Starbucks plans to close five stores in Seattle in early April, including four unionized locations, escalating tensions between the company and workers in its hometown as the union files an unfair labor practice charge over the closures.
The union confirmed the affected, unionized locations are 1101 Madison St., 4147 University Way NE, Seattle Center/Armory at 305 Harrison St., and Seattle Children’s Ocean at 4800 Sand Point Way NE. A fifth, non-union location at 1730 Minor Ave. will also close. The baristas’ union Workers United criticized Starbucks leadership in a statement.
“Starbucks continues to fail its hometown,” the union said. “After laying off thousands of corporate employees, opening a new office in Nashville, and closing its flagship stores, CEO Brian Niccol is yet again upending the lives of employees and disrupting customers with no notice or justification. But baristas are fighting back. Workers United has filed an unfair labor practice charge and will demand to bargain with Starbucks regarding these closures.”
Workers United said baristas in the affected stores are organizing with labor groups and elected leaders. “We know Starbucks doesn’t work without baristas. We make the drinks, take the orders, clean the spills, and build relationships with customers. Thousands of baristas are organizing together, united in their union, to demand a better future at Starbucks. Our message to Starbucks is simple: if you think you can crush a movement by closing a building, you’re wrong.”
A Starbucks spokesperson said the company constantly evaluates its portfolio and decides to close stores based on factors like customer experience and financial performance. “Sometimes that means investing in updates or trying new formats. Other times, it means making the difficult decision to close a location that no longer fits how people in that community live, work, or gather. These choices are never easy, especially here at home, but they’re an important part of focusing on what we do best and delivering on our Back to Starbucks strategy,” the statement read.
The company said workers at impacted locations were given 30 days’ notice and that it will try to transfer workers to nearby locations when possible. If transfers aren’t available, severance packages will be offered. The company said it immediately informed Workers United and is working with the union on next steps for represented employees, adding that closures are being carried out through a “thoughtful, lawful process.” The closures come amid broader changes including recent corporate layoffs and plans to expand operations in other parts of the country. In September 2025, Starbucks closed its Seattle Reserve Roastery location on Capitol Hill, ending a nearly 11-year run, and closed about 1% of its locations nationwide. In October, the company laid off 1,100 corporate employees globally, including more than 900 in Seattle and Kent.
