For most people, going to Starbucks usually means grabbing a cup of coffee, chatting with a friend over Pink Drinks, or parking yourself at a table to use the free WiFi. At 16 of the coffee chain’s locations, however, things look a little different.
Starbucks may have long been a fixture in the daily routines of millions of Americans, providing a much-needed jolt of caffeine to start the day. However, recent safety concerns have prompted the coffee giant to announce the closure of sixteen of its locations across the United States.
The decision to close these locations was not taken lightly. Starbucks has been grappling with a range of safety issues, including personal safety, racism, lack of access to healthcare, a growing mental health crisis, and rising drug use.
In a letter to Starbucks partners, senior vice presidents of U.S. operations Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson acknowledged the challenges facing the communities in which the chain operates and stressed the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.
“We want you to know that creating a safe, welcoming, and kind third place is our top priority. Because simply put, we cannot serve as partners if we don’t first feel safe at work,” the letter read.
To that end, Starbucks has outlined a number of measures it will be taking to ensure the safety of both employees and customers. These include robust safety training for all partners, policies, and procedures for addressing disruptive behaviors and protest preparedness. The chain will also be closing sixteen locations across several cities, including Los Angeles, Portland, Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
While the decision to close these locations may come as a surprise to some, Starbucks is clearly committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of its employees and customers. As the letter to partners emphasized, the company is “learning together” and will continue to provide updates on its efforts to create a safe and welcoming environment for all.
For many Americans, Starbucks is more than just a coffee shop – it’s a place to connect with friends, study, or simply take a moment to relax. But as the chain grapples with safety concerns, some customers may be left wondering if they feel safe in Starbucks’ coffee shops.
“I used to love going to Starbucks, but lately I’ve been a bit hesitant,” said Brooklyn resident and Starbucks regular Jen Ramirez. “It’s not that I’ve personally had any bad experiences, but the news about safety concerns definitely makes me think twice.”
Ramirez’s concerns are not unfounded. In recent months, there have been a number of high-profile incidents at Starbucks locations across the country. In one incident in Los Angeles, a man was stabbed to death outside a Starbucks in a seemingly random attack. In another incident in Philadelphia, a Starbucks employee was reportedly assaulted by a customer after asking them to wear a mask.
Despite these incidents, however, Starbucks remains committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. As the letter to partners emphasized, the chain is taking a range of measures to ensure the safety of its employees and customers, including robust safety training and clear policies and procedures for addressing disruptive behaviors.
For some customers, these measures may be enough to put their minds at ease. “I still feel safe going to Starbucks,” said Chicago resident and regular customer Michael Thompson. “I think they’re doing everything they can to address safety concerns, and I appreciate that.”
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to patronize Starbucks is up to each individual customer. However, with the chain taking proactive steps to address safety concerns, it’s clear that Starbucks is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.
WATCH the video below for more details: