For Starbucks ( SBUX) CEO Brian Niccol to achieve maximum greatness — which would boil down to a sustained turnaround in North America sales by later this year — he must improve consumer perception that the chain's coffee costs too much. New data out of JP Morgan on Thursday suggests he has a long way to go on this front.

Shares of coffee giant Starbucks ( SBUX 7.37%) popped on Wednesday after the company reported financial results for its fiscal first quarter of 2025 -- the first quarter of its hopeful turnaround. Global transactions fell 6% but Starbucks stock was counterintuitively up 7% as of 12:30 p.m. ET. Here's why.

These customers will be able to enjoy free refills on hot brewed or iced coffee, or hot or iced tea during their visit. Starbucks says folks must have their first beverage served in a ceramic mug, glass or personal cup — no disposable vessels — to receive free refills.

“In the coming months, you’ll see us begin to optimize our menu offerings, resulting in roughly 30% reduction in both beverages and food SKUs by the end of fiscal year 2025,” Niccol shared Tuesday during Starbucks’ quarterly earnings call, per Axios.

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is promising more caffeinated growth but isn't yet ready to put hard projections around when. And for now, that continues to be enough for Wall Street. Shares of the coffee giant advanced 5% on Wednesday following better-than-expected earnings late Tuesday.

Starbucks has reported better-than-expected sales in its fiscal first quarter as some of its turnaround efforts start to take hold.

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced plans to scale back the company's food and beverage offerings by 30% as part of a restructuring effort.

Starbucks fans can now get free refills for some drinks — but not all. The coffee chain is also bringing back its self-serve milk and sweeteners bar.

Plus, with 16,000 U.S. locations, there's a Starbucks on just about every corner. There's a reason you pass so many Starbucks on your daily commute. Starbucks deliberately cluster

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol outlined the plan on Starbucks’ earnings call this week, saying the company will make a “roughly 30% reduction” in both beverages and food. While Niccol didn’t name specific items, he has said the coffee chain’s menu has become “overly complex” resulting in long lines, reports CNN.

Key Takeaways The Back to Starbucks comeback campaign includes an algorithm for mobile orders and high-tech menus, CEO Brian Niccol said.Cafes will have 30% fewer menu options, as well as new seating options.