Can Brian Niccol make @Starbucks feel like Starbucks again ADWEEK’s October issue explores how CEO Brian Niccol’s Back to Starbucks plan aims to restore the coffeehouse experience through refurbished stores, a simpler menu, a revamped loyalty program, and more staff during rushes. The turnaround has improved comps and renewed the brand’s focus, but controversies persist. His $96 million pay package and company-jet commute drew criticism. Starbucks has closed hundreds of stores, cut thousands of jobs, and remains locked in a dispute with unionized workers. Rising coffee and tariff costs, along with staffing expenses, add pressure. Starbucks is betting that service and operations can fuel growth without eroding trust among customers, employees, and investors. Read the full cover story 👉 adweek.it/4rMELDg

What does it take to build a brand that stands out without getting caught in a race to the bottom? In this guest-only episode of Adspeak by ADWEEK, Paulie Dery, CMO at @drink_AG1, and Victoria Lozano, CMO at @Crayola, share how brands can move beyond product benefits to create deeper consumer connections and lasting cultural relevance. adweek.it/4BCinRR

.@PepsiCo and @abinbev veteran Sebnem Erim is Diageo North America’s new chief marketing officer. She said she was excited to help shape the future of its iconic brands. Diageo owns about 200 brands, including Tanqueray, Smirnoff, Captain Morgan, and Guinness. adweek.it/4zKOblu

.@AppleMusic's rebrand 😮‍💨

Cuttable, an Australian startup that turns brands’ photo and video assets into AI ads across @Meta and @TikTok_US, has raised $20 million in Series A funding. View the pitch deck below 👇 adweek.it/487UFiw

.@Whatnot's first national spot stars @Giants' @camskattebo5 plunging his head through the walls of three sellers busy shooting their livestreams. Learn more about Whatnot's first national campaign 👉 adweek.it/3UEQBTV

.@Meta has been ordered to pay $25 billion for deceiving users about privacy

As fans await @AppleMusic's next Super Bowl halftime headliner, the platform has unveiled a new “made by sound” identity created with @TBWAMAL. Working with @fredagainagain1 and Nest Acoustics, the team filmed musical vibrations rippling through mineral oil, using the footage to shape a bold, lowercase wordmark and a new audiovisual signature. The identity rolls out across Apple Music’s original content and events this week, following a preview tied to its new Apple Music Hall. adweek.it/4iypPWk

.@BestBuy and @IGN are launching Best Buy Gamers, a beta portal featuring gaming reviews, videos, and exclusive content, as well as holiday programming on IGN, including a gift guide and shoppable livestream. Best Buy Ads will sell placements and develop brand partnerships across sponsored content and creator integrations. adweek.it/4ziamzX

On Thursday, @Grindr will host its third Pleasure Ball in New York City, a Halloween party and costume contest. The LGBTQ+ dating app hopes it will become the “gay rival to the Met Gala,” said chief marketing officer Tristan Pineiro. This year’s party is backed by @absolutvodka, @lyft, and Back Market. adweek.it/4z3hUpY

.@CNN has introduced a new homepage layout, including a new video carousel at the top to showcase live channels and on-demand offerings included in CNN’s DTC subscription product, All Access. adweek.it/4yXpH8D

In a previous earnings report, @Netflix said it was targeting $3 billion in ad revenue for 2026, which would double its take year over year. However, in its latest quarterly earnings, Netflix is adjusting its expectations, targeting $2.7 billion instead. adweek.it/4z42D8q

Hey Janet, show us @Target's new holiday ad. Learn more about the campaign 👉 adweek.it/4dRmhvO

.@Kalshi’s latest campaign features @NBA player Dillon Brooks playfully using a device that mutes any mention of his rival, @KingJames. And Kalshi is offering The King Blocker as a real product that fans can enter to win. Learn more 👉 adweek.it/4zMddko

.@Salesforce said it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire New York-based customer engagement platform, Braze, for roughly $5.66 billion. adweek.it/3VYgo9X

Netflix has announced updates to its in-house advertising platform, Netflix Ad Suite, showcasing improved buying, planning, and results. Learn about them all below 👇 adweek.it/3UA4zGE