Starbucks baristas strike outside the Starbucks in Astor Place demanding fair pay and better working condidtions. After nearly 30 years, one of the most iconic Starbucks in NYC has officially closed its doors — allegedly due to a “jacked up” rent increase.
Management of the local java joint said “the landlords jacked up the rent so astronomically high,” even a corporation like Starbucks could not afford it, according to an article in the neighborhood news website,Right now, it is unclear how much Starbucks was paying in rent, or how much of an increase the company faced.The Astor Place manager, according to EV Grieve, noted that employees at the shop were offered relocation options with other Starbucks locations.
Rite Aid continues to struggle after it filed for bankruptcy last year. It has since closed hundreds of stores across the country. Red Lobster has also closed restaurants throughout the country, although the chain’s three NYC locations — 5 Times Square and 455 Gateway Drive, Brooklyn, and 20290 Bartow Ave., Bronx — remain open.