Starbucks Demonstrates Unprecedented Level of Commitment to Partner (Employee) Coffee...

Starbucks Demonstrates Unprecedented Level of Commitment to Partner (Employee) Coffee Education and Training

All U.S. Company-Operated Stores to Close at 5:30 p.m. local time
on February 26 for Unique Partner Event
SEATTLE--(Business Wire)--
Launching the next phase of Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) ongoing
efforts to transform the company and renew its focus on the customer,
Starbucks today announced an historic in-store education and training
event for its more than 135,000 store partners (employees) across the
United States. The company will close each of its nearly 7,100
company-operated stores in the U.S. on Tuesday, February 26 at 5:30
p.m. local time to conduct a nationwide education event, designed to
energize partners and transform the customer experience. Stores with
evening hours will re-open at 8:30 p.m.

"Our unprecedented level of commitment to and investment in our
people will provide them with the tools and resources they need to
exceed the expectations of our customers," Howard Schultz, chairman,
president and ceo said. "We believe that this is a bold demonstration
of our commitment to our core and a reaffirmation of our coffee
leadership."

The comprehensive educational curriculum for all U.S. store
partners will provide a renewed focus on espresso standards that will
help ensure the exceptional quality of every beverage. As a result,
baristas will be better prepared to share their passion and knowledge
with customers. Customers will be able to truly enjoy the art of
espresso as Starbucks baristas demonstrate their passion to pull the
perfect shot, steam milk to order, and customize their favorite
beverage.

This unique in-store education event signals the company's focus
on transforming the Starbucks Experience for both customers and
partners. Starbucks hopes any customers inconvenienced by the early
closures will see this as an investment that will have long term
benefits. For their part, Starbucks partners will have an opportunity
to connect and deepen their passion for coffee with the ultimate goal
of transforming the customer experience.

About Starbucks

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has ethically sourced and
roasted the highest quality Arabica coffee in the world. Through our
commitment to excellence and our partners' (employees') ability to
bring the Starbucks Experience to life, Starbucks stores have become
community destinations where human connections happen tens of
thousands of times each day. By adhering to its values, guiding
principles and culture, Starbucks has distinguished itself in the
marketplace by living our values, and abiding by guiding principles.
To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at
www.Starbucks.com.

Starbucks
Valerie O'Neil, 206-318-7100
press@starbucks.com
here

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