store conditions, and slow service, despite CEO Brian Niccol's efforts to improve customer experience. Meanwhile, a new Edinburgh coffee shop highlights the city's independent coffee scene, emphasizing quality and history.
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A Starbucks employee wrote a racist message on a cup in response to a customer supporting conservative figure Charlie Kirk, leading to the employee's firing. The incident has reignited discussions on free speech, corporate policies, and political expression in retail spaces.
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On September 25, 2025, Starbucks announced layoffs of approximately 900 staff and the closure of about 1% of its North American stores, including its flagship Seattle roastery. CEO Brian Niccol aims to restore the coffeehouse experience amid six quarters of declining US sales. The cuts mainly affect support and corporate roles, while the company plans to invest in store improvements and technology.
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Recent UK regulations restrict free refills of sugary drinks in hospitality venues and ban multi-buy deals on unhealthy foods to combat rising obesity. These measures, effective from October 2025, aim to promote healthier choices and reduce health risks like diabetes and heart disease, amid ongoing industry adjustments.
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Dubai-style chocolate bars, known for their thick texture and exotic fillings like pistachio and tahini, have surged in global popularity since 2021. Major retailers and restaurants worldwide now offer variations, fueling demand and causing a pistachio shortage. The trend reflects a growing appetite for indulgent, textured confections blending luxury and novelty as of late October 2025.
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Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff emphasizes that AI will not replace human salespeople, citing ongoing hiring efforts and face-to-face communication as essential. Despite AI investments, he reassures that human connection remains vital, even as the company adopts AI-driven efficiency measures.
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Chipotle, Cava, and Sweetgreen report declining visits from 25-35-year-olds due to economic pressures, leading to lower sales and stock drops. Chains plan promotions and menu innovations to counteract reduced spending amid broader industry challenges.
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Starbucks will sell a 60% stake in its China operations to Boyu Capital for $4 billion, aiming to expand from 8,000 to over 20,000 stores. The deal provides Starbucks with capital and local expertise amid declining sales and rising local competition.
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Yum! Brands is reviewing strategic options for Pizza Hut amid declining US sales and increased competition. The company has retained advisors to explore a potential sale, as Pizza Hut struggles with outdated dine-in formats and shifting consumer preferences toward delivery and value options. The review follows several years of sales decline and store closures.
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As of November 21, 2025, over 1,000 Starbucks baristas across 95 stores in 65 U.S. cities are striking over stalled contract negotiations. The strike began last week on Starbucks' key sales event, Red Cup Day, demanding better pay, staffing, and resolution of unfair labor practice charges. Starbucks reports minimal disruption and record sales, while New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani publicly supports the strike.
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Starbucks workers in New York are maintaining a nationwide strike over wages and scheduling. A recent city settlement awarded restitution to over 15,000 employees for illegal scheduling violations, but union demands for better wages and staffing persist amid ongoing protests and arrests.