PENNSYLVANIA NEWS

Starbucks to close stores, including one in Philadelphia. Company claims safety concerns

By Dee-Ann Durbin
Associated Press • Jul 13, 2022 at 1:58 pm

Starbucks is closing 16 stores around the country because of repeated safety issues, including drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threaten staff.

The coffee giant is closing six stores in its hometown of Seattle, six in Los Angeles, two in Portland, Oregon and one each in Philadelphia and Washington. Starbucks said employees at those stores will be given the opportunity to transfer to other stores. ... The Philadelphia store is at 10th and Chestnut streets in Center City.

Starbucks said Tuesday the closures are part of a larger effort to respond to staff concerns and make sure stores are safe and welcoming. In a letter to employees, Starbucks’ senior vice presidents of operations Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson said the company’s stores aren’t immune from problems like rising drug use and a growing mental health crisis.

{snip}