Major Starbucks flagship closes as 900 employees laid off—could this impact your daily coffee run?
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For many, Starbucks has been more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee—it has been a morning ritual and a cultural symbol.
But now, the coffee giant is making major changes that could affect millions of customers across the country.
The closures include one of its most iconic locations, and alongside it, hundreds of jobs are being eliminated.
Many are now left wondering what this means for the future of their favorite neighborhood coffee spot.
Let’s start with the headline that’s got the coffee world buzzing: Starbucks is closing its flagship Reserve Roastery in Seattle, just a stone’s throw from its global headquarters.
For those who haven’t visited, this isn’t your average Starbucks. Opened in December 2014, the Seattle Reserve Roastery was a coffee lover’s dream—a sprawling, immersive space with a tasting room, a luxurious menu (yes, including cocktails), and a behind-the-scenes look at the roasting process.
It was a destination for tourists and locals alike and a symbol of Starbucks’ ambitions to elevate the coffee experience.
But as of late September 2025, the Roastery is shuttered, its windows boarded up, and a closure letter posted on the door.
The closure of the Seattle Roastery isn’t an isolated event. Starbucks has announced it will close about 1% of its corporate-owned stores across North America—hundreds of locations in total.
Most of these closures are happening in the US and Canada, and while Starbucks hasn’t released a full list, the company says it’s targeting stores that “are unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect' or where they 'don’t see a path to financial performance.”
In other words, if a store isn’t meeting Starbucks’ standards for atmosphere or profitability, it’s on the chopping block.
As of June 29, 2025, Starbucks had 18,734 stores in the US. The company plans to end the fiscal year with about 18,300—a significant reduction, but still a massive presence in American life.
Alongside the store closures, Starbucks is also laying off 900 non-retail employees—roles that don’t involve working directly in the coffee shops.
These cuts are part of what the company is calling a “turnaround” effort, aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on what they believe will drive long-term growth.
Starbucks says it’s investing in “green apron partner hours” (that’s more baristas on the floor), improving customer service, and rolling out new coffeehouse designs and innovations.
The company insists these changes are about building a “better, stronger, and more resilient Starbucks.”
For those affected by the layoffs, Starbucks has promised generous severance and support packages.
The union representing about 12,000 Starbucks baristas, Starbucks Workers United, says it’s working to ensure that any baristas impacted by store closures are relocated to other locations.
It’s worth noting that the Seattle Reserve Roastery was one of the first Starbucks locations to unionize, with workers voting to join a union in April 2022.
However, Starbucks has stated that union status was not a factor in the decision to close the store.
Still, the closure is a blow to the labor movement within Starbucks, and it raises questions about the future of unionized stores in the company’s portfolio.
If you’re worried about your local Starbucks disappearing, here’s the good news: the vast majority of stores are staying open.
With over 18,000 locations in the US alone, Starbucks isn’t going anywhere. But if you frequent a store that’s been struggling, or if you live in an area with multiple Starbucks locations, you might see some changes.
Also read: China’s leading coffee chain lands in the US—is your local cafe next?
Starbucks isn’t alone in facing challenges. The entire coffee shop industry has been navigating a tricky landscape in recent years.
Rising costs, changing consumer preferences, and increased competition from local cafes and other chains have all played a role.
Add in the lingering effects of the pandemic—remote work, shifting routines, and a renewed focus on value—and it’s clear that even giants like Starbucks have to adapt.
Starbucks’ response? Double down on what works: great coffee, friendly service, and innovative new offerings.
The company is also investing in technology, like mobile ordering and drive-thru upgrades, to keep pace with how people want to get their caffeine fix.
Also read: The simple pantry trick that makes your iced coffee taste like it came from a café
For now, Starbucks says it’s focused on “elevating the coffeehouse experience” and investing in its people.
That means more baristas, better training, and new store designs that aim to make your visit feel special—even if you’re just grabbing a quick cup to go.
But the closure of the Seattle Reserve Roastery is a reminder that the coffee world is always evolving.
Read next: You’re overpaying for Starbucks—Walmart’s cheaper copycat is winning over fans
Have you been affected by a Starbucks closure in your area? Do you have fond memories of visiting the Seattle Reserve Roastery, or another flagship location? Are you worried about the future of your favorite coffee shop—or excited to see what comes next?
But now, the coffee giant is making major changes that could affect millions of customers across the country.
The closures include one of its most iconic locations, and alongside it, hundreds of jobs are being eliminated.
Many are now left wondering what this means for the future of their favorite neighborhood coffee spot.
Let’s start with the headline that’s got the coffee world buzzing: Starbucks is closing its flagship Reserve Roastery in Seattle, just a stone’s throw from its global headquarters.
For those who haven’t visited, this isn’t your average Starbucks. Opened in December 2014, the Seattle Reserve Roastery was a coffee lover’s dream—a sprawling, immersive space with a tasting room, a luxurious menu (yes, including cocktails), and a behind-the-scenes look at the roasting process.
It was a destination for tourists and locals alike and a symbol of Starbucks’ ambitions to elevate the coffee experience.
But as of late September 2025, the Roastery is shuttered, its windows boarded up, and a closure letter posted on the door.
For many in Seattle and beyond, it’s the end of an era. Image source: Bloomberg / Getty Images / NPR
The closure of the Seattle Roastery isn’t an isolated event. Starbucks has announced it will close about 1% of its corporate-owned stores across North America—hundreds of locations in total.
Most of these closures are happening in the US and Canada, and while Starbucks hasn’t released a full list, the company says it’s targeting stores that “are unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect' or where they 'don’t see a path to financial performance.”
In other words, if a store isn’t meeting Starbucks’ standards for atmosphere or profitability, it’s on the chopping block.
As of June 29, 2025, Starbucks had 18,734 stores in the US. The company plans to end the fiscal year with about 18,300—a significant reduction, but still a massive presence in American life.
Alongside the store closures, Starbucks is also laying off 900 non-retail employees—roles that don’t involve working directly in the coffee shops.
These cuts are part of what the company is calling a “turnaround” effort, aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on what they believe will drive long-term growth.
Starbucks says it’s investing in “green apron partner hours” (that’s more baristas on the floor), improving customer service, and rolling out new coffeehouse designs and innovations.
The company insists these changes are about building a “better, stronger, and more resilient Starbucks.”
For those affected by the layoffs, Starbucks has promised generous severance and support packages.
The union representing about 12,000 Starbucks baristas, Starbucks Workers United, says it’s working to ensure that any baristas impacted by store closures are relocated to other locations.
It’s worth noting that the Seattle Reserve Roastery was one of the first Starbucks locations to unionize, with workers voting to join a union in April 2022.
However, Starbucks has stated that union status was not a factor in the decision to close the store.
Still, the closure is a blow to the labor movement within Starbucks, and it raises questions about the future of unionized stores in the company’s portfolio.
If you’re worried about your local Starbucks disappearing, here’s the good news: the vast majority of stores are staying open.
With over 18,000 locations in the US alone, Starbucks isn’t going anywhere. But if you frequent a store that’s been struggling, or if you live in an area with multiple Starbucks locations, you might see some changes.
Also read: China’s leading coffee chain lands in the US—is your local cafe next?
Starbucks isn’t alone in facing challenges. The entire coffee shop industry has been navigating a tricky landscape in recent years.
Rising costs, changing consumer preferences, and increased competition from local cafes and other chains have all played a role.
Add in the lingering effects of the pandemic—remote work, shifting routines, and a renewed focus on value—and it’s clear that even giants like Starbucks have to adapt.
Starbucks’ response? Double down on what works: great coffee, friendly service, and innovative new offerings.
The company is also investing in technology, like mobile ordering and drive-thru upgrades, to keep pace with how people want to get their caffeine fix.
Also read: The simple pantry trick that makes your iced coffee taste like it came from a café
For now, Starbucks says it’s focused on “elevating the coffeehouse experience” and investing in its people.
That means more baristas, better training, and new store designs that aim to make your visit feel special—even if you’re just grabbing a quick cup to go.
But the closure of the Seattle Reserve Roastery is a reminder that the coffee world is always evolving.
Read next: You’re overpaying for Starbucks—Walmart’s cheaper copycat is winning over fans
