Starbucks is facing a crisis as painfully long wait times drive millions of customers away. New data reveals that one in 12 customers now waits between 15 and 30 minutes for their coffee, a significant increase from pre-pandemic times. Shockingly, one in every 50 orders takes more than half an hour. The issue isn't slow or lazy staff; it stems from corporate decisions to cut costs by reducing staffing levels while simultaneously expanding a complicated drinks menu. Starbucks employs fewer people in the U.S. than it did in 2020, even though it has opened 1,000 more outlets since then. A secret scheduling software, meant to optimize staffing, often underestimates the time needed to make drinks. Additionally, a drive-thru timer pressures staff to serve quickly, further stressing the employees. These factors have led to a significant drop in customer satisfaction and sales, with Starbucks' CEO admitting that long wait times are a major issue. As a result, many customers are choosing to go to competitors or make coffee at home instead.
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