# Starbucks, ezCater, and Subway

> Starbucks may buy Chipotle, Uber plans ezCater acquisition, Subway launches global prototype.
- Title: Starbucks, ezCater, and Subway · Nation's Restaurant News
- Summary: Starbucks may buy Chipotle, Uber plans ezCater acquisition, Subway launches global prototype. Starbucks reportedly talks to buy Chipotle, Uber aims to…
- Keywords: starbucks, ezcater, subway, chipotle, uber, blueprint, europe, middle east, africa, quick service, food, business
- Source: Nation's Restaurant News — https://nrn.com/quick-service/starbucks-ezcater-and-subway
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: starbucks, ezcater, subway, chipotle, uber, blueprint, europe, middle east, africa, quick service, food, business
## Starbucks and Chipotle
Starbucks reportedly talks with advisors about potentially buying Chipotle, a fast-casual burrito chain with a $39 billion market value.

> Could Starbucks buy Chipotle? It could happen.
## Uber and ezCater
Uber plans to acquire ezCater for $2.3 billion, potentially merging the largest workplace catering service with one of the world's largest food delivery companies.

> Uber’s plan to acquire ezCater is raising questions for restaurants.
## Subway's Blueprint
Subway unveiled a new prototype called Blueprint for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, featuring kiosk ordering, modern designs, and a late-night 'Subway After Dark' concept.

> Subway unveils new prototype for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
## Market Impact
Chipotle’s shares rose 7% while Starbucks shares fell 4% after the report sent shockwaves through the restaurant industry.

> The report sent Chipotle’s shares 7% higher while Starbucks shares declined 4%.
## Subway's Global Reach
Subway has 35,000 franchises globally, including 5,000 in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, aiming to double that footprint over five years.

> Subway franchises 35,000 globally, including roughly 5,000 in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.
## Subway After Dark
Subway’s 'After Dark' concept offers late-night menu options like mac and cheese, footlong pizzas, and waffle fries with a new lighting and playlist.

> At night, the atmosphere will change to a Subway After Dark concept with different lighting and a playlist.
## Subway Testing
Subway tested Blueprint in the UK and Netherlands before rolling it out across Europe, Middle East, and Africa next year.

> The concept has been tested in the UK and the Netherlands.
## Chipotle's Leadership
Brian Niccol, former Chipotle CEO, now works at Starbucks after leaving in 2024.

> Brian Niccol was the CEO of Chipotle before he left in 2024 to take the Starbucks job.
## Restaurant Concerns
Restaurants using both Uber and ezCater worry about order commissions and potential market consolidation after the acquisition.

> Others are wary of yet more consolidation in the restaurant tech market.
## Key takeaway

Starbucks reportedly talks to buy Chipotle, Uber aims to acquire ezCater for $2.3 billion, and Subway unveils Blueprint prototype for Europe, Middle East, and Africa.