Opening 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, the store has shown other local business owners that it is possible to expand in Trenton’s downtown area.
On Tuesday, Mayor Reed Gusciora sent a letter of concern to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan expressing his disappointment in the decision and willfulness to help keep the company in the Capital City. Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson-Coleman also sent a letter to Narasimhan to question the decision to leave New Jersey’s Capital City without a Starbucks.
Dear Mr. Narasimhan,
I am writing to urge Starbucks to reconsider its current plan to close the Starbucks branch located in Trenton, New Jersey. Opened in December of 2017, the Trenton Starbucks was the ninth location in Starbucks’s Community Store Program.1 First announced in 2015,2
the Community Store Program has the stated goal of fostering economic opportunities for underserved communities by providing community spaces and hiring local workers.3
In 2020, John Kelly, then Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Starbucks, stated that you “believe it is [your] role and responsibility to partner with those in the communities [you] serve to help make a positive economic and social impact.”
4 In 2022, it was reported that Starbucks intended to expand this concept to 1,000 stores by 2030, 5 and, as recently as 2023, Starbucks touted the Community Stores program, saying that these stores “focus on helping provide economic opportunity in rural and urban communities through local hiring, partnerships with local artists and nonprofits, and intentional dedicated space for communities to come together for
events.”6 From accounts written even shortly after the store’s opening, the Trenton Starbucks location has been a resounding success, with tangible positive effects on the surrounding community. In a 2017 story, one nearby business owner noted that he had already seen increased foot traffic in the area.
7 2018 and 2019 articles covered the important community events and worker opportunities
offered by the Trenton Starbucks.8,9 Recent news pieces covering the store’s scheduled closure also highlight the important positive effects the location has had in the six years since its opening.10,11 Given the clear and obvious alignment of the Trenton location’s performance with the goals of the Community Store Program, is this closure a signal from Starbucks that you are moving away from your stated commitment to supporting and uplifting underserved communities? By closing the Trenton location, New Jersey would become one of only three states with no Starbucks in their capital city, joining South Dakota and Vermont, 12 and depriving Trenton — an urban community with a 26.2% poverty rate — of the opportunity to continue on its path toward economic revitalization.
This Starbucks location has become an important part of downtown Trenton and its community, and I hope that you will reconsider closing it. I thank you for your time and for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Member of Congress
1 https://jerseydigs.com/starbucks-opens-new-concept-store-in-downtown-trenton-new-jersey-102-south-warrenstreet/
2 https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/starbucks-deepens-investments-in-diverse-under-representedcommunities/
3 https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-expands-commitment-in-underserved-communities-across-theus/
4 Ibid.
5 https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/starbucks-plans-expand-its-community-store-concept-1000-location
6 https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2023/starbucks-and-lebron-james-family-foundation-bring-communitytogether-at-dedication-for-community-store/
7 https://whyy.org/segments/trenton-residents-businesses-welcome-citys-first-starbucks/
8 https://www.nj.com/news/erry-2018/12/a13d60ade5563/one-year-in-downtown-trenton-s.html
9 https://www.trentondaily.com/not-your-typical-starbucks/
10 https://www.nj.com/mercer/2024/03/trenton-starbucks-to-close-in-devastating-blow-to-city-mayor-says.html
11 https://nj1015.com/starbucks-store-closure-trenton-nj/
12 Of these three capital cities, Trenton is by far the largest by population. According to the 2020 US Census, Trenton, NJ, had a population of 90,871, while Pierre, SD, had a population at 14,091 and Montpelier, VT, had a population of 8,074.
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman recently sent a letter to Starbucks addressing a concerning issue that has been brought to her attention. The issue at hand involves allegations of discrimination and mistreatment of employees at Starbucks locations across the country.
In her letter, Watson Coleman expressed her deep concern over the reports of discriminatory practices within the company, citing instances of racial bias, harassment, and unequal treatment of employees. She emphasized the importance of creating a safe and inclusive work environment for all employees, regardless of their race, gender, or background.
The Congresswoman called on Starbucks to take immediate action to address these issues and ensure that all employees are treated with respect and fairness. She urged the company to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and implement measures to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Watson Coleman also highlighted the need for Starbucks to prioritize diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and employee training programs. She emphasized the importance of creating a culture of respect and equality within the company, where all employees feel valued and supported.
In response to the letter, Starbucks issued a statement acknowledging the concerns raised by Watson Coleman and pledging to take the necessary steps to address the issues at hand. The company stated that it is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and will work to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and respectfully.
Overall, Watson Coleman’s letter serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing discrimination and inequality in the workplace. It highlights the need for companies like Starbucks to take proactive measures to create a culture of inclusivity and respect for all employees. By holding companies accountable for their actions and advocating for change, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.
