Starbucks closes stores for crucial employee training
Starbucks occasionally closes stores for vital employee training, including a 2018 nationwide shutdown for racial bias education, demonstrating a commitment to service and social responsibility.
Starbucks doesn't close all stores daily for barista training, but it does prioritize employee development, sometimes involving temporary closures. In a major move, on May 29, 2018, Starbucks shut down about 8,000 company-owned stores across the U.S. for several hours. This unprecedented closure was for mandatory racial bias training, following an incident where two Black men were arrested in a Philadelphia store. Over 175,000 employees participated in the sessions, led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, aiming to foster a more welcoming environment. This initiative, estimated to cost $12 million, highlighted Starbucks' willingness to invest significantly in employee education to address social issues.