Starbucks has introduced a beta app within ChatGPT aimed at helping customers discover and customize drink ideas, the company announced Wednesday.
To access the feature, users must enable the Starbucks app through ChatGPT’s app directory and include “@Starbucks” in their prompt. While customers can personalize their beverages and choose a pickup location, they must finalize and pay for their orders through the Starbucks app or website, an important step for the company, which depends heavily on its loyalty program.
“Over the past year, one thing has become clear: customers aren’t always starting with a menu,” Paul Riedel, Starbucks senior vice president of digital and loyalty, said in a statement. “They’re starting with a feeling… We wanted to meet customers right in that moment of inspiration and make it easier than ever to find a drink that fits.”
The announcement on Wednesday is the latest move by Starbucks to draw U.S. customers back into its cafes. As part of its “Back to Starbucks” turnaround plan, the company has restored in-store seating, streamlined its menu and brought back tiered rewards within its loyalty program.
It has also focused on helping customers discover new beverages through its mobile app, highlighting trending drinks and featuring a “secret menu” under the offers tab. Encouraging drink discovery is especially key to attracting Gen Z customers, who tend to favor unique and customizable beverages more than older generations.
Wednesday’s announcement does not mark Starbucks’ first move into generative artificial intelligence or collaboration with OpenAI. Last year, the coffee chain introduced Green Dot Assist, an AI-powered assistant for baristas built on Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform.
Other consumer-facing companies are also teaming up with OpenAI to drive sales.
Major brands such as Walmart, Etsy, and Booking.com have been testing shopping and purchasing features through ChatGPT’s interface.

