Starbucks.(ON THE FOODSERVICE FRONT)(Brief article)

Food Institute Report, The, February, 2008

STARBUCKS will slow the pace of its U.S. store openings, increase international store openings, and discontinue warmed breakfast sandwiches at its North American stores, according to CEO Howard Schultz's new turnaround plan. The decision regarding the breakfast sandwiches was made since the scent of the warmed sandwiches interferes with the coffee aroma in the stores.

Starbucks will continue offering warmed pastries and selling lunch, but there will be some modifications to the line. A total of 1,175 new stores will open in the U.S. this year, down more than 34% from fiscal 2007. An additional 75 new stores are planned in international markets, bringing international international openings to approximately 975 stores.