Starbucks has launched a beta app in ChatGPT to enhance drink discovery for customers. This initiative is part of the company’s “Back to Starbucks” turnaround strategy, which also includes adding seating to cafes and refining its loyalty program to draw U.S. customers back to its locations. The app allows users to customize their orders and choose a location, although transactions must be completed through the Starbucks app or website. This effort aligns with a broader trend, as companies like Walmart, Etsy, and Booking.com are also exploring shopping capabilities through ChatGPT to improve customer engagement.

Starbucks: Starbucks is a multinational coffeehouse chain focused on premium beverages, food, and digital customer experiences through its cafes worldwide. It launched a beta app in ChatGPT allowing users to prompt ‘@Starbucks’ for personalized drink recommendations, which integrates with its app for order completion. This initiative is part of the ‘Back to Starbucks’ strategy to drive U.S. cafe visits by enhancing drink discovery amid its AI explorations like Green Dot Assist for baristas.
Paul Riedel: Paul Riedel is Starbucks’ Senior Vice President of Digital and Loyalty, directing the company’s digital platforms and loyalty program strategies. He stated that the new ChatGPT beta app meets customers at inspirational moments before menu review to simplify finding fitting drinks. Under his leadership, Starbucks advances tech integrations to boost engagement and retention.

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“Turnaround Measures”: “Starbucks’ ‘Back to Starbucks’ plan features added cafe seating, menu reductions, and loyalty program tiers to attract U.S. customers.”,
“Retail ChatGPT Tests”: “Walmart, Etsy, and Booking.com are experimenting with shopping and purchase features directly in ChatGPT’s interface.”
}
`