Starbucks has reported positive same-store sales for the second quarter in a row as the long-term view of CEO Brian Niccol’s comeback plan comes into focus. Beyond the numbers, he added that brand loyalty is gaining momentum again, driven mainly by menu innovation —though the company has shrunk its overall menu size by 25% — and marketing wins. “Value perception scores held strong in Q1, and when paired with average ticket growth, it clearly shows that we're delivering greater value through menu innovation and customer connection, not through discounts,” he said. Even though they cut into margins, Starbucks’ labor model overhaul has played a significant role in its turnaround plan. Starbucks opened 128 new stores last quarter, ending the period with 41,118 stores globally.