Short answer: In September 2026, Starbucks announced it would close roughly 250 underperforming U.S. stores — about 1% of its footprint. Affected partners are being offered transfers to nearby stores where possible, or severance support if they can’t be placed. Starbucks is still hiring — the closures are a small fraction of ~18,000 U.S. stores, and other locations continue to recruit.
Last verified: October 2026.
What Did Starbucks Announce?
On September 24, 2026, Starbucks COO Mike Grams told employees the company would close about 250 underperforming U.S. stores that week — locations that fell short on financial or customer-experience expectations despite the company’s broader turnaround. The company framed it as roughly 1% of its U.S. footprint and part of CEO Brian Niccol’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy, alongside a $2 billion cost-reduction target. The closures carry roughly $300 million in restructuring charges related to leases and employee benefits.
What Happens to Baristas at Closing Stores?
Per the company’s announcement:
- Transfers first: Starbucks says it’s focused on moving affected partners to nearby stores “wherever possible.”
- Severance support: partners who can’t be placed at another store receive severance support.
- Union stores: about 20 of the closing stores are unionized (per the union). Starbucks says union status was not a factor in selecting stores, and effects on represented partners are handled through the bargaining process.
If your store is affected, talk to your manager immediately about transfer options — and know your rights around final pay and benefits. If you’re considering leaving instead, see how to quit Starbucks professionally.
Is Starbucks Still Hiring?
Yes. This is the part that gets lost in headlines: 250 closures out of ~18,000 U.S. stores leaves the overwhelming majority of the footprint — and its hiring — intact. Individual stores post openings based on their own staffing needs, and the holiday season is historically an active hiring period. See our is Starbucks hiring guide and seasonal hiring guide for how to find current openings.
That said, be realistic: a store near you closing doesn’t mean every store is hiring, and a “now hiring” sign at one location says nothing about the one across town. Check the official careers portal for what’s actually open near you.
Should Applicants Worry?
For most applicants, the closures change little:
- Apply as normal through careers.starbucks.com — see how to apply.
- Ask about the store’s outlook in your interview — it’s a fair question, and managers at stable, high-performing stores will tell you so.
- Consider transfer-friendly locations — busier stores in growing areas are the least likely to be affected by future restructuring.
- Note this follows a larger 2025 pullback (600+ underperforming locations closed in 2025, per company reporting) — portfolio trimming, not a brand in retreat: North American comparable sales grew 8.1% in the June 2026 quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Starbucks stores are closing in 2026?
About 250 U.S. stores, announced September 24, 2026 — roughly 1% of Starbucks’ U.S. footprint.
Why is Starbucks closing stores?
The company says the closed locations underperformed on financial or customer-experience measures. It’s part of a restructuring tied to a $2 billion cost-reduction plan.
Do Starbucks employees get severance when their store closes?
Starbucks says affected partners are offered transfers where possible, and severance support where they can’t be placed.
Is Starbucks going out of business?
No. The company operates roughly 18,000 U.S. stores and reported 8.1% North American comparable-sales growth for the quarter ended June 2026. The closures are targeted restructuring, not a shutdown.
Can I still get hired at Starbucks?
Yes — stores hire based on individual staffing needs. Check current openings on the official careers portal for your area.