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Starbucks' New Look: Dress Code Changes in 2025
Starbucks is shaking things up! In 2025, the coffee giant is rolling out some major changes, including a new dress code for its baristas. This is all part of CEO Brian Niccol's plan to refresh the company's image and get back to its coffeehouse roots. Niccol wants to boost business and improve the work environment, especially after dealing with unionization campaigns and some disappointing financial results.
So, what's the new dress code? Starting May 12th, baristas will need to wear solid black shirts – short-sleeved or long-sleeved, and they can be crew neck, collared, or button-up. For bottoms, they can choose any shade of khaki, black, or blue denim. To help with the change, Starbucks is giving each employee two free company-branded T-shirts.
The idea behind the new dress code is to create a more consistent and familiar experience for customers. Starbucks wants its iconic green apron to really stand out. The company believes that by simplifying the dress code, baristas can focus on what's really important: making great drinks and connecting with customers.
But not everyone is happy about the changes. Starbucks Workers United, a union representing some of the company's employees, argues that the new dress code is a distraction. They believe Starbucks should be focusing on bargaining with the union and addressing issues like understaffing. Jasmine Leli, a barista and union bargaining delegate, said that customers care more about getting their drinks quickly than what color shirt the baristas are wearing.
Some employees even staged walk-outs to protest the new dress code. Over 1,200 employees at around 100 stores participated, arguing that the policy worsens the understaffing problem. They feel that Starbucks should be finalizing fair contracts with the union instead of focusing on a limiting dress code.
Starbucks, however, claims that the walk-outs affected less than 1% of its stores and didn't disrupt operations. The company says it has held many bargaining sessions with the union and reached agreements on various topics. Starbucks insists it's committed to bargaining in good faith to reach contracts for its union-represented employees.
This isn't the only change Niccol is making. Starbucks is also cutting 30% of its menu to reduce wait times and encourage innovation. They've already removed some less popular drinks. The company is also bringing back some old-school touches, like Sharpie-written messages on cups and condiment bars. They even reversed their open-door policy, now limiting restroom access to paying customers.
Niccol wants to make sure Starbucks has the "right vibe". He wants to create a comfortable place where customers can enjoy great coffee and feel like their visit was time well spent. By simplifying the dress code and bringing back some classic elements, Starbucks hopes to create a more inviting and consistent experience for everyone.
It's a bold move, and only time will tell if these changes will help Starbucks regain its footing and win back customers. But one thing is clear: Starbucks is determined to revitalize its brand and create a coffeehouse experience that's both familiar and fresh.
Summary
Starbucks is implementing a new dress code in 2025, requiring baristas to wear solid black shirts and khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms.
The company aims to create a more consistent customer experience and allow the green apron to stand out, but some employees are protesting the changes.
Starbucks is also cutting 30% of its menu and bringing back old-school touches to revitalize its brand and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Social Media Summary
Instructions: Write a caption for the "Instagram-style" post from the point of view of one specific person or group. Be sure to include all vocabulary terms in a way that shows you understand their meaning.

Username:
‏deeafterdark__



Caption:
Change is brewing at Starbucks! As a barista passionate about our craft, we’re embracing the new dress code of solid black shirts paired with khaki or denim bottoms. It’s all about creating a consistent customer experience and letting our iconic green apron shine!
But hey, we’re also rallying together—some of us are feeling a bit mixed about these changes. Let’s keep the conversation going! Let’s not forget, the menu is getting a fresh cut with 30% fewer items, which means we can focus on serving up the classics we all love.
Together, we’ll revitalize our Starbucks vibe and bring back those beloved old-school touches that make our stores feel inviting. Let’s raise our mugs to new beginnings and a bright future!









#Hashtags:
‏#Starbucksbarista #fyp #trending



Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Multiple Choice Questions
Answer the following multiple choice questions about the reading.

1. According to the article, what is the main reason behind Starbucks' new dress code policy?
A. To reduce the cost of providing uniforms to employees.
B. To create a more consistent and familiar experience for customers.
C. To comply with new labor laws regarding employee attire.
D. To generate revenue through the sale of company-branded apparel.
2. What is Starbucks Workers United's primary criticism of the new dress code?
A. The new dress code is too expensive for baristas to comply with.
B. The dress code is not strict enough and allows for too much variation.
C. The dress code infringes on baristas' personal style and expression.
D. The dress code is a distraction from more important issues like understaffing and union bargaining.
3. Besides the dress code changes, what other changes is Starbucks implementing under CEO Brian Niccol's plan?
A. Offering employees stock options.
B. Increasing prices on all menu items by 15%.
C. Expanding its international operations to new markets.
D. Cutting 30% of its menu to reduce wait times and encourage innovation.

Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following short answer questions about the reading.

1. According to the reading passage, what are the key changes to the Starbucks dress code being implemented in 2025, and what is the company's stated rationale for making these changes?





2. What are the main concerns raised by Starbucks Workers United regarding the new dress code, and what actions have they taken to express their dissatisfaction?





3. Besides the dress code changes, what other adjustments is Starbucks making under CEO Brian Niccol's plan, and how are these changes intended to improve the overall customer experience?






Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Open Ended Questions
Answer the following open-ended questions about the reading.

1. The article mentions that Starbucks is providing employees with two free company-branded T-shirts as part of the new dress code. How do you think receiving these shirts might affect employee morale or their perception of the company's intentions behind the dress code changes?







2. What type of dress code is Starbucks implementing? Do you agree with the change? If you were the CEO what would your dress code be and why?







3. The article discusses how Starbucks is trying to create the 'right vibe' in its stores. Think about a place where you feel comfortable and welcome. What specific elements contribute to that feeling, and how do you think Starbucks could incorporate similar elements to improve its atmosphere?










Answers

Answered by GPT-4o mini
### Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to the article, what is the main reason behind Starbucks' new dress code policy?
- **B.** To create a more consistent and familiar experience for customers.

2. What is Starbucks Workers United's primary criticism of the new dress code?
- **D.** The dress code is a distraction from more important issues like understaffing and union bargaining.

3. Besides the dress code changes, what other changes is Starbucks implementing under CEO Brian Niccol's plan?
- **D.** Cutting 30% of its menu to reduce wait times and encourage innovation.

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### Short Answer Questions

1. According to the reading passage, what are the key changes to the Starbucks dress code being implemented in 2025, and what is the company's stated rationale for making these changes?
- The key changes to the Starbucks dress code include requiring baristas to wear solid black shirts (either short-sleeved or long-sleeved) and selecting bottoms from shades of khaki, black, or blue denim. The company's stated rationale for these changes is to create a more consistent and familiar experience for customers, allowing the iconic green apron to stand out while enabling baristas to focus on creating great drinks and connecting with customers.

2. What are the main concerns raised by Starbucks Workers United regarding the new dress code, and what actions have they taken to express their dissatisfaction?
- The main concerns raised by Starbucks Workers United are that the new dress code is a distraction from more pressing issues, such as understaffing and the need for fair contract negotiations with the union. To express their dissatisfaction, some employees staged walk-outs, with over 1,200 participating across around 100 stores to protest the dress code changes.

3. Besides the dress code changes, what other adjustments is Starbucks making under CEO Brian Niccol's plan, and how are these changes intended to improve the overall customer experience?
- In addition to the dress code changes, Starbucks is cutting 30% of its menu to reduce wait times and encourage innovation, having already removed some less popular drinks. These adjustments aim to streamline service and improve efficiency, enabling baristas to focus on serving popular items and enhancing the overall customer experience. Moreover, the return of old-school touches, like Sharpie-written messages on cups and condiment bars, is intended to create a familiar and inviting atmosphere for customers.

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### Open Ended Questions

1. The article mentions that Starbucks is providing employees with two free company-branded T-shirts as part of the new dress code. How do you think receiving these shirts might affect employee morale or their perception of the company's intentions behind the dress code changes?
- Providing employees with two free company-branded T-shirts may have a positive impact on morale by showing that the company values its employees and is willing to support them during the transition to the new dress code. However, it might also be perceived as a superficial gesture if employees feel their more significant concerns, such as understaffing and union negotiations, are being overlooked. Overall, the perception of the company's intentions will likely depend on how well Starbucks addresses these broader issues alongside the new dress code.

2. What type of dress code is Starbucks implementing? Do you agree with the change? If you were the CEO, what would your dress code be and why?
- Starbucks is implementing a dress code requiring baristas to wear solid black shirts and bottoms in shades of khaki, black, or blue denim. Whether one agrees with the change may depend on personal preferences regarding uniformity versus individuality. If I were CEO, I would consider a more flexible dress code that allows employees to express their personal style while still complying with a general color scheme. This could boost employee morale and create a more authentic customer experience without straying too far from the brand's image.

3. The article discusses how Starbucks is trying to create the 'right vibe' in its stores. Think about a place where you feel comfortable and welcome. What specific elements contribute to that feeling, and how do you think Starbucks could incorporate similar elements to improve its atmosphere?
- A place where I feel comfortable often has warm lighting, cozy seating, and friendly staff who engage warmly with customers. Additionally, the presence of personal touches, like local artwork or community messages, can enhance the welcoming atmosphere. To improve its atmosphere, Starbucks could incorporate softer lighting, diverse seating arrangements that encourage relaxation or social interaction, and community-centric initiatives, such as showcasing local artists' work or hosting events, which would foster a stronger sense of connection between baristas and customers.
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