The company will tie 25% of tech staff bonuses to AI-related goals as part of a $2 billion cost-saving plan.
Starbucks will allocate one quarter of tech employees’ bonuses to department-wide AI adoption targets, aiming to boost operational efficiency. The move is part of a broader strategy to cut $2 billion in costs by 2026, including $400 million in restructuring charges.
The company previously outlined its “Back to Starbucks” plan, which includes $280 million in non-cash charges and $120 million in cash costs, primarily for employee separation benefits. The initiative follows reported traffic growth in U.S. stores during afternoon and evening hours.
Starbucks did not disclose immediate market reaction to the announcement, but the shift underscores its focus on technology-driven cost optimization.