Starbucks to Close At Least 20 Stores in Texas Under “Back to Starbucks” Restructuring
October 1, 2025 – As part of its sweeping “Back to Starbucks” strategy, Starbucks announced this week it will shutter a number of underperforming coffeehouses across the United States — including at least 20 in Texas — as the chain seeks to reset its in-store experience and improve its financial footing.
In a letter to employees, CEO Brian Niccol reiterated that the company has been “carefully reviewing our North America coffeehouse portfolio through the additional lens of our Back to Starbucks plan.” He emphasized that the goal is “for every coffeehouse to deliver a warm and welcoming space with a great atmosphere and a seat for every occasion.”
During the review, Starbucks identified coffeehouses “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,” and announced that those locations will close. The company said this wave of closures is a more significant action than typical store churn, acknowledging the impact on both employees (referred to as “partners”) and local customers.
Starbucks will end fiscal year 2025 with approximately 18,300 total locations across the U.S. and Canada — representing a net decline of about 1 % after accounting for both openings and closures. The company also plans to uplift over 1,000 existing stores through design enhancements that emphasize “greater texture, warmth, and layered design.”
While Starbucks has not released a full, official list of the Texas locations slated to close, local reports and employee disclosures suggest affected cities include Tyler, Lubbock, Katy, Freeport, Joliet, and Missouri City. In Houston, media outlets confirm that seven stores will be shuttered as part of the broader closure plan. In at least one instance, a Houston location at 3407 Montrose Blvd. has been confirmed among those closing.
Partners working at stores set to close will be notified this week; Starbucks says it will prioritize transfer opportunities to nearby locations where possible, and offer comprehensive severance packages for those who cannot be placed. The company further disclosed the elimination of approximately 900 non-retail roles across its corporate support functions as part of the same restructuring.
As Starbucks tightens its focus on creating more inviting, community-oriented spaces, the challenge now lies in managing the transition sensitively for customers and employees alike — especially in markets like Texas, where stores often double as neighborhood gathering spots.
