Starbucks says it is closing popular New Orleans café due to ‘RACISM and mental health concerns’ as locals say shop has been
A New Orleans Starbucks is set to close down a popular café due to racism and mental health concerns amid the metropolitan street being overrun by homeless people.
The café located at 700 Canal St. will close its doors indefinitely on October 3 amid a series of issues that led the location to be a ‘high incident store.’
‘Our stores are windows into America, and every day, our partners witness the challenges facing our communities – challenges to personal safety and security, racism, a growing mental health crisis, and issues magnified by COVID,’ a Starbucks spokesperson said in a July letter obtained by 4WWL news.
‘These challenges play out within our stores – affecting our partners, our communities, and our customers alike.’
Multiple incidents have been reported at the Canal street location but specifics weren’t disclosed.
A Starbucks customer said they believe the company is prioritizing the safety of their employees with the recent decision.
‘I think security is a concern on everyone’s mind,’ a customer told Fox 8. ‘If they’re making this decision, I’m sure it’s based on the safety of its customers, as well as their employees.’
A Louisiana Starbucks is set to close down a popular café due to racism and mental health concerns amid the metropolitan street being overrun by homeless people. The café located at 700 Canal St. will close its doors indefinitely on October 3
Multiple incidents have been reported at the Canal street location but were not disclosed. Some say the street has been over flooded by homeless people. Pictured: customers walking into the Starbucks
One customer said they believe the company is prioritizing the safety of their employees with the recent decision
Pictured: Current CEO Howard Schultz (left) that pass on the baton to new CEO Laxman Narasimhan (right). Narasimhan will take over in 2023
Tiffany Adlers, a jewelry store owner on Canal street, said there has been an increase in crime in the area – but hasn’t run into the issue at her store.
‘Security is always a concern in the metropolitan area,’ Adlers said. ‘I believe that other metropolitan cities all over the county are having similar issues.
‘We are trying to do the best for our merchants, our customers, and everybody should do their part to sort of self-police.’
David Rubenstein, a clothing store owner, said the number of homeless people on the street either drinking or sleeping is the number one issue on the metropolitan street.
‘It’s not what people like to see,’ he told Fox 8.
Meanwhile, Rubenstein said his business is just fine and ‘better than ever.’
‘Yes, [Starbucks] has had a little bit of a problem,’ he said. ‘I think one closure shouldn’t symbolize this entire street, and that’s my concern.
Rubenstein added that nothing is perfect and his company is satisfied with the location.
‘We’re not leaving,’ he said.
Tiffany Adlers, a jewelry store owner on Canal street, acknowledged there has been an increase in crime but said her store wasn’t impacted
Adlers said Canal street has also seen an increase in homeless people
The Downtown Development District of New Orleans said they were disappointed that the cafe was closing. They further said that half their budget goes towards public safety
The Downtown Development District of New Orleans told Fox 8 that Canal street was a busy area with heavy foot traffic. The organization spends more than half of its budget on public safety.
‘We are keenly aware that public safety is a top concern for our stakeholders,’ the company said while noting its disappointment with Starbucks’ close.
Meanwhile, other coffee shops remain open and booming with business in the area.