Starbucks to Give 1,000 Cafes a Major Makeover by End of 2026
Starbucks brings back the cozy coffeehouse vibe that made it famous. The coffee giant plans to refresh 1,000 U.S. locations by the end of 2026, investing roughly $150,000 per store to create warmer, more welcoming spaces that invite customers to stay longer.
The makeovers represent a dramatic shift from recent years, when Starbucks prioritized digital ordering over the in-store experience. Under CEO Brian Niccol, who took over in September 2024, the company is working to reclaim its reputation as a "third place" where people gather between home and work.
"Every coffeehouse we operate should be warm and welcoming and provide a place for customers to connect and gather," Niccol told analysts during the company's recent earnings call. "They should have a great seat for any occasion."
The transformation is already underway in New York City and Southern California, where early results show promise. Customers are staying longer, visiting more often and sharing positive feedback, according to the company.
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The refreshed cafes will include more generous seating, dark wood paneling, and softer lighting that won't bother customers with light sensitivity. Gone are the harsh concrete floors and stark lighting that made some locations feel sterile. Instead, expect leather booth accents, movable tables at wheelchair-accessible heights, and large area rugs that add coziness while dampening noise.
The company is also bringing back features it had removed in recent years. Electrical outlets are returning to encourage laptop users and students to settle in. The 30,000 seats that disappeared as mobile ordering grew popular will be restored. Even small touches matter – like purple accents near New York University locations that nod to the local community.
"We're uplifting more than 1,000 coffeehouses over the next year, blending our global heritage with local relevance to create spaces that are immersive, inclusive, and deeply human," said Dawn Clark, Starbucks senior vice president of coffeehouse design and concepts.
The changes vary by location but share a common goal: making customers feel warm, comfortable and cared for. Behind barista bars, new shelving units showcase coffee bags and decorative burlap sacks filled with beans. Live plants add a homey touch throughout the spaces.
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Importantly, these "uplifts" won't require store closures, minimizing disruption to daily operations. The company has slowed new builds and major renovations to prioritize this refresh program instead.
Starbucks is also working on future innovations. A new prototype coffeehouse with 32 seats and a drive-thru costs roughly 30% less to build than current designs. Meanwhile, the company plans to sunset its mobile order-and-pickup-only concept in fiscal 2026, which Niccol found "overly transactional and lacking the warmth and human connection that defines the Starbucks brand."
The renovation strategy comes as Starbucks faces increased competition from smaller coffee chains focused on creating hangout spaces and quick-service restaurants expanding their beverage offerings. The company recently simplified its menu and is testing new health-focused drinks like coconut water-based beverages in 400 stores.
