So Starbucks' new "Siren Craft System" will include a "Peak Play Caller," or an employee who floats through the store and helps out, fresh tech support to help workers anticipate demand, and some modifications, like pulling espresso before steaming milk, instead of the other way around, all intended to simplify in-store experience and better serve guests during busy times. I don't think there's any debate Starbucks needed to become more operationally efficient so it's not running into moments where it's turning one channel off to serve another, or offering wait times on order-ahead that aren't accurate. But you also have to assume these foundational steps will lead to product innovation once the pressure valve lets up. Otherwise, it feels as though competitors are coming at Starbucks from all sides in terms of the options and quality you get for what it costs to get a cup of coffee these days.
No matter what restaurant or business you work in; Its all about looking at your peak times and trying to find out how you can be more efficient for your guests during that time. If there is an issue, how can you make it better, faster, more efficient, etc. to meet that demand. Havign a float come in during those peak times to do what is necessary is sometimes essential.
A mindset of always improving is how you get ahead, stay ahead and enjoy success.
Retail Industry Advisor @ Salesforce
1wThe coffee business right now is the most competitive I’ve seen it in the last 10 years. So many new brands starting to reach meaningful regional and national scale. Even independent shops are starting to be price-competitive. Lots to fix at Starbucks (I was recently at a store that didn’t have Vanilla syrup) and I hope this helps them drive the throughput they need.