Starbucks To Open Englewood Store

By MARC TORRENCE (Patch National Staff)

It seems like there’s a Starbucks on every corner in most Chicago neighborhoods, but the coffee giant is about to set up shop in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country.

Starbucks announced today that it will be opening up stores in “diverse, under-represented neighborhoods,” including one in Englewood, Chicago.

“We have a long history of developing stores in diverse neighborhoods and we hope to do even more – together with the community – to bring great jobs, engage young people, and drive economic opportunity for all,” Blair Taylor, chief community officer for Starbucks, said in a press release.

“We want to be part of the solution in these communities and help create a sustainable future for those who may be looking for a second chance.”

The company will try to do so in a neighborhood known for being one of the most crime-ridden in the city and country as a whole.

Starbucks says it will hire 20-25 employees per store in an attempt to hire 10,000 employees “who face systemic barriers to meaningful jobs and education.”

Other locations under this effort will include Ferguson, Missouri and Jamaica in Queens, New York.