Starbucks ' turnaround is showing some progress, but investors are still waiting for the bigger payoff: a meaningful recovery in profits. CEO Brian Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" plan — aimed at improving the cafe experience — has succeeded in improving traffic and getting comparable-store sales growing again. The problem: Niccol's remedies, such as adding baristas to speed up service, are not cheap and profitability remains below historic levels.