Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz continues to weigh in on the coffee giant's performance, even after stepping down several months ago. In a recent LinkedIn post, Schultz shared his views on Starbucks' challenges, particularly in its US operations, which he believes are the primary reason for the company's recent struggles. He emphasized the critical importance of focusing on enhancing the customer experience in Starbucks stores, rather than relying solely on data-driven strategies. Schultz called for a reinvention of Starbucks' mobile ordering and payment app, urging the company to restore its original uplifting essence. He also suggested a return to coffee-centric innovation to reinforce Starbucks' premium position in the market. Despite relinquishing his roles as CEO and board member, Schultz remains one of Starbucks' major shareholders and continues to advocate for the company's success. The current CEO, Laxman Narasimhan, acknowledged a disappointing quarter in Starbucks' recent earnings report, citing declining same-store sales in both the US and China. Narasimhan outlined plans to revitalize the business, including updates to the app, improvements in service, and the introduction of new menu items. Schultz acknowledged experiencing financial disappointments during his tenure but expressed confidence in Starbucks' resilience and eventual recovery. While Schultz did not address ongoing issues such as negotiations with the Starbucks workers union or legal disputes, his insights underscore the importance of addressing fundamental operational challenges to restore the company's growth trajectory.