Starbucks to Close Five Washington Stores and Cut Eight Corporate Positions in Seattle

Starbucks is set to permanently shutter five coffeehouses across Washington state and eliminate eight corporate positions at its Seattle headquarters, impacting a total of 51 workers, according to state regulatory filings.

Worker separations are scheduled to take place between November 14 and December 4, with all affected personnel receiving at least 60 days' statutory notice. The company confirmed that the filing reflects closures previously outlined on September 24 rather than an additional round of cuts.

Shuttered Locations and Store-Level Impact The five retail outlets slated for permanent closure span four cities:

• Redmond: 7625 170th Ave. NE
• Seattle: 9150 Rainier Ave. S (Rainier Beach)
• Seattle: 999 Leary Way NW (Ballard)
• Spokane: 2401 W. Wellesley Ave. (Wellesley and Belt)
• Vancouver: 918 S.E. 164th Ave. (164th and Mill Plain)

Store-level positions affected by the closures include baristas, shift supervisors, and a coffee leader. Starbucks indicated that select staff members will be given the option to transfer to alternative regional outlets.

Corporate Reductions at Seattle Headquarters At the Starbucks Seattle Support Center (2401 Utah Ave. S), eight administrative and management roles have been eliminated:

• An accountant
• A senior manager
• A director
• Two service representatives
• Two managers
• A project manager

Broader Footprint Rationalization The regional closures form part of a broader corporate initiative announced last month to close 250 stores across North America. In an internal memo, Starbucks Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams explained that the targeted units either fall short of financial expectations or are unable to deliver the desired customer and partner environment.

The closures also coincide with ongoing labor developments: more than 700 U.S. Starbucks stores have voted to unionize since late 2021, though the coffee chain and the union have not yet finalized a collective labor agreement.