Store Expansion Puts Starbucks Back in Growth Mode for 2026

Growth Returns for Coffee Giant

CoStar reports that Starbucks posted its first quarterly earnings growth in over two years, signaling momentum in its ongoing turnaround. The company resumed store expansion, ending its fiscal Q2 with 41,129 global cafes, including nearly 17,000 in the US and almost 8,000 in China.

The brand aims to open 650 stores worldwide in 2026, continuing a rebound after last year’s closures and layoffs. US expansion is expected to add 150 to 175 company-owned locations, while international regions will see 450 to 500 new cafes.

Upgrades and Increased Traffic

Starbucks has completed upgrades at more than 300 stores, enhancing customer experience with better staffing and modernized interiors. By year-end, more than 1,000 top-performing locations will see similar uplifts. These efforts contributed to a 6.2% rise in global store sales with US sales up 7.1%, fueled by a higher volume of customer visits.

Improved Financial Outlook

The company raised its 2026 guidance, now expecting worldwide sales growth of at least 5%, up from the previous 3%. Adjusted earnings per share guidance increased to a range of $2.25–$2.45.

Corporate Expansion in Nashville

To support its East Coast store expansion, Starbucks finalized a lease for a 250 KSF office space at Peabody Union in Nashville. However, the company has recently pulled back on parts of its planned office footprint in the city, signaling a more cautious approach to workspace expansion. While Seattle remains headquarters, supply chain operations will transition to the new Tennessee hub later this year, reflecting a broader growth push across the eastern US.