"Starbucks, once a near-daily stop for many, is experiencing a decline in sales and foot traffic. The company's failure to innovate its drink menu, aside from a few new flavors, has left it behind in the competitive coffee market. The rise of customer-created drinks has complicated barista workflows, leading to dissatisfaction among workers and customers. Many stores have seen unionization efforts due to worsening work conditions, and there have been strikes over issues like excessive heat and poor benefits. The company's anti-union stance has further damaged its reputation. Starbucks is now attempting to address these challenges by engaging in contract talks with unions and planning changes to improve customer experiences and barista job satisfaction. However, there is uncertainty about whether Starbucks can reclaim its prominence as a leading coffee chain. The new CEO, Brian Niccol, aims to "get back to Starbucks," but analysts speculate a shift towards convenience over craft, given his background at Chipotle." - Amy McCarthy
