Starbucks Announces 300 Corporate Layoffs in U.S. as Part of Cost-Cutting Strategy

Starbucks Corporation has confirmed it will lay off 300 corporate employees in the United States, marking the third round of job cuts in the past 15 months. The announcement comes as the company implements efficiency and cost-cutting measures under the leadership of CEO Brian Niccol, who took the role in 2024.

Here’s what you need to know about the latest Starbucks layoffs:

Starbucks to Cut 300 Corporate Jobs in the U.S.

On Friday, Starbucks confirmed it was cutting 300 corporate jobs in the United States. The news was first reported by CNBC.

The job cuts will not impact the majority of the company’s workforce, which consists primarily of retail workers employed in the chain’s thousands of coffee shops worldwide. Instead, the cuts will affect the company’s roughly 19,000-strong U.S. corporate workforce. Starbucks employs an additional 5,000 non-retail employees globally.

When reached for comment, a Starbucks spokesperson told Fast Company that the layoffs consisted of “300 U.S. support roles.” The company also stated it was reviewing its international support organization and expects “additional role impacts outside the U.S.” Starbucks added that it was streamlining its real estate footprint, including a consolidation of U.S. regional office space.

Why Is Starbucks Cutting Workers?

The layoffs announced are part of the retail chain’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy, which involves streamlining operations, enhancing customer experiences, and redesigning shops to feel more inviting and comfortable.

“We are taking further action under the Back to Starbucks strategy, building on our strong business momentum and working to return the company to durable, profitable growth.”

The job cuts announced today are being made to support the streamlining operations pillar of the company’s initiative.

The Third Round of Corporate Layoffs at Starbucks

This is not the first time Starbucks has laid off workers since Niccol took over in 2024.

• In February 2025, Starbucks announced 1,100 layoffs while also eliminating hundreds of unfilled positions. At the time, Niccol said the cuts were designed “to create smaller, more nimble teams.”

• “We believe it’s a necessary change to position Starbucks for future success. Our intent is to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity, and drive better integration.”

• Just seven months later, in September 2025, Starbucks announced more layoffs, consisting of 900 non-retail job cuts. The company also said it would close about 1% of its North American coffeehouses.

• “Our goal is for every coffeehouse to deliver a warm and welcoming space with a great atmosphere and a seat for every occasion. [We] identified coffeehouses where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect.”