Starbucks Closing Near Me? The Real 2025: What They Aren’t Telling You

If you’ve seen folks on social media asking, “Is my Starbucks closing?” you’re not alone. It’s one of those rumors that races around, particularly when local stores suddenly start vanishing with little or no notice. By 2025, this is more than just gossip. Starbucks is indeed closing a number of locations in the United States, though probably not for the reasons you were guessing. Let’s discuss what’s going on, why it all matters and its implications for your daily run to the latte shop around the corner.

Starbucks 2025 Restructuring Plan

Starbucks formally unveiled the reset in 2025, dubbing it their “Back to Starbucks” plan. The idea is simple enough but challenging: close underperforming stores, modernize those that matter and train eyes on how customers actually order coffee today.

That’s fewer giant café-style stores where people would linger for hours and more drive-thru and pickup-only spots designed for speed, mobile ordering and convenience. Starbucks wants to focus “back on its people, partners and core coffee experience,” CEO Brian Niccol said. On paper, it sounds great shop owners make at least some money, and consumers spend the day shopping in stores rather than suffering endless email come-ons.

Which Starbucks Stores Will Close in 2025

Here’s the part everyone has been dying to know: yes, there are already a handful of Starbucks in America “that have actually closed,” and more will be closing before the end of this year.

Below are some confirmed closures, compiled from 2025:

Capital Hill Starbucks Reserve Roastery

This one shocked fans. The Reserve Roastery was one of Starbucks’ most well-known flagship stores. But one day in the middle of 2025, it closed its doors for good, bringing to an end an era in the company’s hometown.

New York City 50+ Closed Locations

New Yorkers woke up one morning to find dozens of stores gone overnight. The New York Post reported that between 50 and 60 Starbucks stores in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens were closed as part of a “restructuring wave.”

Downtown, San Francisco, California

Starbucks closed multiple stores in downtown San Francisco, including one at 295 California Street. Rising rent, concerns about safety and changing consumer habits were all factors.

Los Angeles, California – Multiple Affected Areas

Several stores in downtown L.A. closed including two, at 138 S Central Ave and 444 S Flower St.

Unionized Stores

This one has generated a lot of discussion. At least 59 stores that had voted to unionize were among the stores closed this year, according to Fast Company. Starbucks says it’s “not about unions,” though many workers and activists feel differently. All these closures are part of a broader shift toward fewer but better-performing stores, with floor plans that better serve the coffee culture of 2025.

Why This Is Happening

There is no one cause for this it’s a combination of shifting habits, increasing costs and corporate strategy.

People order differently now.

The pandemic changed everything. Customers are doing more ordering using the Starbucks app, bypassing the line and taking their drinks on their way. That means large dine-in cafés aren’t as lucrative as they once were.

Rent and maintenance it’s insane.

Rent prices have become sky-high in cities like San Francisco, Seattle and New York. It no longer makes economic sense to continue operating older, larger stores.

Safety and staffing issues.

Some stores have encountered serious safety issues from theft to violence particularly in urban areas. Starbucks has said publicly that employee safety is part of why it shut down some stores.

A brand refresh.

Starbucks is looking for a sleeker, more uniform look in its stores. Outdated establishments that don’t match their new “vibe” end up on the chopping block.

Union friction.

Within Starbucks, some unionized stores clash with management. Though Starbucks says its store closings are not targeted, new data suggests that there is a significant overlap.

Are All Starbucks Locations Threatened?

No, not even close. Starbucks still has more than 38,000 stores around the world, and many new ones are opening in smaller spaces. In fact, for every few that shutters, some new concept stores open such as drive-thrus, mobile-only pickup locations and eco-friendly cafés.

So if one Starbucks shuts down in your area, there’s also a decent chance that one will open nearby, but looking different.

How to Tell If Your Starbucks Is Closing

If you’re wondering if your favorite place is next, here’s what you can do:

• Check the Starbucks App: If a store’s hours vanish or say “temporarily closed,” that acts as an early indicator.
• Check local news: Closures often appear first in local news outlets.
• Notice staff changes: Fewer staff or talk of transfers is often a covert hint something’s up.
• Keep an eye on Starbucks press announcements: The official website has store stories under its Press & Stories page.

What Happens to Starbucks Employees?

Starbucks says it’s working to help move as many employees as possible to other locations nearby. The ones who can’t be placed are given severance packages and helped to transition. Its 2025 aspiration, according to that statement, is to “treat every partner with respect and care during change.”

Still, not everyone’s happy. Some baristas have vented on social media about last-minute notices and what they say is poor communication.

What This Means for Starbucks Lovers

Closures could hurt a little, especially if you’re a regular and the best local place had “your” barista or your favorite cozy table in the corner. But that does not mean Starbucks is finished. Far from it. The company is evolving. You’ll likely start seeing more:

• Drive-thru-only Starbucks
• Compact pickup cafés
• More automation in drink prep
• High-visibility target areas at safer, “gateway” locations

In other words, Starbucks wants to be quicker and cheaper as it makes money even though that may mean fewer traditional coffeehouses.

Will Starbucks Close More Stores in 2026?

Most likely yes but not as dramatically. Analysts anticipate Starbucks will wind down this restructuring by the close of 2025, and gradually regain its footing. If the new formats result in better sales trends, the number of closures could fall precipitously next year.