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Popular Coffee Chain Closes 250 Locations In 2026 And Fans Are Devastated
The Takeout • • business
Key Points:
- Starbucks is closing approximately 250 locations in North America, representing about 1% of its 18,000 stores, with closures occurring since September 24 despite a successful autumn menu launch.
- California has seen the highest number of closures with 65 stores shut down, followed by New York with 22 and Texas with 14, though no official list of closed locations has been released.
- Starbucks COO Mike Grams stated the closures are part of the "Back to Starbucks" strategy aimed at enhancing customer experience by closing stores that do not meet profitability or experience standards.
- The company plans to redesign over 1,500 coffeehouses across the U.S. and Canada in the coming months, framing the closures as a step toward improving overall service quality.
- The closures have sparked backlash from fans and employees, many of whom expressed disappointment and frustration, especially following recent unpopular changes to Starbucks' rewards program.
