Starbucks is restructuring its international operations, resulting in job cuts at its offices in the UK and Hong Kong. The company is shifting towards a greater reliance on licensing agreements for its stores outside of North America. This move reduces Starbucks’ direct operational control in these markets, transferring more responsibility to local partners. The restructuring aims to streamline operations and adapt to regional market dynamics. While specific numbers of affected employees haven’t been disclosed, the changes represent a significant shift in Starbucks’ global strategy. The company intends to focus resources on its core North American market and support licensee-operated stores internationally. This strategy allows for faster growth and greater flexibility in diverse international landscapes.