Starbucks, the Seattle-based coffee giant, has announced the closure of several locations across Atlanta as part of a broader initiative to shutter hundreds of stores in the U.S. and Canada.
The closures, which began immediately following the announcement on September 25, 2025, are a key component of the company’s “Back to Starbucks” transformation plan under new CEO Brian Niccol.
Starbucks to Close Multiple Atlanta Locations as Part of Restructuring
According to reports, at least three Atlanta locations are confirmed to close, including the drive-thru-enabled store at 1870 Piedmont Avenue in Piedmont Heights, which opened in 2019, and the location at 100 Peachtree St NW in downtown Atlanta.
A third store, situated along Piedmont and Auburn roads, is part of Starbucks’ “Pick Up” model and is slated for closure as the company phases out this mobile-order-only format.
These Atlanta Starbucks Locations Will Close
| Store Location | Address | Store Type | Closure Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piedmont Heights | 1870 Piedmont Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA | Drive-thru | Confirmed Closing |
| Downtown Atlanta | 100 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA | Traditional Cafe | Confirmed Closing |
| Piedmont & Auburn | Piedmont Rd NE & Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA | Pick Up (Mobile Order) | Confirmed Closing |
Notes:
- The table reflects the three Atlanta locations specifically mentioned in reports from September 2025.
- Starbucks has not released a comprehensive list of all closures, so additional Atlanta locations may be affected.
- For the most current information, check the Starbucks app or website for store status updates.
The closures are part of a strategic effort to address declining sales and refocus on creating a “warm and welcoming” customer experience.
Niccol, who joined Starbucks in September 2024 after leading Chipotle, stated in a letter to employees that the company identified stores “where we’re unable to create the physical environment our customers and partners expect, or where we don’t see a path to financial performance.”
The restructuring is expected to reduce Starbucks’ North American footprint by approximately 1%, leaving around 18,300 stores by the end of the fiscal year on September 29, 2025.
The Atlanta closures align with Starbucks’ broader plan to shut down 150 to 200 underperforming or outdated locations, including 80 to 90 “Pick Up” stores introduced in 2019.
The company has not released a comprehensive list of closures, but updates to the Starbucks app will reflect current store hours and closures by Sunday, September 28, 2025. Employees at affected Atlanta locations were notified this week, with Starbucks pledging “generous severance and support packages” for impacted workers.
Local reaction to the closures has been mixed
“It’s disappointing to lose the Peachtree Street location; it was a convenient stop for downtown workers,” said Sarah Mitchell, a regular customer. “But I understand they’re trying to focus on stores that fit their vision.”
Meanwhile, posts on social media reflect broader sentiment about Starbucks’ challenges, with some users speculating about competition and changing consumer habits driving the closures.
Final Word
Starbucks’ restructuring also includes the elimination of approximately 900 non-retail positions, with costs for lease terminations, employee severance, and asset write-downs estimated at $1 billion. The company reported a decline in U.S. same-store sales for several quarters, citing increased competition and price sensitivity among consumers.
As Atlanta bids farewell to these Starbucks locations, residents can stay updated via the Starbucks app or website for the latest information on nearby stores. The company has emphasized its commitment to reinvesting in coffeehouses that align with its brand identity, promising a renewed focus on quality and customer connection.
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