Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) and the Workers United union have agreed to bring in an outside mediator to advance contract negotiations. The coffee chain operator and Workers United noted in a joint statement that they have made progress over the last nine months of bargaining,

Starbucks and its union representing more than 10,000 baristas have agreed to bring in an outside mediator to help resume halted bargaining talks, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.

Starbucks customers should brace for another drastic change. However, shortly after the company revealed its latest sales performance, its CEO doubled down on another major change

They’ve been negotiating a template for collective bargaining agreements covering more than 500 cafes in the U.S.

Shares of coffee giant Starbucks ( SBUX 7.37%) popped on Wednesday after the company reported financial results for its fiscal first quarter of 2025 -- the first quarter of its hopeful turnaround. Global transactions fell 6% but Starbucks stock was counterintuitively up 7% as of 12:30 p.m. ET. Here's why.

Starbucks fans can now get free refills for some drinks — but not all. The coffee chain is also bringing back its self-serve milk and sweeteners bar.

These customers will be able to enjoy free refills on hot brewed or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea during their visit. Starbucks says folks must have their first beverage served in a ceramic mug, glass or personal cup — no disposable vessels — to receive free refills.

Starbucks is cutting nearly a third of its menu. During the coffee chain’s earnings call on Tuesday, Jan. 28, CEO Brian Niccol announced a “roughly 30% reduction in both beverages and food." However, the chain has yet to announce which items are getting cut.

“In the coming months, you’ll see us begin to optimize our menu offerings, resulting in roughly 30% reduction in both beverages and food SKUs by the end of fiscal year 2025,” Niccol shared Tuesday during Starbucks’ quarterly earnings call, per Axios.

Food giant Nestle unveiled a $675 million Glendale plant that makes creamers for coffees, a segment where the company expects significant growth.

Starbucks (SBUX) is making big changes in the name of safety. In lieu of its 2018-era goal to become the “third place” where people hang out, Starbucks has a new “Coffeehouse Code of Conduct.” This policy limits access to stores,