Starbucks and major food chains close hundreds of North American locations

Several major restaurant and fast-food chains are reducing their footprints across North America due to rising costs, inflation, and shifting consumer preferences. Companies including Wendy’s, Papa John's, Pizza Hut, Red Lobster, and Bahama Breeze have either closed locations or announced plans to do so.

Starbucks has closed approximately 250 locations across the United States and Canada, representing about 1% of its more than 18,000 North American coffeehouses. The company stated these closures are part of its ‘Back to Starbucks’ turnaround strategy, aimed at addressing underperforming and less profitable stores. Reported closures include 65 locations in California, 22 in New York, and 14 in Texas.