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Starbucks just overhauled its menu by replacing 13 existing drinks with brand-new concoctions.
According to the release, Starbucks said goodbye to drinks that are “not commonly purchased, can be complex to make or are similar to other beverages on our menu.” This change officially went into effect on March 4.
These departed drinks are: Iced Matcha Lemonade, White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino, Espresso Frappuccino, Chai Crème Frappuccino, Caramel Ribbon Crunch Crème Frappuccino, Double Chocolaty Chip Crème Frappuccino, Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino, White Chocolate Crème Frappuccino, Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino, Java Chip Frappuccino, White Hot Chocolate, Royal English Breakfast Latte, and Honey Almondmilk Flat White.
In place of these 13 items, the Seattle-based company ushered in three new picks: Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha, Iced Cherry Chai, and Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte. Starbucks also added Jalapeno Chicken Pockets and Spicy Falafel Pockets at select locations.
The coffee giant’s new “spring edit” included a classic Cortado and a Brown Sugar Oatmilk Cortado.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol first announced the 30 percent menu reduction in January during the company’s first-quarter earnings call.
“We’ve taken steps to refocus the business, our mission and our marketing to better align with our identity as a coffee company,” he said, according to People.
“We have to clear the noise out both in food and beverage menus. That opens the door for better innovation that will hopefully resonate even more so for our customers.”
As of Monday, Starbucks will also be conducting major layoffs as part of its business revamp.
Niccol said over 1,000 corporate employees from across the globe are being let go and notified via email by Tuesday, February 25.
“In January, I shared that we were evaluating the role, structure and size of our global support teams to help us deliver on our “Back to Starbucks” plan and position the company for future success,” Niccol wrote in a press release.
“The leadership team has finished that work, and this week, we will communicate the changes we’re making. This includes the hard decision to eliminate 1,100 current support partner roles and several hundred additional open and unfilled positions.
“We are simplifying our structure, removing layers and duplication and creating smaller, more nimble teams,” he continued. “Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration.”
Starbucks will also be bringing back its free refill policy for in-store customers and its self-service condiments bar. What’s more, stores will be restricting their restroom access to paying customers only.
