Starbucks closes most US and Canada cafes, as the number of Covid-19 cases continues to increase. Credit: Starbucks Corporation.

Visit our Covid-19 microsite for the latest coronavirus news, analysis and updates

Follow the latest updates of the outbreak on our timeline.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Starbucks has closed the majority of its company-operated cafés in the US and Canada to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The decision was announced by Starbucks EVP and president of the US and Canada-operated businesses Rossann Williams in an open letter to partners.

The cafés will be closed for two weeks, while drive-thru services will remain open.

Starbucks stores located around hospitals and health care centres will also remain operational to serve frontline responders and health care workers.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In the letter, Williams further added that the licenced partners would make independent decisions for their properties.

Williams said: “While we have worked hard to exceed any public health requirements, our cafés in some areas are experiencing high traffic, and we need to do more to prevent the spread of this virus.

“This is a crisis that is moving quickly, and we need to stay ahead of it and do our part, recognising this is often confusing, frustrating and dynamic.”

The coffeehouse chain added that it will pay all store partners for the next 30 days, regardless of their decision to work or stay at home.

Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus cases has increased to more than 33,000 in the US and 1,500 in Canada.

Earlier, Starbucks had closed more than half of its stores in China due to similar concerns.

A week ago, Starbucks implemented a ‘to go’ model in the US and Canada, encouraging customers not to gather at coffee shops.