Despite being a Gen-Z staple, the coffee giant saw a six percent drop in US orders in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024 and customers are citing price as a problem. 

But it's more than just paying $7 to $9 for sugary drinks that are setting customers over the edge, but the extreme wait times and long lines that have left some drinking simple black coffees waiting excessive lengths as baristas quickly whip up more elaborate drinks in front of theirs. 

Another crack in the armor is the incessant tip promptings that are begging customers to dish out more of their hard-earned money prior to even receiving their drinks.  

Now, Starbucks has hired in Brian Niccol - who has been applauded for his successful turnaround of Chipotle - as its new CEO to save the dying chain. 

These are the reasons US customers are ditching the famous chain.  

Prices 

Dan Palmer, 66, of Chicago, used to frequent his local Starbucks to pick up breakfast and get a drink, like his favorite, the mango dragonfruit refresher, he told the Wall Street Journal. 

Now, his drink will cause him to fork over more than $6 and he doesn't find the beverage to be a 'deal in any sense of the word.' 

'The prices have gone up - a lot,' he told WSJ. 

Starbuck's loss in revenue is connected to rising prices - something the company has pinned down to more expensive ingredients and paying workers more. 

Add in the fact that nearly 40 percent of customers are now eating out less since the pandemic and rising inflation, many restaurants and businesses are hurriedly trying to find ways to keep patrons incited. 

Starbucks has offered BOGO days and even recently introduced a food-and-drink combo that cost between $5 and $7 to try and maintain profit, WSJ reported.