On March 30, the only Starbucks location in the Capital City will be closing its doors. Located at 102 S. Warren St., the store opened in 2017 as a Community Store, a selective program by Starbucks to open in distressed cities to give disadvantaged youth in Black and Brown communities their first jobs.
In response, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora sent a letter to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan expressing his disappointment in the decision and willfulness to help keep the company in the Capital City.
“Dear Mr. Narasimhan:
I am writing to you today as Mayor of Trenton, NJ, with a pressing concern that deeply impacts our city and the progress we’ve made towards revitalization efforts in our downtown corridor.
I must express my profound disappointment upon learning second-hand of Starbucks’ decision to close our Community Store in the Capital City. Since its establishment in 2017, this particular Starbucks location has been more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee for state workers; it has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for many of our young workers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds in our black and brown neighborhoods.
As you fully know, the well-intentioned concept of a Community Store, as outlined in Starbucks’ own description, embodies the values of empowerment, inclusivity, and social responsibility. It serves as a vital pillar of support for local communities, offering not only employment opportunities but also a sense of belonging and dignity for individuals who may face systemic barriers to economic advancement.
The closure of our Community Store not only leaves a void in our downtown landscape but also deals a significant blow to the progress we’ve made in fostering a more equitable and vibrant city. The impact extends far beyond the loss of a business; it represents a setback in our collective efforts to uplift and empower our residents.
I implore you to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions that would allow the Trenton Community Store to continue serving as a catalyst for positive change in our city. Together, we can work towards finding sustainable ways to support our communities and ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of progress.
I am more than willing to discuss this further and explore potential avenues for collaboration. Your support in preserving the legacy of your Community Store would not only be a testament to Starbucks’ commitment to social responsibility but also a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youths in our community.
Thank you in advance for your consideration to this urgent matter. I eagerly await your response and remain hopeful for a positive outcome that benefits all stakeholders involved.”
A.Z. Johnson
P.I.O
Office of the Mayor, City of Trenton
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Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora recently responded to the closure of the Starbucks location in downtown Trenton with a letter addressing the concerns of residents and employees affected by the closure. The popular coffee chain announced that it would be closing its doors permanently, leaving many in the community disappointed and concerned about the impact on the local economy.
In his letter, Mayor Gusciora expressed his disappointment over the closure and assured residents that the city is working to attract new businesses to fill the void left by Starbucks. He emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses and encouraged residents to continue to patronize other coffee shops and restaurants in the area.
The closure of the Starbucks location in Trenton is just one example of the challenges facing small businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses have struggled to stay afloat as a result of lockdowns and restrictions, leading to closures and layoffs across the country.
Mayor Gusciora’s response to the closure of Starbucks demonstrates his commitment to supporting local businesses and revitalizing the economy in Trenton. By encouraging residents to support small businesses and working to attract new businesses to the area, he is taking proactive steps to ensure that Trenton remains a vibrant and thriving community.
As residents and business owners in Trenton navigate the challenges of the pandemic, it is important for community leaders like Mayor Gusciora to provide support and guidance. By working together, we can overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more resilient community for the future.
