As Starbucks Takes The Slash And Burn Approach To Hundreds Of Their Locations, Seattle Coffee Shops See Opportunity – CoffeeTalk

Seattle coffee shops are anticipating a surge in business due to the recent announcement by Starbucks regarding the closure of approximately 1% of its U.S. cafés. Additionally, Starbucks intends to remodel around a thousand locations to enhance their performance in the coming year. Jon Streeter, the owner of City Grind Espresso, who has been operating in Seattle for thirty years, expressed optimism that these closures could facilitate smaller coffee shops in attracting new customers. He recalled a time in the 1990s when the proximity of Starbucks could have significantly benefited his business had they closed one of their locations.

Reports of increased patronage at local cafés have already begun to surface, with some shop owners indicating they have welcomed new regulars since Starbucks began shutting down certain locations. For instance, the Metropolitan Deli & Cafe in Lower Queen Anne has seen a boost in activity following the closure of two out of three Starbucks stores nearby. Customers are showing a preference for local establishments, with some commenting on the superior quality of coffee served at these smaller shops.

Analysts predict that nearly 500 Starbucks locations will close across the U.S. and Canada, consequently creating new competitive opportunities in the coffee market throughout North America.

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