400 Starbucks Could Close In U.S., Including Poway

POWAY, CA — Starbucks will consider closing up to 400 locations over the next 18 months as it looks to focus on quick pickup options such as drive-thrus, as well as curbside and mobile-only pickup stores, USA Today reported.

There are multiple Starbucks stores in Poway:

• 13479 Poway Road, Suite 602, Poway, CA 92064
• 14823 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 92064
• 14835 Pomerado Road, Poway, CA 92064
• 12202 Poway Road, 104, Poway, CA 92064
• 12245 Scripps Poway Parkway, Poway, CA 92064

Starbucks plans to open 300 quick pickup locations during its fiscal year, half of the 600 locations it previously planned to open, USA Today reported.

Some 80 percent of Starbucks transactions were on-the-go prior to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Starbucks said in a statement. Opening more pickup stores will make it easier to maintain social distancing.

"As we navigate through the COVID-19 crisis, we are accelerating our store transformation plans to address the realities of the current situation, while still providing a safe, familiar and convenient experience for our customers," Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson said in the statement.

Customers can expect to see pickup-only stores in dense, urban areas, Starbucks said. Starbucks opened its first such location in New York City's Penn Plaza last fall and will soon open another near Grand Central Terminal.

Starbucks has long had drive-thru locations, but stores in less densely populated areas may see double-lane drive-thrus and curbside pickup options in the future.

Read more at USA Today.

Patch editors Courtney Teague and Kristina Houck contributed to this report.