Trenton's sole Starbucks store will stay open despite initial plans to close it. The coffee chain considered shutting it down as part of a review of its stores. Governor Phil Murphy is in talks with Starbucks leaders to find ways to support keeping the store operational.
Trenton's Community Starbucks Saved
Located at Front and Warren streets, Trenton's Starbucks, a Community Store since 2017, faced closure' by the end of the month.
Mayor Reed Gusciora praised the store's concept, highlighting employees' satisfaction with their jobs and the opportunities provided by Starbucks.
Community Stores like this one are part of Starbucks' efforts to boost economic growth in diverse and underserved areas.
The threat of closure arose as Starbucks reviewed its portfolio to ensure alignment with customer and community needs.
Mayor Gusciora met with Starbucks officials last week to persuade them to maintain the store's operations.
The decision to reconsider closing the coffee shop came after influential leaders like Mayor Reed Gusciora, Governor Phil Murphy, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman, and many other advocates voiced their concerns.
Congresswoman Watson-Coleman penned a passionate letter to Starbucks leadership, questioning if shutting down the Trenton location contradicted Starbucks' commitment to supporting underserved communities. She highlighted the importance of keeping the store open for Trenton's economic growth, especially considering the city's high poverty rate.
Gusciora credits the presence of Starbucks with boosting downtown Trenton's business scene. He notes an influx of new businesses and more people walking around.
"We were counting on Starbucks to stick around as we improve our downtown and more businesses move in," he mentioned.
The nearest Starbucks is about a 10-minute drive to Lawrenceville or a bit further to Hamilton.
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Starbucks Leadership to Visit Trenton
Starbucks officials are set to visit Trenton in the coming weeks for a walkthrough of the city's Starbucks location. This visit follows Governor Murphy's recent discussions with Starbucks leadership, where he urged them to keep the vital community resource intact.
Initially scheduled to close by the end of March, Trenton's Starbucks will remain open indefinitely. Starbucks and local leaders aim to boost foot traffic to the location, hoping to continue reaping the benefits of their presence in the Trenton community.
By supporting our city's businesses, we are backing the aspirations of numerous residents. The future looks promising for this beloved community café.
The city has embarked on a significant downtown revitalization project, committing $500,000 to enhance the area, which has recently seen a new bar and an upcoming coffee shop opening.
However, the community faces a setback with Starbucks' decision to close its downtown location on March 30, despite being a central figure in the area's development for over six years. This closure, attributed to various economic factors, was announced unexpectedly, surprising city officials and the community.
Mayor Gusciora expressed particular concern, highlighting that the Starbucks outlet was part of a special initiative to provide employment opportunities to disadvantaged youth in distressed cities. This initiative was crucial for local youth, especially in Black and brown communities, offering them their first jobs.
The decision to close without consultation with city officials poses questions about the impact on local employment and the broader revitalization efforts, stressing the need for continued support for vulnerable community members.
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