Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has been accused of being out of touch by critics over defending the company's $9 cup of coffee, which he claims is an affordable premium experience offered to customers across all levels. Niccol, who recently received access to the company jet for personal travel, argued that customers across various income levels value the experience. He also mentioned that the coffee chain is performing well with younger generations and that customers have described Starbucks visits as an escapism. Critics criticized Niccol's use of corporate jargon and suggested that a "K-shaped economy" where wealthy recover while everyone else struggles post-pandemic was negatively impacting Starbucks' business or revenue.