4 changes coming to Starbucks under new CEO: Comfy seating, community spaces and more [Video]

For new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, the future of the popular coffee chain is rooted in concepts from it’s past. In an open letter to employees and customers during his first week, he explained that his new vision includes community-centric spaces with comfortable seating for better connection.

The new chairman of the Seattle-based coffee company said dated Tuesday that after spending a few weeks visiting Starbucks stores to consider the customer experience and discuss operations, store design, marketing and product development, that “two truths emerged.”

“First, Starbucks is a beloved brand with wonderful people. We are woven into the fabric of people’s lives and the communities we serve,” he started. “Second, there’s a shared sense that we have drifted from our core. We have an opportunity to make the store experience better for our partners and, in turn, for our customers.”