WASHINGTON — A popular coffee chain says it is closing one of its locations in D.C. and the reasoning behind the decision is raising some eyebrows.
On Monday, Starbucks announced plans to close its location inside Union Station on July 31. It is one of 16 Starbucks locations that will close across the country due to safety concerns.
Debbie Stroud and Denise Nelson, Starbucks’ senior vice presidents of U.S. operations, shared a letter with employees stating the company’s desire to further emphasize the safety of its workers and customers.
“You’re also seeing firsthand the challenges facing our communities – personal safety, racism, lack of access to healthcare, a growing mental health crisis, rising drug use, and more,” the letter reads. “With stores in thousands of communities across the country, we know these challenges can, at times, play out within our stores too. We read every incident report you file – it’s a lot.”
Still, the decision to close the Starbucks inside Union Station caught some of its regular travelers off guard.
“I think that’s kind of ridiculous,” said DC resident Kira Cofield. “I think they’re just looking for a cop-out.”
DC resident Andrew Horne said he was also surprised by the decision.
“Union Station’s a very visible place,” he said. “I’ve always felt safe. There’s plenty of people here.”
The exact prevalence of crime at Union Station remains unclear.
WUSA9 requested data from Amtrak on how many criminal incidents its police department has responded to over the years at Union Station but has yet to get a response.
The property manager responsible for retail at Union Station, Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, also has yet to comment on the matter.
A Starbucks spokesperson added the company will work to relocate the workers at its Union Station location to other Starbucks stores across the District.