Starbucks to open 150 to 175 U.S. stores in 2026; sees 'big' long-term opportunity
Starbucks Coffee Company is back in expansion mode with plans that include opening hundreds of new U.S. stores during the next couple of years — and even more looking further out.
The coffee giant expects to open approximately 600 to 650 net new cafes this year, including 150 to 175 U.S. company-operated stores and 450 to 500 international locations. China, Starbucks’ largest market outside of the U.S., comprises close to half of the international total.
During presentations at its Investor Day 2026 in New York City, Starbucks said it expects to open more than 2,000 net new stores across its company-operated and licensed portfolio in 2028, including approximately 400 new U.S. company-operated stores. Its plans include smaller-format stores that are less expensive to build, but still provide offer comfortable seating, drive-thru service and mobile order pickup capacity.
“Even with our scale, the U.S. coffeehouse growth opportunity for Starbucks is big and broad,” said COO Mike Grams.
The company also plans to continue its store upgrade, or "uplift,” program. To date, it has completed approximately 200 uplifts, primarily in New York City and Southern California. It’s on track to complete more than 1,000 by the end of fiscal 2026. It also expects to add more than 25,000 café seats across the U.S. by the end of the year.
Long-term
Starbucks also outlined its opportunities for global growth beyond fiscal 2028. Highlights include up to 5,000 new coffeehouse opportunities across the U.S. As average unit volumes grow, that number could double over time, the company said.
Starbucks plans to double its international coffeehouse footprint over time, approaching 40,000 locations outside the U.S., driven by 15,000 to 20,000 new locations in China. It also sees the opportunity to accelerate international licensed store growth, with international locations expected to grow at double the rate of North America.
During the Investor Day event, Starbucks highlight progress in its “Back to Starbucks” turnaround strategy, and also showcased new in-store and menu innovations, as well as a major makeover of its loyalty program. The company noted that in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, it delivered same-store sales growth in the U.S. and every major global market.
[READ MORE: Starbucks upbeat; posts first U.S. comp sales growth in two years for Q1]
In improvements tied to the strategy, Starbucks’ “Green Apron Service,” which is fully rolled out in North America company-operated coffee houses, is driving improved service times, higher throughput and stronger customer satisfaction, the company said.
On the menu front, highlights include new espresso, matcha and chai beverages, and continued growth in cold beverages, customization and protein-forward offerings. New globally inspired bakery and food items are scheduled to arrive this year.
Tech
On the tech front, Starbucks is leveraging artificial intelligence to support employees, including supply chain and scheduling tools. Is also is deploying “next-generation” espresso equipment, and “smart queue” to intelligently sequence café, mobile, drive thru and delivery orders, ensuring timely service across all channels.
These initiatives continue to drive faster service while enabling partners to focus on coffee craft and customer connection. Peak throughput increased in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 to less than four minutes on average across café and drive-thru coffeehouses.
