Starbucks is closing hundreds of stores, including at least two in Lexington.

Starbucks is closing hundreds of stores, including at least two in Lexington.

File

Ubiquitous coffee chain Starbucks is closing at least two Lexington locations as part of a wave of store closings across the U.S.

Employees at the locations at 101 Hat Trick Way on Athens Boonesboro near I-75, and 1745 Sharkey Way just off Leestown Road, confirmed their stores will be closing.

The Starbucks shops will be open through Saturday, employees said, and closed as of Sunday, Sept. 27.

Including locations in Kroger and Target stores, there are at least 30 Starbucks in Lexington.

Why the Starbucks stores are closing

Earlier this week, Starbucks chief operating officer Mike Grams said 250 locations across the U.S. will be closing this week for financial reasons. He also said they can’t provide the kind of experience the company wants for its customers and employees.

Starbucks is closing hundreds of stores, including at least two in Lexington. Starbucks is closing hundreds of stores, including at least two in Lexington. File

“Closing any coffeehouse is a difficult decision, and we know today’s news will be hard for the partners, customers and communities affected,” he said in a blog post.

“We’re speaking directly with impacted partners and will support them through this transition, including transfer opportunities wherever possible. For partners we are unable to place in another coffeehouse, we will provide severance support.

“To the partners in those coffeehouses impacted by today’s news, I want to say thank you on behalf of Starbucks for the work you have done. We’re committed to supporting you through this transition.”

It’s unclear how many Lexington employees will be impacted.

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