To many New Yorkers, Starbucks serves as a daily tradition—a place to stop, regroup, or recharge before heading into the day. With dozens of locations shutting down, those routines are being disrupted, and both employees and neighborhoods now face new realities.
Starbucks scales back in the city
Starbucks recently detailed plans to close a wide range of stores in New York City, reflecting a sweeping business reorganization.
Since December 2024, 42 stores have already closed their doors—and more are on the way as the chain closes over 400 stores in North America.
An estimated 900 employees in the region will be laid off as a result.
Starbucks explains the move was prompted by a review of:
- each store’s sales
- ongoing operating expenditures
- profitability of the locations
Bottom line: fewer stores but a focus on those with better performance.
Rivalry from local cafés
New York is known for its wealth of independently-owned coffee shops, from Brooklyn’s corners to Manhattan’s hand-crafted spots. With so many competitors nearby, Starbucks has seen some stores struggle, leading to the planned downsizing.
This tough environment made it difficult for all franchises to thrive.
Neighborhoods experiencing closures
The closures reach from bustling Manhattan areas to diverse spots in Brooklyn and Queens. Stores that closed in September 2025 included those in:
- Midtown Manhattan
- Greenwich Village
- Brooklyn’s Atlantic Avenue
- Astoria and Long Island City in Queens
Why these cuts are happening
According to Starbucks, the closures are part of a strategic redesign to:
- Eliminate closely clustered stores
- Lower costs in expensive cities
- Double down on high-performing spots
- Respond to changing consumer habits, especially digital orders and remote work
It’s a shift in how Starbucks does business in New York—not an exit, but a strategic adaptation. Local coffee shop competition helped spur the change.
Impact on Starbucks employees
For the staff, this news is mixed. According to Starbucks, workers will get:
- Severance benefits
- Access to support resources
- Chances to transfer elsewhere
Still, many face anxiety over how to cover living expenses. Advocates are monitoring how Starbucks honors these commitments. To learn more about previous settlements, visit NYG.gov.
How these changes affect New York
Starbucks branches are often more than just cafés—serving as work, meeting, and community spaces.
Some see more chances for local cafés to shine, while others worry about empty retail spaces. Either way, the closures reflect the shifting landscape of NYC’s competitive coffee industry.
Locations closing down in NYC:
- 330 W. 34th St.
- 219 First Ave.
- 111 University Place
- 145 Third Ave.
- 140 West St.
- 750 Sixth Ave.
- 510 Sixth Ave.
- 372 Greenwich St.
- 444 Broadway
- 405 Broadway
- 230 Varick St.
- 393 Third Ave.
- 261 Fifth Ave.
- 360 Lexington Ave.
- 871 Eighth Ave.
- 156 W. 52nd St.
- 969 First Ave.
- 11 E. 59th St.
- 159 Columbus Ave.
- 2252 Broadway
- 284 Saint Nicholas Ave.
- 1488 Third Ave.
- 550 W. 145th St.
- 2045 Broadway
- 245 E. 80th St.
- 21-02 49th Ave. (Queens)
- 21-03A Broadway (Queens)
- 395 Flatbush Ave. (Brooklyn)
- 309 Gold St. (Brooklyn)
- 45 Hoyt St. (Brooklyn)
- 3 Flushing Ave. (Brooklyn)
- 625 Atlantic Ave. (Brooklyn)
- 578 Atlantic Ave. (Brooklyn)
- 969 First Ave. (Brooklyn)
FAQs
Why is Starbucks closing so many locations in NYC?
They are removing underperforming stores as part of restructuring.
Is Starbucks leaving NYC?
No, Starbucks is simply cutting back but staying in the city.
What about the staff?
Some employees will lose jobs, but there’s assistance and transfer options.
Will neighborhoods experience change?
Yes, with new business potential and likely some empty retail spots.
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