Starbucks adds assistant managers to improve US store operations

Starbucks will add assistant managers to most US company-operated stores, allowing store managers to focus on tasks like hiring and scheduling. The move aims to improve store operations and comes as Starbucks seeks to reverse sales declines. Currently, only about 20% of US locations have assistant managers, who will help run stores when managers are unavailable. The initiative, starting in September in select areas, will expand to most US locations in 2026 and Canada in summer 2026. The company also plans to promote from within for the new roles.