Starbucks to Lay Off 300 Employees and Close Some Offices

Starbucks is once again implementing layoffs affecting its corporate employees in the United States. The global coffee company will also be closing several regional support offices as part of a business restructuring.

Starbucks announced that it will cut approximately 300 jobs in the United States. The company emphasized that these layoffs will not affect store employees or baristas.

In addition, Starbucks has begun reviewing its international corporate workforce. This is part of the business transformation strategy being implemented by Starbucks CEO, Brian Niccol.

“We are taking further steps in our Back to Starbucks strategy, building on strong business momentum and working to return the company to sustainable and profitable growth,” said a Starbucks spokesperson as quoted by CNBC on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

“Leaders have deeply reviewed each function to sharpen focus, prioritize work, reduce complexity, and drive costs down,” the statement continued.

The company estimates that restructuring costs will reach US$400 million, or approximately IDR 6.8 trillion, assuming an exchange rate of IDR 17,000 per US dollar. Of this amount, about US$280 million, or IDR 4.76 trillion, will be recorded as a non-cash expense related to the impairment of long-term assets. Meanwhile, US$120 million, or approximately IDR 2.04 trillion, is cash expenses related to the layoffs.

These layoffs represent the third wave since Brian Niccol took over Starbucks. In February 2025, the company announced a reduction of 1,100 jobs and did not fill hundreds of other open positions.

Seven months later, Starbucks again cut approximately 900 non-retail workers as part of a US$1 billion restructuring plan, or IDR 17 trillion.

According to regulatory documents from September 2025, Starbucks has approximately 9,000 non-retail employees in the United States and 5,000 international employees in regional support functions.

Amid these efficiency measures, Starbucks is beginning to see improvements in its business performance in the US market. The company had previously faced pressure from increased competition and consumers who were more cautious about spending their money.

During Niccol’s tenure, Starbucks has implemented several changes, including improving store operations, introducing new menus, restoring seating areas in stores, and increasing staffing levels in coffee shops.