Coffee giant Starbucks shuts down its Capitol Hill Roastery UPDATE

Starbucks announced the permanent closure of its Capitol Hill Roastery, a notable coffee destination that opened in December 2014. This $20 million establishment has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The closure is part of Starbucks’ strategy to shut down underperforming stores, leading to layoffs of around 900 workers, following an earlier cut of 1,100 employees this year. The company expressed gratitude to the community for their loyalty, while unionized workers rallied for fair contracts just before the shutdown. Starbucks clarified that the represented status of workers did not contribute to the decision and is working to support affected employees by offering transfer options.

The closure signifies a shift in Starbucks’ operational model towards smaller, licensed kiosks in grocery stores. This decision adds to the growing list of corporate exits from the Capitol Hill neighborhood, which also recently lost its Whole Foods store. The future of the vacant commercial spaces remains uncertain, with some leases potentially extending for years.