Starbucks is closing about 250 locations across North America by the end of this week, the company announced on Thursday, Sept. 24.
In a public letter, Starbucks Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams said the coffee chain closes locations each year, and this week's closures represent about 1% of Starbucks' more than 18,000 North America coffeeshops.
In 2024, Brian Niccol, at the time the company's new CEO, introduced the Back to Starbucks strategy with the aim to introduce customer-favorite amenities, including free refills on drinks enjoyed in coffeeshops, the return of the condiment bar, an improved code of conduct and a simplified menu.
In his letter, Grams said that while most locations are thriving as they integrate the Back to Starbucks strategy,
some are underperforming, "despite the hard work and commitment of all of you."
"We’re making this decision for a simple reason: We want every Starbucks coffeehouse to be a place customers love and partners are proud to work," Grams wrote in his letter.
Here's what we know so far.
What Starbucks locations are closing?
Starbucks did not provide a list of the approximately 250 locations closing this week. USA TODAY reached out to Starbucks for more information on Sept. 24.
When are the Starbucks locations closing?
Starbucks did not provide a specific closure date for the locations. The stores will close "later this week," Grams' letter says.
What will happen to the employees at the closing locations?
In his letter, Grams said employees will be offered transfer opportunities to other locations. For those who are unable to transfer, severance support will be provided. The chain did not provide details on the severance package.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Starbucks to close 250 locations by the end of this week
