Starbucks just posted Q2 North America comparable sales of +7.1%, beating the Street’s +4.5% on both transactions and ticket. Consumer Edge data shows the beat was the visible edge of a broader category signal.
Quick Service Snack/Beverage, where coffee chains make up a substantial share of spend, has been gaining share of total Limited Service Restaurant spend across every age and income group for 13 straight months. Those gains accelerated in February and March 2026, most among lower and middle-income households and consumers under 35.
Here’s the part worth watching: households earning $40,000 or less led every income tier in March, gaining 1.3 percentage points year-over-year. The $150K+ tier trailed at 0.9 points. Even with sentiment under pressure, lower-income households are the ones still finding room to splurge on lower-ticket treats.
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