Margot Lee | A&E Editor
October 3, 2025
Announced by Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol on September 25th, 2025, the beloved coffee chain will be closing locations across the country, leaving thousands of employees at risk and customers confused.
According to the official Starbucks news blog, recent closures are due to the belief that some locations are unable to deliver that classic cozy Starbucks character. By cutting underperforming stores, they are apparently able to meet their company-wide goal of delivering “a warm and welcoming space with a great atmosphere and a seat for every occasion.” This forecast aligns with Brian Niccol’s broader “Back to Starbucks” initiative. This fiscal year they plan to enhance the remaining locations, introducing “greater texture, warmth, and layered design.” Niccol also cited that expenses and “financial performance” are a large deciding factor, in addition to the aesthetic concerns.
This explanation resonates with many customers who value a familiar atmosphere. Starbucks enthusiast, Natalie Deyhimy, said she “would be so sad if any of the San Clemente locations shut down,” adding that she studies at the El Camino Real location at least once a week. Many students including Deyhimy can agree that Starbucks is a familiar and reliable study spot when studying at home or at a desk isn’t sufficient.
But what about the thousands of Starbucks employees out of jobs? Niccol mentioned in a blog post that there will only be a 1% net decrease in store locations across North America. The blog does not explicitly mention the estimated number of closures, but analysts believe roughly 400 stores are or will be affected. To most, this one percent seems negligible, but if each location employs 10-20 workers, that leaves several thousand baristas faced with transfers or even unemployment. Not only that, approximately 900 corporate non-retail employees are expected to be laid off.
They claim that they are “working hard to offer transfers” as well as distribute “comprehensive severance packages” to employees at affected locations. However, many employees are speaking out on social media claiming that these promises are inaccurate.
Will this have an impact on one of San Clemente’s eight Starbucks locations? Sophomore Simone Griffin received the inside scoop from her sister who works at the Avenida Pico location, right down the street from SCHS. According to her,“any store could be at risk” and “no one knows if it could be the Pico location”.
This sudden decision has taken the internet by storm, with former Starbucks employees speaking out against CEO Brian Niccol, and customers questioning whether the closures are about ambiance or profit. Either way, San Clemente residents are hopeful they won’t lose their Starbucks locations.
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