Starbucks Looks to Protein Drinks and Other New Products

UNITED STATES – Starbucks is hoping new products and better in-store service will help perk up sluggish U.S. sales.

The company says same-store sales in the U.S. fell 2% last quarter, marking the sixth straight decline.

Customers spent more per visit, but Starbucks says traffic was down 4%.

CEO Laxman Narasimhan told investors Tuesday that simplified menus, new protein drinks, and revamped store layouts are part of the turnaround plan.

The company’s quarterly revenue hit $9.5 billion, slightly beating Wall Street expectations.

But profits reportedly dropped nearly 50%.