Starbucks deepens investments in under-represented U.S. communities
The coffee chain announced that it will open stores in 15 diverse, low to medium income urban communities across the U.S., with at least five stores expected to open in 2016.
“We have a long history of developing stores in diverse neighborhoods and we hope to do even more – together with the community – to bring great jobs, engage young people, and drive economic opportunity for all,” Blair Taylor, chief community officer for Starbucks and chair of the Starbucks Foundation, said.
“We want to be part of the solution in these communities and help create a sustainable future for those who may be looking for a second chance.”
Starbucks will open the first of these stores in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago’s south side; the West Florissant neighborhood in Ferguson, Missouri; the Jamaica neighborhood in Queens, New York; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and will remodel its store at 7th & Camelback in Phoenix, Arizona.
To determine which communities are a good fit for this store concept, Starbucks will look at available data on the socio-economic health of America’s cities to understand which communities have the biggest opportunity gaps, which have the biggest need for business investment and leadership, and where there is local movement underway to build a better future for its residents.
The company plans to accelerate the development of these stores over the next three years with the goal of opening in at least 10 additional cities by 2018.
Starbucks also announced that $1.5 million has been awarded in Opportunity for Youth grants to 72 nonprofit organizations in 15 U.S. cities for fiscal year 2016.
“The Starbucks Foundation is dedicated to empowering our nation’s young people to seek out the right path forward through development and training, public service and volunteering, educational opportunities as job readiness,” Taylor said.
“We are thrilled to be able to award $1.5 million to these well-deserving non-profits who will help multiply impact beyond our stores and make a meaningful impact to these young future leaders.”
