• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion, but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting

2

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup

3

Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less

1

The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion, but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting

2

After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup

3

Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
RetailStarbucks

Starbucks is now offering a $5 combo meal, following other fast-food chains experimenting with affordable options to lure back customers

Sunny Nagpaul
By
Sunny Nagpaul
Sunny Nagpaul
Down Arrow Button Icon
Sunny Nagpaul
By
Sunny Nagpaul
Sunny Nagpaul
Down Arrow Button Icon
June 12, 2024, 2:49 PM ET
Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan attending the 2023 TAAF Annual AAPI CEO Dinner in New York City on September 26, 2023.
Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan attending the 2023 TAAF Annual AAPI CEO Dinner in New York City on September 26, 2023.JP Yim/Getty Images
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Starbucks is trying to make your breakfast a little more affordable. 

Recommended Video

The coffee giant is joining the bandwagon of several other fast-food chains trying to lure in customers with deals by announcing a new “pairings menu,” which gives diners the ability to pair a tall hot or iced tea or coffee with some of the coffee bar’s staple bites, like a butter croissant or breakfast sandwich, for just $5 to $6. Starbucks says the deal is available for a limited time.

The new deal is one of many made by fast-food chains being squeezed by higher food costs and inflation, which have, in turn, been squeezing consumers’ wallets. This comes after Starbucks reported a “disappointing” second quarter, in the words of the company’s own CEO Laxman Narasimhan, and the latest of many quarters with missed results. In its most recent earnings report, the chain said it’s been struggling to meet consumer demand in the U.S. and China, while financial impacts from boycotts (particularly in the Middle East), barista unionizations, and even a pointed callout from its former CEO also weighed down the chain.

The chain’s net revenue was down 2% to $8.6 billion, and global comparable store sales declined by 4%. Sales in North America, one of the coffee chain’s largest markets, dropped by 3%, according to the report.  

In the earnings call, Narasimhan said this quarter’s results “do not reflect the power of our brand,” and is rather a result of  a “highly challenged and complex operating environment.” 

While bundling is a long-time practice for several fast-food chains—think burger, fries, and drink combos offered at McDonald’s and Wendy’s—the deal is somewhat of a rare move for Starbucks, which instead often focuses on the quality and scope of its product lines, with new drinks featured almost every season, as a marketing strategy. 

Indeed, each time the weather shifts, so do the colors and flavors of the coffee bar’s menu. In January, Starbucks released its ‘Oleato,’ an olive-oil infused coffee with a Mediterranean influence; in March, the coffee maker added the floral flavors of lavender for lattes on the menu; and in April, turned to chilis to offer spicy cold foams and lemonades. This summer, Starbucks has also added a new summer drink, with raspberry pearls and a coconut milk base, inspired by bubble tea. 

While Starbucks is, like many fast-food chains, facing elevated inflation and higher food costs, it’s clearly experimenting with a similar strategy recently employed by McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King, which have re-introduced $5 value deals or other low-cost bargains to get customers back into stores. In May, McDonald’s promised to launch a $5 meal deal as a four-week promotional campaign. Shortly after, Wendy’s announced a $3 breakfast rival deal, and at the end of May, Burger King followed suit, saying it is preparing its own $5 bargain deal. 

Starbucks’ newest pairing menu is a limited-time offer that’s only available in stores and is not eligible for delivery services. Customers wanting to customize their drinks or food will need to pay more. 

The Fortune 500 Innovation Forum will convene Fortune 500 executives, U.S. policy officials, top founders, and thought leaders to help define what’s next for the American economy, Nov. 16-17 in Detroit. Apply here.
About the Author
Sunny Nagpaul
By Sunny Nagpaul
LinkedIn icon
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Retail

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Retail

A Viking ship named Havhingsten af Glendalough - the Sea Stallion of Glendalough -, the world's largest replica of a Viking warship, sets out 01 JUly 2007 from the Viking Museum in Roskilde, Denmark, on a voyage to Dublin in Ireland, where it is scheduled to arrive 14 August.
EuropeScience
1,000-year-old massive textile factory unearthed in Denmark—and it belonged to the Vikings
By James Brooks and The Associated PressJune 24, 2026
2 hours ago
How ‘Ozempic face’ is pushing Gen X, already the biggest Botox and filler consumers, to the facelift table a decade early
HealthGen X
How ‘Ozempic face’ is pushing Gen X, already the biggest Botox and filler consumers, to the facelift table a decade early
By Mia OsmonbekovJune 24, 2026
3 hours ago
Institute's Global Conference at the Beverly Hilton Hotel,on May 6, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California.
RetailSpaceX
Elon Musk was the world’s first trillionaire for 12 days
By Eva RoytburgJune 24, 2026
4 hours ago
Mamdani’s picks sweep New York City’s congressional primaries, ousting two incumbents
PoliticsNew York
Mamdani’s picks sweep New York City’s congressional primaries, ousting two incumbents
By The Associated PressJune 24, 2026
8 hours ago
a
RetailAmazon
Amazon’s record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
By Nick LichtenbergJune 24, 2026
9 hours ago
As marketers grapple with AI, business leaders at Cannes Lions say human creativity and authenticity matter more than ever 
Europecannes lions
As marketers grapple with AI, business leaders at Cannes Lions say human creativity and authenticity matter more than ever 
By Sam BirchallJune 24, 2026
12 hours ago

Most Popular

The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion, but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting
Economy
The Pentagon said Iran War costs $29 billion, but the real cost is closer to $200 billion—and counting
By Jacqueline MunisJune 24, 2026
17 hours ago
After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
Success
After forcing workers back to the office, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are now letting their staff work remotely—but only for the World Cup
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 23, 2026
1 day ago
Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
Retail
Amazon's record Prime Day masks a darker truth: Americans are spending more and getting less
By Nick LichtenbergJune 24, 2026
9 hours ago
Ray Dalio just finished a 10-day trip to China. He says global leaders know America ‘doesn’t have what it takes to fight to maintain its empire’
Asia
Ray Dalio just finished a 10-day trip to China. He says global leaders know America ‘doesn’t have what it takes to fight to maintain its empire’
By Nick LichtenbergJune 24, 2026
10 hours ago
Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic
Success
Now worth $200 million, Sarah Jessica Parker credits being ‘one of eight kids that struggled financially’ for her hunger, ambition, and work ethic
By Orianna Rosa RoyleJune 24, 2026
17 hours ago
Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 23, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 23, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.