Starbucks to Close Multiple Locations in Massachusetts

Boston, September 27, 2025

News Summary

Starbucks is set to close several locations across Massachusetts, including a prominent store on Court Street in Boston. This decision is part of a larger initiative to restructure the company, which involves shutting down hundreds of stores in the U.S. and Canada. The Boston store will close by the end of the weekend, and other nearby locations are also affected. Additionally, approximately 900 non-retail employees will be laid off as part of this restructuring effort. Customers have expressed disappointment over the impacts on their local coffee community.

Boston — Several Starbucks locations in Massachusetts will close, including a notable store on Court Street in Boston beneath the historic steaming brass kettle in Government Center. The closures are part of Starbucks’ initiative to restructure its struggling business with hundreds of stores shutting down across the U.S. and Canada.

Key details

Boston closure timing: The Boston location is set to close at the end of the weekend, with its last day of operation expected to be Sunday. Another Massachusetts store slated for closure is the Central Street location in Wellesley.

Workforce changes: Starbucks announced on Thursday that it will also lay off around 900 non-retail employees as part of its restructuring efforts. Affected workers will be given severance packages and potential transfer options to other nearby stores where feasible.

Company actions and funding: Starbucks has allocated $1 billion for the restructuring, which includes $150 million for employee separation packages and $850 million for store closures and lease exits. The closure of these stores is part of a broader goal to cut costs and improve financial performance, as determined by a review of the company’s North American portfolio.

Customer notices and local impact

Signs informing patrons about the closures have been posted at the affected cafés, complemented by QR codes directing customers to find nearby locations. The chain’s decision to shut down stores has been met with disappointment from customers and employees, with concerns regarding the impact on baristas and the community.

Scope and numbers

As of June 29, the total number of Starbucks locations was 18,734, with an expectation to drop to 18,300 by the end of the fiscal year. The company has not disclosed exactly how many stores are closing or how many are unionized; however, 650 company-owned U.S. Starbucks locations have voted to unionize since 2021.

Rationale and program context

The closures followed a company review of its North American portfolio and are part of an initiative termed Back to Starbucks, which focuses on improving operations and customer experiences. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said the closures were made based on locations being unable to meet financial targets or ensure a satisfactory environment for customers.

Wider geographic effects

Nationwide and cross-border effects include the company moving to close hundreds of outlets across the U.S. and Canada. Locally in the Boston area, other closures involve Starbucks locations in various neighborhoods, including Cleveland Circle, Harvard Square, and Brookline.

Labor and organizing response

Starbucks Workers United, the labor group representing Starbucks workers, expressed that the decision to close stores was made without input from baristas and emphasized the importance of their role in the company.

What customers and employees should expect next

• Notices and QR codes at affected stores to help customers find nearby locations.
• Severance packages and potential transfer options for affected employees where feasible.
• Ongoing reductions in the total store count from 18,734 toward an expected 18,300 by the end of the fiscal year.

FAQ

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Additional Resources

• MassLive: Starbucks Closing Stores in Massachusetts
• Wikipedia: Starbucks
• WCVB: Starbucks Locations Closing in Boston
• Google Search: Starbucks closures Boston
• NBC Boston: Starbucks Closures in Boston
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Starbucks
• Patch: Starbucks Plans Store Closures in Massachusetts
• Google News: Starbucks store closures
• 9News: Starbucks Closing Stores List 2025

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk 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 Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.