Starbucks' turnaround is showing progress. I can see why after I visited.

A barista wrote "you rock" on my Iced Caramel Protein Matcha.

Katie Notopoulos / Business Insider

• Starbucks says sales are up.
• The "Back to Starbucks" changes look like they're actually working.
• I visited my local store to see for myself — and I can see why the changes are helping.

First, I should admit that ordering Starbucks' new "Iced Caramel Protein Matcha" was an obvious mistake. I'm not a huge matcha fan, and combining it with caramel and protein (part...