Starbucks has closed another store in Sacramento, California, just weeks after shutting down a different location in the same city. The latest closure was announced quietly, with the store leaving only a note to inform its customers.
Starbucks Closes Downtown Location, Leaves Note
The Starbucks on L Street near the state Capitol will permanently close after its last day on June 18, per FOX40.
This closure is located at the corner of 12th and L streets within the Hyatt Regency complex due to the failure to reach a contract agreement with Starbucks, said Brenda Kirian, a spokesperson for Hyatt Regency.
A notice on the door of the downtown Starbucks showed appreciation to its customers for their support. The message stuck to the door thanked everyone who contributed to making the space welcoming but did not mention why the store was closing.
Following the recent closure of the Starbucks at Downtown Commons near the Golden 1 Center on May 20, the Starbucks store at 7th and K streets, known as the DOCO store, also shut down.
This location was notable for being the first Starbucks in the Sacramento area to unionize in April 2023.
Despite these closures, Starbucks still maintains a presence downtown with two remaining locations: one on 10th and L streets and another at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.
According to a 2022 news release from Starbucks, licensees are considered business partners under their licensing model. They run the stores, invest in and contribute to innovation within the company.
This model helps drive growth both locally and globally. Starbucks has more than 17,000 licensed stores worldwide, with 6,500 in the United States.
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Concern, Safety Issues Surrounding Downtown Sacramento Starbucks Locations
Residents of Midtown Sacramento have expressed concerns about safety at certain Starbucks locations on the r/Sacramento forum on Reddit, linking these issues to recent store closures.
One resident described avoiding a Starbucks near the DOCO and K Street corridor due to the presence of mentally ill, unhoused individuals and panhandlers, opting for a busier and seemingly safer location on 10th and L streets.
Another echoed these safety concerns, noting inadequate security around the DOCO area despite the presence of a security force.
These issues extend beyond Starbucks, reflecting broader dissatisfaction within the Midtown service industry. A local shared their experience of initially positive treatment by employers, which did not reflect the general treatment of workers.
The recent closure of two Starbucks locations in downtown Sacramento within a month underscores the significant impact of these community and safety challenges.
Although Starbucks has not confirmed that these issues directly led to the closures, the community feedback highlights ongoing concerns about safety and security for patrons and workers.
The U.S. Sun noted that the company explained that such closures are part of their regular evaluation to serve the community best and support their staff. Before its closure, this location, which was the first in the region to unionize, had reduced operating hours due to safety concerns.
Additionally, another well-known Starbucks on Alhambra Boulevard in East Sacramento was temporarily closed in April, allowing staff to transfer to other locations.
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