On Wednesday, Starbucks introduced a beta version of an app within ChatGPT designed to leverage artificial intelligence for suggesting beverages based on users’ moods or uploaded photos. This new feature enables customers to convey their current feelings or upload images to receive tailored drink recommendations.
Within the ChatGPT chat interface, users can explore menu options, personalize their orders, and select pickup locations. However, purchases must still be finalized through the Starbucks app or website as the AI bot is not yet equipped for transaction completion.
“It’s become evident that customers often don’t begin with a menu in mind; they start from an emotion,” noted Paul Riedel, Starbucks’ senior vice president of digital and loyalty, according to CNBC. “Our goal was to engage customers at their moment of inspiration and simplify the process of discovering the perfect drink for them.”
Starbucks’ integration into ChatGPT is part of a wider trend where major brands are incorporating AI chatbots into shopping experiences. Companies like Walmart and Target have partnered with OpenAI for similar integrations, while platforms such as Etsy and Booking.com are experimenting with using ChatGPT’s interface for e-commerce activities.
Food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats have developed their own ChatGPT apps to transform recipes into grocery lists, browse restaurant offerings, and facilitate order placements.
This addition aligns with Starbucks’ ongoing AI initiatives. The company has previously implemented Green Dot Assist, an AI-enabled virtual assistant for baristas built on Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform, assisting with drink preparation, equipment issues, and staff allocation. This system expanded from a 35-store trial to full implementation across North America in November.
The deployment of this customer engagement tool coincides with Starbucks’ efforts to overcome a persistent decline in sales. The fiscal first quarter ending December 28 marked the company’s initial period of positive U.S. comparable transaction growth after two years of losses. However, service times during peak hours remain below the four-minute target despite increased foot traffic, indicating ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining customers.