Starbucks Coffee Company is back in expansion mode with plans that include opening hundreds of new US stores during the next couple of years – and even more looking further out.
The coffee giant expects to open approximately 600 to 650 net new cafes this year, including 150 to 175 US company-operated stores and 450 to 500 international locations. China, Starbucks’ largest market outside of the US, comprises close to half of the international total.
During presentations at its Investor Day 2026 in New York City, Starbucks said it expects to open more than 2,000 net new stores across its company-operated and licensed portfolio in 2028, including approximately 400 new US company-operated stores. Its plans include smaller-format stores that are less expensive to build, but still provide offer comfortable seating, drive-thru service and mobile order pickup capacity.
“Even with our scale, the US coffeehouse growth opportunity for Starbucks is big and broad,” said COO Mike Grams.
The company also plans to continue its store upgrade, or “uplift” program. To date, it has completed approximately 200 uplifts, primarily in New York City and Southern California. It’s on track to complete more than 1,000 by the end of fiscal 2026. It also expects to add more than 25,000 café seats across the US by the end of the year.
