Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol Launches Fiscal 2027 Growth Plan

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced that the company has transitioned from its turnaround phase to a growth plan for fiscal year 2027 and beyond. Niccol stated that the company is ahead of schedule in meeting its targets, projecting at least 4% growth this year with margins between 13.5% and 14%.

The growth strategy centers on green apron service, menu innovation—including a $1 billion matcha business—and expanding the store footprint. Starbucks plans to open approximately 300 new stores in the United States and aims to potentially double its international presence to over 40,000 stores.

While Niccol indicated that a multi-brand portfolio is a possibility to leverage the company's scale, he emphasized that Starbucks does not currently need inorganic acquisitions to meet its targets. This follows a recent denial by a company spokesperson regarding speculation that Starbucks was pursuing an acquisition of Chipotle Mexican Grill.