Starbucks Closes Multiple Locations in Ottawa and B.C.

Starbucks Closes Multiple Locations in Ottawa and B.C.

Starbucks has announced the closure of several locations in Ottawa and British Columbia as part of a $1 billion restructuring plan. This initiative aims to reduce the company’s North American footprint by approximately one percent and eliminate hundreds of jobs.

In Ottawa, the company has closed cafés on Bank Street, Innes Road, and Hunt Club Road. A sign at the Bank and McLeod location described the closure as an “incredibly difficult decision.” Customers were informed through a notice taped to the café window, which also directed them to nearby stores via the Starbucks app. As of September 28, calls to the affected locations confirmed their closures. Staff at the Kanata café on Carling and March Road indicated that it would remain open until 4 p.m. on Sunday before shutting down.

In British Columbia, closures are set to begin as early as Saturday. CEO Brian Niccol announced the decision on the company’s website, stating, “Our goal is for every coffee house to deliver a warm and welcoming space with a great atmosphere and a seat for every occasion.” However, during a companywide review, Starbucks identified certain locations that could not meet customer expectations or achieve financial viability.

The company plans to reduce its North American store count by one percent in fiscal 2025, while another 1,000 locations will receive upgrades over the next year. Employees affected by the closures will be offered transfers to nearby stores. Those who opt not to transfer will receive severance packages and the chance to be placed on a rehire list for future openings.

While Starbucks has not released an official list of the closing locations, users on Reddit have compiled a spreadsheet tracking the closures across North America. Some of the locations identified in British Columbia include: - Burnaby: 4122 Dawson St. - Coquitlam: 2662 Austin Ave. - Penticton: 3094 Skaha Lake Rd. - Port Moody: 176 Brew St. - Revelstoke: 1872 Trans Canada Hwy. - Richmond: 10151 No. 3 Rd. - Surrey: 3278 King George Blvd. - Vancouver: 785 Denman St., 2840 Bentall St., 2035 Yukon St. - Victoria: 801 Fort St., 320 Cook St.

As the situation develops, customers are encouraged to check back for updates regarding specific locations and further details on the restructuring plan.