Starbucks is launching a beta app in ChatGPT to boost discovery of new beverages

Starbucks The company said on Wednesday that it has launched a beta app in ChatGPT to provide inspiration for customers’ drink orders.

To use the beta app, customers need to enable the Starbucks app through the ChatGPT app guide and then enter a chatbot prompt that includes “@Starbucks.” While they can customize their orders and even choose which location they want to order from, consumers will need to complete their orders on the Starbucks app or website — a key distinction for a company that relies heavily on its loyalty program.

“Over the past year, one thing has become clear: customers don’t always start with the menu,” Paul Riedel, senior vice president of digital and loyalty at Starbucks, said in a statement. “They started with a feeling… We wanted to meet customers in that moment of inspiration and make finding the right drink easier than ever.”

Wednesday’s announcement represents the latest way Starbucks is trying to find ways to lure American customers back to its cafes. As part of its “Back to Starbucks” transformation strategy, the company added back seating to its cafes, trimmed its menu and reintroduced tiers to its loyalty program.

It also helped customers find new drinks on its mobile app, through the trending drinks category or secret menu under the “Offers” tab. Beverage discovery is also important to attract Gen Z consumers, who have shown a greater affinity for unique drinks at American restaurant chains than members of older generations.

So far, Starbucks’ turnaround strategy appears to be taking hold. After two years of declining traffic, the chain finally reported higher customer transactions in its fiscal first quarter ended December 28.

Wednesday’s announcement isn’t Starbucks’ first foray into using generative AI or partnering with OpenAI. Last year, the coffee company unveiled Green Dot Assist, an AI assistant for baristas built using Microsoft Azure’s OpenAI platform.

Other consumer companies have also partnered with OpenAI to boost sales. Walmart, Etsy, and Booking.com are among the big names testing shopping and purchasing through the ChatGPT interface.