BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Starbucks moves up Alki’s final day to today

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

10:54 AM: Thanks for the tips. When Starbucks announced last month that it would permanently close its Alki shop, the final day was announced as this Sunday, August 11. But now there’s a note on the door (as shown in our photo above) saying the doors will close for the last time at 6 pm tonight (Friday, August 9). We have an inquiry out to the company asking about the change. When Starbucks announced the shutdown of the 2742 Alki Avenue SW store after 25 years, the company said only that the decision was the result of a process in which they “evaluate our store portfolio annually to determine where we can best meet our community and customers’ needs.”

11:39 AM: Starbucks spokesperson Sam Jefferies says the “change” is because he initially told us (and other media organizations, according to our online check of others’ stories) the wrong date – he now says it was always planned as today.

NW August 9, 2024 (11:27 am)

This is going to be especially tough on bus drivers who layover and take a break out front the route 50 which runs 7 days a week between rainier valley and Alki early am to late pm.

k August 9, 2024 (12:27 pm)

There’s a break at the other end of the route, too, and it’s at a major transit hub so they have restaurants, grocery stores, and an independent coffee shop to support there. I think they’ll be fine.
Watertowerjim August 10, 2024 (8:18 am)

It’s called a thermos. Or, at least it was in the old days! 😂
- NW August 10, 2024 (12:04 pm)
  
  Fortunately there is space to park those sized buses just south of Safeway on California Ave SW and bathrooms available inside the Safeway store. The restrooms on Alki some I believe close for the winter and over all are not very clean.

TP August 9, 2024 (11:32 am)

Yawn, way better coffee options in West Seattle anyway.

Ms_F August 9, 2024 (12:08 pm)

But there are no other options with long hours on Alki.
John August 9, 2024 (12:27 pm)

I mean yeah there’s a few but not a specific dedicated coffee shop on Alki but used to be Tully’s but that’s been gone for years now. And the issue I have with other locations is the inconsistency
- Francis Parkman August 9, 2024 (1:43 pm)
  
  Ampersand on Alki is a specific dedicated coffee shop. On Alki. And will be the only remaining coffee shop on Alki, but with much better coffee!
WS Resident August 11, 2024 (9:33 am)

This particular Starbucks was a meeting point for many in the community. It’s not just about coffee; we all know the smaller mom and pop cafes make great coffee, but many are tiny and don’t have facilities for customers.Just because you seem to dislike Starbucks coffee doesn’t mean many weren’t willing to pay to get a place to sit down, hang out, meet, talk, use the restroom etc.

Jeepney August 9, 2024 (11:36 am)

“Best meet our community and customers needs”. Yeah, sure. Bottom line had absolutely nothing to do with this decision. Hopefully a good BBQ spot or soul food joint goes into that location.

Jim August 9, 2024 (12:26 pm)

They got broken into two or three times in the last year or so they probably got tired of that plus I’m sure the rent is pretty high for that space

Larch August 9, 2024 (12:24 pm)

Sad end to a favorite and much needed spot on Alki. All those saying “oh much better coffee elsewhere” when this was announced … you’re truly missing the point. As for Starbucks – this really should have been a flagship location for them. Quite a loss.

Jim August 9, 2024 (5:35 pm)

Well it was somewhat getting to a point where it needed a bit of a remodel. However with it having been there for 25 years it’s a shame to see it go. However I do believe they’ve been broken into several times in the past year or so and I’m quite certain the rent is probably quite high for that space

And I agree with you about people saying there’s much better coffee elsewhere there’s a couple good spots I like for coffee but frankly it’s pretty close in price if not the same as Starbucks and the quality is not consistent

Scarlett August 9, 2024 (12:35 pm)

Starbucks needs to keep paying that dividend on the millions of shares nestled in shareholder’s 401K’s. The profit motto dictates everything in life, from the sundry to the supernatural.

Kt August 9, 2024 (4:34 pm)

Exactly….
wscommuter August 9, 2024 (5:22 pm)

Not that S’bux needs defending … but your comment about “shareholder 401K’s” is pretty ignorant. Setting aside S’bux as a big corporation, do you understand that a 401K is the primary retirement plan for, ya know, normal folks? Or is that part of your “evil capitalism” thing and us folks who are funding our 401K’s just part of your evil universe?
- Scarlett August 9, 2024 (9:14 pm)
  
  Just because corporate dividends fund retirement accounts of ordinary folks, in your words, doesn’t mean it absolves them of any responsibility, or any reflection on how that dollar is earned. If they own common stock and want to keep it, and aren’t happy with the company’s business philosophy, they can make their voice heard in other ways. If they ahren’t happy with the company, they should find other places to park their money.
  - Saltier than the Surcharge at Salty’s August 10, 2024 (4:02 am)
    
    That’s just it, Scarlett: Everybody can make choices in a free market economy. Corporations like Starbucks can make decision in the best interest of their business and shareholders and shareholders (including participants in 401ks) can decide whether they want to continue owning a stake in the company. And, yes, it’s always a business decision – it has to be. You can’t stay in business if you can’t make money. Starbucks isn’t a charity. If this location isn’t making money (or enough money) or has been broken into one too many times without any response from the city (we’ve heard this over and over and over and over again from businesses large and small in Seattle and other cities across the country – I’m almost starting to think that it might be true) then we can’t blame them for closing this location. No rational business owner (including large businesses like Starbucks) is going to keep a business (or location in this case) open that isn’t making money and gets burglarized regularly. Starbucks has a pretty good track record of serving customers and communities. I just wish that we served them better as a community in this case. (The over/under on that last sentence is 12 responses. I’m eager to read them. Don’t let me down, West Seattle).
    - Scarlett August 10, 2024 (10:02 am)
      
      No, Starbucks isn’t the worst corporate villain in the world, but I think you get my point. We could be talking about any corporation for that matter. Far too many people conveniently – and hypocritically – separate their purported ethics and ideals from their wallet. You’ll get a lot of awkward looks and uncomfortable silences if you bring this at your backyard BBQ or other soiree – and you probably won’t get invited back – but ocassionally someone needs to speak up and say that the Emperor has no clothes on.
    - Scarlett August 10, 2024 (12:39 pm)
      
      Yes, it’s a choice and that’s my entire point. I think we all understand the factors involved in a corporate decision like this, but unlike a sole proprietorship, a public corporations such as Starbucks are owned by millions of shareholders. Shareholders, small and large, have a moral obligation to make sure the company’s business practices align with their core principles. Unfortunately there is an endless of weak rationalizations some use when the two don’t align, whether it’s Starbucks or another corporation.
Goforride August 10, 2024 (7:40 pm)

That is correct. That is the sole reason a publicly traded corporation exists .

Chris Moore August 9, 2024 (12:46 pm)

Sad to see it go. They gave our free snacks this morning and I purchased their last ever London Fog

Phillip F Sweetland August 9, 2024 (12:56 pm)

I cancelled my auto-renewal on my Starbucks card because I now will have forage elsewhere. I will really miss the weekly visits with my sons at Alki Starbucks.

L August 9, 2024 (1:16 pm)

you have to laugh at the comments related to profitability. Of course they are concerned about profitability. Why else would they operate a store?

B August 9, 2024 (1:40 pm)

End of an era. Sad to see. Hopefully a new welcoming gathering spot with good food & beverages will take for on Alki soon.

Mike August 9, 2024 (1:57 pm)

I’ve boycotted Starbucks since Howard Schultz sold the Sonics. #bringemback

DRW August 9, 2024 (3:54 pm)

Me too! Stand Together!
Standing up for Starbucks August 9, 2024 (8:07 pm)

I know five Starbucks baristas that have taken advantage of the free college tuition that Starbucks offers, and they have received their bachelors degrees, FREE!I also know of one barista who has used her stock option money to put a down payment down on a house!I don’t know any other company that pays college tuition, and offer stock options!
- Dozens August 9, 2024 (9:16 pm)
  
  There are dozens of companies that do this. What planet are you on
- IC August 10, 2024 (12:17 am)
  
  Emphatically agree! Thank you, Starbucks! You will be missed on Alki.
- Mike August 10, 2024 (7:35 am)
  
  It’s great Starbucks has joined many other companies in providing employees with college tuition assistance and stock. Here’s how the Starbucks program works (which is only through ASU and still a great opportunity).From Perplexity: The Starbucks College Achievement Plan allows eligible U.S. Starbucks employees to earn a bachelor’s degree online from Arizona State University (ASU) with full tuition coverage. Starbucks covers the tuition upfront, and employees can choose from over 150 undergraduate programs offered by ASU Online. The program includes a 42% scholarship funded by ASU, with Starbucks reimbursing any remaining tuition and fees at the end of each semester. This initiative aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage employees to complete their degrees without incurring tuition debt[1][2][4].Citations:[1] ASU Starbucks: Starbucks College Achievement Plan https://starbucks.asu.edu[2] Starbucks College Achievement Plan https://starbucks.corporate.asu.edu/starbucks-college-achievement-plan%5B3%5D Has anyone took advantage of ASU… : r/starbucks – Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/starbucks/comments/155i9ot/has_anyone_took_advantage_of_asu/%5B4%5D Starbucks College Achievement Plan: Frequently Asked Questions https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2015/starbucks-college-achievement-plan-frequently-asked-questions/%5B5%5D [PDF] Starbucks Degree Achievement Plan – ASU Online https://goto.asuonline.asu.edu/sdap/files/UK_PILOT_SDAP_FAQs_20.5.4.pdf
aa August 9, 2024 (10:51 pm)

These old Sonics guys can carry a grudge! Boycotting Starbucks because of a basketball team that has been gone for YEARS? How does it feel carrying that resentment around Mike?
- Mike August 10, 2024 (12:30 am)
  
  Feels great, Fidalgo is my roaster of choice, but I appreciate a variety of smaller coffee shops when I do get an Americano. Vashon coffee roasters is very good too. Born and raised here! #makeseattlesuperagain
  - WS Resident August 11, 2024 (9:44 am)
    
    Why’d ya leave Vashon if its so great with so many great cafes?
Gerry Michael August 10, 2024 (9:35 am)

Brilliant, Starbucks had nothing to do with the Sonics, but if you think your dinky little boycott matters, go for it.
- Mike August 10, 2024 (11:00 pm)
  
  Why waste my money on bad coffee when there’s so many amazing other options? 😉

Me mama August 9, 2024 (3:35 pm)

WSB I would love an exposé on the Alki landlords- are they really down on their luck? There have been a number of great business that haven’t been able to make it there often attributing the high cost of rent. It just seems like the landlords long term business model doesn’t make much sense. I often wonder who these people are/ when did they buy the property and why don’t they want long term tenants. Even the chain businesses like top pot and Starbucks can’t make it, let alone great businesses like Phonecia, the kids play space, numerous restaurants, that great convenience store/sandwich shop.

Anne August 9, 2024 (4:17 pm)

You can search that yourself: Google address of any business then use this website.https://gismaps.kingcounty.gov/parcelviewer2/
Joe Z August 10, 2024 (7:26 am)

There’s not enough density on Alki to provide full time residents to support these businesses.

Chris August 9, 2024 (5:23 pm)

Still strange they would close this one and remodel the one up by Fauntleroy that will be eventually torn down.

m August 9, 2024 (6:58 pm)

Or will it be torn down?I’m still not so sure the current rail proposal into West Seattle won’t meet the same fate as the last one. If it cost 1.4 million to disband the “official committee” then, what will it be this time?

Starbucks fan August 9, 2024 (7:25 pm)

Very sad to see this wonderful community gathering place close. When they opened 25 years ago, they had live music on Friday nights and they would give the kids little noise Shakers and the kids would sit on the floor and be part of the music. it was a wonderful community event, the rents are too high. Do you remember the wonderful grocery store where cactus is now that had to close because of the high rent? I heard they were paying $20,000 a month 15 years ago!

ㅎ August 10, 2024 (5:14 am)

Can we talk about or mention the union busting happening here? It seems very clear they are using the guise of crime to close stores with the following: low performing, low traffic or unionizing. Most of this thread is about customers very little about employees or at least questioning the company

ㅎ August 10, 2024 (5:16 am)

I want to add landlords are also not getting the blame for this. it’s so expensive for any business to operate. Common working people who use services are losing out over profits.

22blades August 10, 2024 (6:34 am)

Yeah, sure Sam Jeffries. It’s a classic HR /Legal move to stay out of the press on “closing day”. It’s the kind of tone deaf corporate strategy that garners more public & employee hate. Something they’re good at when there’s any controversy.

22blades August 10, 2024 (6:44 am)

Just so you know, Mr. Jefferies’ official title at Starbucks is ”Reputation & Crisis Communications Senior Manager” He knows exactly what he’s saying. He didn’t “make a mistake”. He just thinks we’re dumb.

Delphoxy August 10, 2024 (9:01 am)

A lot of people forget that Starbucks changed its business model. Gone are the days that it wishes to be your “third place.” ( The place between work and home.) Instead they prioritize drive-through and grab and go locations. Which they realized they can make a ton of money on during the pandemic. In other words Starbucks is less of a coffee shop and more of a fast food or quick service restaurant. No better than McDonald’s. The Alki Beach location doesn’t fit into thier current vision at all. So with all that being said, the one redeeming quality of Starbucks is long gone. Stop supporting this company.

My two cents August 10, 2024 (12:04 pm)

Guess you don’t have any family, friends or strangers to let you know that Starbucks does employ “just a few” people that rely, depend on those jobs to live, raise families, spend dollars in the community.
WS Resident August 11, 2024 (9:41 am)

You’re right about the biz model. It’s not about a place to sit down for coffee with friends or colleagues anymore, but a place to churn out overpriced sugary drinks as fast as possible, without having people take up space.With that said, this particular Starbucks was the legacy location that served a purpose of being a place to sit and chill and meet and have a coffee. And now, those choices on Alki are even more limited. That kinda sucks!

Lisa August 10, 2024 (9:10 am)

Good! Starbucks sucks anyway. Hope they put a convenience store or deli there. That’s what us Alki residents needs. I couldn’t be more happy that it’s closing.

22blades August 10, 2024 (2:45 pm)

At least Top Pot knows how to exit a market with a shred of dignity. As a matter of fact, the new Junction Top Pot store is equidistant so works for me. I stopped going to the Starbucks across the street. Too sketchy.Never burn your bridges… but Sam Jefferies hasn’t learned that.

JDW August 11, 2024 (8:56 am)

Sbux had soul once. When their violations of federal labor law broke 100 (now north of 300) in their fight against unionization, this 30 year customer decided enough was enough. More than a year now since they lost my trust and my business. 70% of sbux customers support unionization. Shareholder primacy over customer values comes with a price. Yes, I spend at non-union coffee shops, but non have the power of sbux to corroded the foundation of law in our society at the scale of sbux.Every day away from sbux is a better day.