Starbucks has confirmed that Seattle will remain its North America and global support headquarters as the company prepares to open a new corporate office in Nashville later this year. Company leaders said the expansion is intended to strengthen sourcing and supply chain operations in the Southeast and position teams closer to key suppliers and a growing workforce.
The announcement follows a period of restructuring that included the closure of the Seattle Reserve Roastery locations in Capitol Hill and SoDo in 2025. The company also reduced its North America store count from 18,734 to 18,300, a decrease of about 1 percent, and eliminated corporate roles. In October 2025, Starbucks laid off 1,100 corporate employees globally, including more than 900 positions in Seattle and Kent.
Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol said the changes are designed to focus resources closer to customers, strengthen operations, and support long-term growth. He noted that fiscal year 2026 is expected to include additional coffeehouse openings.
Local business leaders, including Joe Nguyen of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce, said recent conversations indicate Starbucks remains committed to its hometown presence.
