What happens when the world’s second-largest restaurant chain loses its way?
Inspired by the compelling Bloomberg Originals video Can Starbucks Save Itself?, this 90-minute lesson takes students behind the green siren to explore the dramatic rise, shocking decline, and uncertain future of an iconic global brand.
Students will discover how Howard Schultz transformed coffee from a simple commodity into an “everyday luxury,” only to watch the company struggle with overworked employees, complicated drink orders, a volatile Chinese market, and the most aggressive unionization battle in modern corporate history. They will meet real baristas fighting for change and follow the arrival of a new CEO who promises to bring Starbucks back to its roots – if it’s not too late.
This lesson develops:
- Listening comprehension through a fast-paced, authentic business documentary
- Business vocabulary including essential terms like unionization, volatile, commodity, stonewall, preponderance, and woes
- Grammar accuracy with a focused presentation and practice of so that vs. so as to express purpose
- Critical thinking through analysis of cause and effect in corporate decision-making
- Fluent discussion with personalized questions that encourage students to use new language naturally
Bring the drama, the vocabulary, and the business lessons of Starbucks into your classroom today.
This lesson is an independent creation for educational purposes and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Starbucks.
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Teach English through real corporate drama – strategy, unions, and the fight to save a global brand!
