Starbucks announces closures, layoffs; impact on St. Joseph unclear

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Starbucks said it will close some U.S. coffeehouses and cut about 900 non-retail jobs as part of a nationwide restructuring plan.

The company said the closures will affect stores that don’t meet customer expectations or show long-term financial potential. Workers at closing stores will be offered transfers when possible, with severance packages for those who can’t be placed. 

"That's the one place that we come to to meet up with friends," said Camila Grantham, a student at MoWest. "I started an 8 a.m. this semester and coming here before class is actually one of the best things."

Starbucks has not said what locations will be impacted, but they will notify affected employees early Friday. St. Joseph currently has five stores that remain open.

"It's what gets me out of bed in the morning," said another student, Addisyn Hartman.

The company expects its North American store count to fall by about 1% this year before growing again in 2026.