Starbucks, Papa Johns, Pollo Tropical

Walmart is expanding tap-to-pay in U.S. stores, allowing Apple Pay, Google Pay, and others. Amazon is investing $60B in AI data center chips and $5.76B in a bond sale. Both companies are shifting focus from payment control to customer relationships and AI-driven commerce.

Starbucks plans to invest $1 billion to renovate 8,000-9,000 North American stores, aiming to increase sales and customer dwell time. The company targets $2 billion in cost savings over two years to fund the makeovers, which cost about $150,000 per store. Investors will watch for improved store traffic and cash flow impacts.

Starbucks (SBUX) plans to invest $1 billion to renovate up to 9,000 North American cafes, aiming to improve customer experience and win back traffic. The upgrades include seating, lighting, and staffing changes, with 1,500 stores expected to complete renovations by September. The company also focuses on expanding in China and diversifying its menu. Same-store sales rose 7.9% in Q3, and shares have gained 19% year-to-date.

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's Back to Starbucks initiative, aimed at improving service and simplifying menus, has led to four quarters of positive US sales growth. The company is now investing $1bn to further this strategy, which focuses on enhancing the coffeehouse experience. Niccol, previously successful at Chipotle, was appointed in September 2024.

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating eight grocery chains, including Kroger, Walmart, and Amazon, for potential beef price-fixing. The probe follows claims of inflated meat prices. The average ground beef price rose 10% to $6.89 per pound. The Trump administration plans to ease tariffs on imported ground beef to lower prices, but ranchers express concerns about the impact on their businesses.

Starbucks plans to invest $1 billion to upgrade 9,000 North American cafes, aiming to make stores more inviting and boost customer spending. The renovations, costing $150,000 per store, include adding furniture and plants. About 1,500 stores will be upgraded by September. The move is part of CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround plan, with the company also targeting $2 billion in cost savings over two years.