** Shares in Starbucks SBUX.O gain 4.2% to $97.34 in afternoon trading
** On Tuesday, CEO Brian Niccol laid out his plans for the coffee chain in an open letter after his first day at the helm
** Focus initially on improving service and coffeehouse culture at stores in the United States - Niccol
** Will spend time in stores, meeting suppliers and partners to improve SBUX's supply chain, app and mobile ordering platform - Niccol
** On SBUX's business in China, Niccol said " to understand potential path to capture growth"
** Believe Niccol is focused on the right drivers to improve traffic, and is acting with a sense of urgency. Niccol brings operational turnaround experience from his time at Chipotle Mexican Grill CMG.N - TD Cowen
** Interpret the comment (on business in China) as a commitment to exploring a ownership structure via a joint venture or refranchising - TD Cowen
** YTD, SBUX down 2.8% as of last close; stock has risen ~21% since Niccol was CEO last month in a surprise move
(Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru)