News Summary
As of September 27, 2025, Starbucks has permanently closed six locations in Baltimore. This decision, part of a nationwide strategy, responds to financial challenges and underperformance, resulting in approximately 900 layoffs. The closures have sparked protests from the Starbucks Workers Union, demanding better working conditions. Local business owners express concerns over the impact on community commerce. As the company aims to revitalize its brand, the closures raise significant questions about access to coffee shops and community engagement in Baltimore.
Baltimore has seen the permanent closure of six Starbucks locations as of September 27, 2025. The impacted stores are situated in the neighborhoods of Federal Hill, downtown, Midtown Belvedere, Washington Hill, Fells Point, and Canton. This move is part of a broader strategy by Starbucks to close hundreds of locations across the United States, responding to underperformance and ongoing restructuring efforts within the company.
Alongside the closures, approximately 900 workers are being laid off due to these changes. Starbucks’ CEO, Brian Niccol, indicated that the closures stem from the company’s inability to create a desirable work environment or to achieve the necessary financial performance at specific locations. This strategy aims to revitalize the Starbucks brand, resulting in a projected 1% decrease in their North America store count for fiscal year 2025.
The decision to close these stores drew criticism, particularly regarding the lack of input from baristas, as highlighted by the Starbucks Workers Union. Union members organized a protest near one of the recently shuttered stores on North Charles Street, where they called for fair contracts, better wages, and improved working conditions. The union’s organizer, Cary Tilton, has signaled a readiness to strike within a month if their demands remain unaddressed.
Local business owners have also voiced concerns about the implications of the closures for the broader community. For instance, Tony Assadi, owner of Luna Del Sea, expressed worries about how the loss of these Starbucks locations could impact local commerce and the more extensive challenges faced by businesses in Baltimore.
Although Starbucks has yet to release a complete list of all the stores set for closure, the company has also not responded to media inquiries for additional information. Critics of this decision argue that diminished access to coffee shops could significantly alter the morning habits of many residents, affecting their daily routines and community engagement.
Starbucks, a well-known coffee brand, has been under considerable pressure to adapt to changing consumer habits and market conditions. As they implement measures to streamline operations and enhance profitability, the consequences of these actions are being felt by workers and local businesses alike.
In summary, the closure of these six Starbucks locations in Baltimore is part of a broader, nationwide restructuring effort that has sparked significant protest and concern within the community. As Starbucks faces the challenge of revitalizing its brand amidst economic pressures, the fallout from these decisions raises questions about the future of local commerce and community access to services.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox Baltimore
- CBS News
- WBAL TV
- Business Insider
- WMAR 2 News
- Wikipedia: Starbucks
- Google Search: Starbucks store closures Baltimore
- Google Scholar: Starbucks business strategy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Starbucks Corporation
- Google News: Starbucks closures Baltimore
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
