Starbucks Plans 600-650 Net New Stores in Fiscal 2026
Industry
Starbucks Corporation is maintaining its plan to open approximately 600-650 net new coffeehouses in fiscal 2026, with international markets expected to provide a strong contribution. The company ended the third quarter of fiscal 2026 with 22,933 international coffeehouses after adding 189 net new locations during the quarter, and international company-operated comparable sales rose 5.7%, supported by a mix of transaction and ticket growth, with Japan contributing to the momentum. Following the transition of China to a joint venture, roughly 90% of Starbucks' international portfolio is now managed through licensed structures, and the China joint venture is targeting up to 20,000 coffeehouses over time. North American company-operated unit growth may remain modest through fiscal 2027 as Starbucks strengthens its development pipeline, accelerates coffeehouse uplifts and addresses underperforming locations. The expansion push comes as McDonald's Corporation expects to open about 2,600 gross restaurants in 2026 and now targets 50,000 locations globally in 2028, while Chipotle Mexican Grill plans additional openings in Monterrey and expansion into Mexico City in 2027, and expects to enter South Korea in 2026 and Singapore in early 2027.
