Latest news with #Grams
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fears over future of BBC's iconic River City set once show is axed for good
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RIVER City bosses don't know what to do with the axed soap's iconic set, show insiders revealed. The fictional Glasgow district of Shieldinch will disappear from our screens next year after 24 years of drama and scandal. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 BBC Scotland previously announced that it is scrapping River City Credit: John Kirkby 4 It will disappear from screens next year Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow 4 But bosses 'don't know' what to do with the set Credit: BBC But the huge custom-built set, including the Tall Ship pub and Oyster Cafe, will still be there when the cameras stop rolling. And sources say BBC executives are being bombarded with questions about what will happen to it. It comes amid suggestions fans could snap up pieces of TV history from the filming lot in Dumbarton. An insider said: 'The question on everyone's lips has been, 'What will happen to the Shieldinch set?'. 'And the truth is, bosses have absolutely no idea. "It's an impressive filming space and was the backdrop for so many legendary scenes. 'Many viewers feel an attachment to it. Bosses are not ruling out the possibility of auctioning off some of the props.' Corporation chiefs decided to cancel the soap due to a 'change in viewing patterns' — as demand for long-running shows falls away. They told MSPs last month the £9million-a-year soap was no longer 'value for money' as its audience figures were down so much that it cost too much 'per viewer' to produce. BBC Scotland's drama budget over the next three years is expected to rise to £95million. Tragedy looms when the O'Hara's family holiday takes a dramatic turn after a life-threatening car crash Three new shows with shorter runs will be created for the channel — Counsels, Grams and The Young Team. Shetland has been renewed for a tenth series while there will be third runs for Vigil and Granite Harbour. River City's cast, including Stephen Purdon who plays Bob O'Hara, only learned it was being dumped minutes before the public was told in March. It is understood exact details of the final episodes and whether former cast members will return have not yet been discussed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Starbucks to deploy enhanced staffing model across North America
Global coffee house chain Starbucks chairman and CEO Brian Niccol is implementing a new staffing and service framework across the entire network of 18,000 outlets in North America. Niccol told Reuters that the company aims to deploy and complete the initiative by the close of summer 2025 - an advancement from the original strategy which targeted only a third of US locations by the end of the year. During the earnings call, Niccol stated: 'We'll launch a pilot across 700 stores looking at staffing levels to improve our Green Apron partners' ability to serve'. He went on to say that pilot tests have demonstrated a rise in sales with the new model. The Green Apron blueprint encompasses the integration of in-store technological solutions designed to sequence orders with greater efficiency, alongside the allocation of a specialised barista to exclusively manage drive-through orders. The company has gathered more than 14,000 coffeehouse leaders from across North America in Las Vegas for a three-day event on 10 June and 11 June. Leadership Experience 2025 (LE25) is led by Niccol and COO Mike Grams and is the company's largest leadership event to date. LE25 is a major step in Starbucks' turnaround strategy, which is focused on exceptional service, simplified routines and deeper customer connections. The event aims to set new customer service standards and reinforce the company's commitment to hospitality, targeting a four-minute wait time without sacrificing the warmth of the Starbucks experience. At the summit, Niccol told Reuters: 'We've learned, and now we know what we need to do, so let's scale it.' Grams stated that since the introduction of the "Back to Starbucks" strategy in September 2024, customers have noticed improvements: 'welcoming spaces, more confident baristas, faster service and the return of small but meaningful personal touches such as like ceramic mugs, and handwritten notes on cups, a more consistent dress code, and a much-loved customer favourite: the condiment bar." The strategy aims to revitalise the brand by enhancing the unique coffeehouse experience for which Starbucks is known. The company's initial efforts have concentrated on improving the store experience in the US and Canada. However, Starbucks is also evaluating the structure and size of its global support teams as part of its transformation efforts. The "Back to Starbucks" initiative has yielded positive results, with record-high shift completion rates, turnover rates below industry average and rising partner engagement scores. An internal survey has revealed that 84% of US store partners participated, with a majority recommending Starbucks as a great place to work. Grams went on: 'LE25 is our moment to recommit to a culture of hospitality and excellence. We're making progress, have real momentum with our 'Back to Starbucks' plan and are on the right track to turn the business around.' 'We're listening and testing in the coffeehouse, and then applying our learnings to scale quickly and enhance the customer and partner experience." In May 2025, private sector union United Steelworkers (USW) negotiated initial collective bargaining agreements for five newly unionised Starbucks locations in Ontario, Canada. "Starbucks to deploy enhanced staffing model across North America" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Cision Canada
10-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Leadership Experience 2025: Starbucks Rallies 14,000 North America Coffeehouse Leaders to Accelerate its 'Back to Starbucks' Strategy
TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - This week, Starbucks is hosting over 14,000 coffeehouse leaders from across North America at Leadership Experience 2025 (LE25) in Las Vegas—its largest leadership gathering ever and the first under chairman and CEO Brian Niccol and COO Mike Grams. "Getting 'Back to Starbucks' means refocusing on what has always set us apart — a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas," said Niccol. "We are bringing together our coffeehouse leaders from across North America to celebrate, empower and equip them to accelerate our transformation. The coffeehouse experience defines the Starbucks brand, and these leaders and their teams bring that experience to life for millions of customers every day." A New Era of Leadership and Customer Experience LE25 is an important milestone for Starbucks. Over three days, coffeehouse leaders will engage in immersive workshops, connect over new ways of working, hear directly from company leaders, and experience the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Championship, celebrating craft, connection, excellence at its best. The event will accelerate Starbucks turnaround—centered on exceptional service, simplified routines, and deeper customer connections. Leaders will explore new innovations, clearer customer service standards, and a renewed focus on hospitality, including a goal of four-minute wait times – without compromising the warmth and connection that define the Starbucks Experience. "This isn't just a reset—it's a recommitment to who we are when we are at our best," said Grams. "LE25 is our moment to recommit to a culture of hospitality and excellence. We're making progress, have real momentum with our "Back to Starbucks" plan and are on the right track to turn the business around." Since launching its Back to Starbucks strategy nine months ago, customers are already feeling the difference, with welcoming spaces, more confident baristas, faster service, and the return of small but meaningful touches like ceramic mugs, handwritten notes on cups, a more consistent dress code, and a much-loved customer favourite: the condiment bar. "Our turnaround is rooted in listening—to partners and customers—and taking action on what we hear," added Grams. "We're listening and testing in the coffeehouse, and then applying our learnings to scale quickly and enhance the customer and partner experience." Leading with Partners, Winning with Customers Starbucks continues to be a leader in partner (employee) care, offering competitive pay and industry-leading benefits such as a recently launched paid parental leave top-up benefit for all eligible Canadian store partners, equity in the form of stock, $5,000 in mental health benefits for eligible partners and more. Additionally, as part of its focus on making Starbucks the best job in retail, the company has established a goal to hire 90% of retail leaders from within, fostering a culture of growth and opportunity. "We believe a great partner experience fuels the customer experience," said Grams. "We always have more work to do, but our partners are rallying behind Back to Starbucks and telling us they like what they see. When our partners feel supported, our customers notice the difference too." Coffee and Craft Take Center Stage LE25 kicks off today with Starbucks largest-ever coffee tasting, featuring a first taste of the new Starbucks 1971 Roast™, available in the U.S. and Canada this Winter. The company is also celebrating the impact of its investment in the Global Farmer Fund, supporting long-term sustainability across Origin communities. LE25 will also spotlight the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Championship— a celebration of Starbucks baristas who embody the company's commitment to community, connection and craft. Over the three-day competition, 12 baristas from around the world will showcase their coffee passion and expertise through a variety of skills and knowledge-based competitions. "We're returning to what made us iconic: handcrafted coffee, human connection, and a relentless focus on excellence," said Niccol. "We're reigniting the soul of Starbucks, together." Giving Back in Las Vegas This week, Starbucks is demonstrating how major events can be designed with sustainability and community in mind. LE25 is powered by 100% renewable electricity sourced within 500 miles of Las Vegas. Starbucks will donate any surplus food to its FoodShare partner Three Square Food Bank, divert food waste and coffee grounds from the event to local farms, and plant 10 trees per attendee to support reforestation efforts in South American coffee-growing communities. The Starbucks Foundation will invite attendees to vote for five local Las Vegas organizations to receive grants, with an estimated $100,000 to be donated to causes like hunger relief, homelessness, youth empowerment and more. The Starbucks Foundation is also donating a $10,000 Neighborhood Grant to each Barista Championship contestant's chosen nonprofit.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Leadership Experience 2025: Starbucks Rallies 14,000 North America Coffeehouse Leaders to Accelerate its 'Back to Starbucks' Strategy
TORONTO, June 10, 2025 /CNW/ - This week, Starbucks is hosting over 14,000 coffeehouse leaders from across North America at Leadership Experience 2025 (LE25) in Las Vegas—its largest leadership gathering ever and the first under chairman and CEO Brian Niccol and COO Mike Grams. "Getting 'Back to Starbucks' means refocusing on what has always set us apart — a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas," said Niccol. "We are bringing together our coffeehouse leaders from across North America to celebrate, empower and equip them to accelerate our transformation. The coffeehouse experience defines the Starbucks brand, and these leaders and their teams bring that experience to life for millions of customers every day." A New Era of Leadership and Customer ExperienceLE25 is an important milestone for Starbucks. Over three days, coffeehouse leaders will engage in immersive workshops, connect over new ways of working, hear directly from company leaders, and experience the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Championship, celebrating craft, connection, excellence at its best. The event will accelerate Starbucks turnaround—centered on exceptional service, simplified routines, and deeper customer connections. Leaders will explore new innovations, clearer customer service standards, and a renewed focus on hospitality, including a goal of four-minute wait times – without compromising the warmth and connection that define the Starbucks Experience. "This isn't just a reset—it's a recommitment to who we are when we are at our best," said Grams. "LE25 is our moment to recommit to a culture of hospitality and excellence. We're making progress, have real momentum with our "Back to Starbucks" plan and are on the right track to turn the business around." Since launching its Back to Starbucks strategy nine months ago, customers are already feeling the difference, with welcoming spaces, more confident baristas, faster service, and the return of small but meaningful touches like ceramic mugs, handwritten notes on cups, a more consistent dress code, and a much-loved customer favourite: the condiment bar. "Our turnaround is rooted in listening—to partners and customers—and taking action on what we hear," added Grams. "We're listening and testing in the coffeehouse, and then applying our learnings to scale quickly and enhance the customer and partner experience." Leading with Partners, Winning with CustomersStarbucks continues to be a leader in partner (employee) care, offering competitive pay and industry-leading benefits such as a recently launched paid parental leave top-up benefit for all eligible Canadian store partners, equity in the form of stock, $5,000 in mental health benefits for eligible partners and more. Additionally, as part of its focus on making Starbucks the best job in retail, the company has established a goal to hire 90% of retail leaders from within, fostering a culture of growth and opportunity. "We believe a great partner experience fuels the customer experience," said Grams. "We always have more work to do, but our partners are rallying behind Back to Starbucks and telling us they like what they see. When our partners feel supported, our customers notice the difference too." Coffee and Craft Take Center Stage LE25 kicks off today with Starbucks largest-ever coffee tasting, featuring a first taste of the new Starbucks 1971 Roast™, available in the U.S. and Canada this Winter. The company is also celebrating the impact of its investment in the Global Farmer Fund, supporting long-term sustainability across Origin communities. LE25 will also spotlight the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Championship— a celebration of Starbucks baristas who embody the company's commitment to community, connection and craft. Over the three-day competition, 12 baristas from around the world will showcase their coffee passion and expertise through a variety of skills and knowledge-based competitions. "We're returning to what made us iconic: handcrafted coffee, human connection, and a relentless focus on excellence," said Niccol. "We're reigniting the soul of Starbucks, together." Giving Back in Las VegasThis week, Starbucks is demonstrating how major events can be designed with sustainability and community in mind. LE25 is powered by 100% renewable electricity sourced within 500 miles of Las Vegas. Starbucks will donate any surplus food to its FoodShare partner Three Square Food Bank, divert food waste and coffee grounds from the event to local farms, and plant 10 trees per attendee to support reforestation efforts in South American coffee-growing communities. The Starbucks Foundation will invite attendees to vote for five local Las Vegas organizations to receive grants, with an estimated $100,000 to be donated to causes like hunger relief, homelessness, youth empowerment and more. The Starbucks Foundation is also donating a $10,000 Neighborhood Grant to each Barista Championship contestant's chosen nonprofit. To follow along and learn more about the highlights from this week's events, follow us on Leadership Experience 2025 Starbucks Global Barista Championship SOURCE Starbucks Coffee Company View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Herald Scotland
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
River City campaign claims Scots will lose 15 hours of drama
The union has also warned there is 'no guarantee' that the three new shows - legal drama Counsels, comic thriller Grams and gang warfare series The Young Team - will continue after their initial runs for six episodes each. Read more: It has highlighted how 33 hours of River City have been made across three blocks of production on the show in the space of 12 months in recent years. BBC Scotland has said it will be 'moving' the £9 million it currently spends on River City into the three new commissions as part of plans to spend £95 million on Scottish drama over the next three years. BBC Scotland has announced plans to bring River City to an end in the autumn of 2026. (Image: BBC) Counsels, Grams and The Young Team were announced after the BBC had already confirmed a number of new made-in-Scotland shows, including the crime family drama Mint, Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd's new series Half Man, which he will star in opposite Jamie Bell, and psychological thriller, which will see Outlander and Karen Pirie star Lauren Lyle in the lead role. Equity has hit back at the BBC after being accused of spreading 'mistruths' over the potential impact of the loss of River City. The actors' union had claimed that the long-running soap had attracted more than half a million viewers on average for each episode and is outperforming other drama series. BBC Scotland insisted the actual audience figure for River City was just 200,000, and pointed out this is well below the numbers who watched other shows like Shetland, Vigil and Granite Harbour last year. They have also criticised Equity for suggesting that cast and crew would be imported from England to make the new shows, and insisted they would all involve Scottish writers reflecting Scottish culture and voices. However Equity Scotland official Marlene Curran said BBC Scotland's response to the campaign had merely highlighted a 'refusal to engage with the real issues at play.' She added: 'Equity's decision to protect jobs, training opportunities and careers in the entertainment industry does not hinge on viewing figures alone. As we have said from the start, the cancellation of River City will have a disproportionately negative impact on Scottish performers. 'It provides pathways and training opportunities, as well as longer term work, for those who would not be able to enter or sustain a career in an otherwise precarious, London-centric, and often exclusionary industry. 'What's more, the hours of programming proposed for the new drama series that are to 'replace' River City pale in comparison. 'On our calculation, a season of River City comprises 33 hours in total (66 episodes x 30 minutes). In contrast, the hours slated for the three proposed new series combined is 18 (6 episodes x 1 hour x 3 series). 'People in Scotland who pay the BBC license fee are therefore losing at least 15 hours of drama – with no guarantee as to what comes after these series end.' BBC Scotland has criticised Equity for making 'damaging' claims about the new drama series it had announced and insisted it was 'fully committed' to ensuring that Scottish talent would be hired to work on them. However Equity has highlighted how two of the three companies making the new dramas are based in London. Ms Curran said: 'We have had no guarantee from BBC Scotland that they will provide a similar number of training opportunities or jobs as the current level offered by River City. 'As part of its public broadcasting duties, as outlined in the Royal Charter, the BBC has a duty to 'to reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities of all of the United Kingdom's nations and regions.' 'We fail to see how the closure of River City lives up to this duty.' A spokesperson for BBC Scotland said: "As we have always made clear, the decision to end River City is a creative one driven by changing audience habits and declining viewing figures, which have dropped to an average of 200,000 per episode, considerably lower than other BBC dramas. "Audience patterns have shifted away from long-running serials to short-run dramas so that is where we will be moving our drama investment. 'We are clear that we will be making fewer hours of drama, despite spending more on it. "However, this is in line with audience expectations - making shorter-run, higher-impact content which attracts larger audiences than long-running formats like River City. "Due to the complex production requirements of these dramas, the number of weeks cast and crew are employed are often similar – and sometimes greater - as the longer-running formats. 'The BBC in Scotland is open for business and remains committed to reflecting Scottish voices in drama. This is about value for money for the audience. We are not cutting our drama spend in Scotland – in fact, we will increase it to around £95m over the next three years. 'As previously stated, River City training opportunities will remain active for another year until we cease production in April 2026. "We are actively working with BBC colleagues, the independent companies making our newly announced dramas and others in the industry on future training opportunities.' BBC Scotland said it was "standard practice" for dramas to be commissioned on a series-by-series basis. Its spokeswoman added: "The ambition is always to have a returning brand should the audience demand it. "All companies producing our three new dramas – Counsels, Grams, The Young Team - have Scottish bases and Scottish based senior editorial figures. All shows have Scottish senior creatives. "Many Scottish companies have HQs elsewhere including BBC Studios who make River City who have their HQ in London. All lead writers on our new dramas are Scottish. "It's too early to talk about production teams as they haven't crewed up, but these shows will meet the Ofcom criteria. "The Scottish drama scene and Scottish drama crews are hugely respected both locally and globally so the plan will be to draw on that local expertise for these new shows. "Scotland makes multiple drama series a year employing multiple Scottish freelancers and this will continue through the new and returning titles."
