The coffee chain has unveiled a new lounge chair and redesigned ceramic mugs as part of its effort to make its coffeehouses a welcoming "third place" to hang out.

The new chairs feature wide, open arms and softer, velvet upholstery in deep green, with classic walnut legs, which are inspired by Starbucks' heritage and are designed to encourage customers to "slow down and stay awhile."

Starbucks

According to the official press release, the new ceramic mugs have been influenced by Italian cafés and Seattle's maritime heritage, and have a wider mouth -- which is meant to enhance the aroma of the drink -- and a reshaped handle for a "comfortable, natural grip."

Tests are underway in selected Los Angeles and New York City stores, with a broader North American introduction planned for later in 2026, and a global rollout beginning in 2027.

Los Angeles

Separately, Starbucks has announced a new RTD coffee and protein line, which will start on March 23, and will blend Starbucks coffee with 22 grams of protein, 5 grams of prebiotic fiber, five vitamins and minerals, and 2 grams of sugar per 12-ounce bottle. Flavors include Classic Caffè and Caffè Mocha flavors with a retail price of $3.99, according to the press release.

The company also said it was launching new "lighter or reduced sugar" RTD options on March 23, including an "Iced Espresso Lite Chilled Multiserve," which comes in Vanilla Latte and Caramel Macchiato flavors, a "Doubleshot Energy Zero Sugar," which comes in French Vanilla and Dark Chocolate flavors and is under 100 calories per 15-ounce can, and a 100-calorie "Frappuccino Lite" in a Chocolate Hazelnut Gelato flavor.

Iced Espresso Lite Chilled

For its new spring merchandise, Starbucks said it's launching two collections -- Matcha and Cherry Blossom -- which will arrive at participating U.S. and Canadian coffeehouses starting on March 3.

"We were inspired by the customers in our coffeehouses. We created an assortment that captures the spirit of spring and our customers' love of matcha," Kap Pitarys, Starbucks' director of U.S. merchandise, said in a press release.

RTD options on March 23, including an

Reading the wider picture

For diners, the question that matters is rarely whether somewhere is new, but whether it will still be worth the trip a year from now.

Key takeaways

  • The coffee chain has unveiled a new lounge chair and redesigned ceramic mugs as part of its effort to make its coffeehouses a welcoming "third place" to hang out
  • Tests are underway in selected Los Angeles and New York City stores, with a broader North American introduction planned for later in 2026
  • For its new spring merchandise, Starbucks said it's launching two collections -- Matcha and Cherry Blossom -- which will arrive at participating U.S. and Canadian coffeehouses starting on March 3
  • "We were inspired by the customers in our coffeehouses

The numbers worth knowing

  • Tests are underway in selected Los Angeles and New York City stores, with a broader North American introduction planned for later in 2026, and a global rollout beginning in 2027
  • Flavors include Classic Caffè and Caffè Mocha flavors with a retail price of $3.99, according to the press release

The questions it raises

What should you know about Starbucks?

The new chairs feature wide, open arms and softer, velvet upholstery in deep green, with classic walnut legs, which are inspired by Starbucks' heritage and are designed to encourage customers to "slow down and stay awhile.".

What happens next?

Tests are underway in selected Los Angeles and New York City stores, with a broader North American introduction planned for later in 2026, and a global rollout beginning in 2027.

In short

As always in the dining room, the gap between what gets announced and what actually reaches people is where the real story will be decided.