News Summary

Starbucks plans to close several locations in New Orleans, including the Elysian Fields Avenue store, as part of a national restructuring initiative. This decision impacts three stores and is part of a broader $1 billion strategy focused on safety amid rising crime rates in the city. As Starbucks navigates these changes, customers are encouraged to visit other nearby coffee shops. The restructuring reflects ongoing concerns about community safety and operational efficiency.

New Orleans

Starbucks is set to close multiple locations in New Orleans as part of a nationwide restructuring plan. These closures include three stores in the city, with the Elysian Fields Avenue location officially shutting its doors on Saturday, September 27, 2025. The Maple Street and Magazine Street locations are also confirmed to close. The decision is part of a broader $1 billion restructuring initiative by Starbucks, which is set to impact around 500 stores across the United States, even as the company plans to open new locations in various areas.

Details of Closures

The Elysian Fields location, which opened in early 2019 within the Robert Fresh Market Shopping Center, features seating areas that were frequently used for working and group meetings. A sign posted at the store thanked customers for their loyalty and expressed hope to see them in the future. The store manager confirmed the closing date as September 27, while the Canal Street Starbucks location is scheduled to close on October 3, 2025, also due to safety concerns.

Additionally, the closures come amid rising violent crime in New Orleans, which has recently been designated the murder capital of America, a status reflected in statistics from September 2025. Starbucks has indicated that safety is a priority and that protocols are in place to protect employees. Local business owners along Canal Street have stated that their businesses are less severely impacted by crime compared to Starbucks.

Impact on the Community

Customers who frequented the closing Starbucks locations are encouraged to visit other nearby branches for their favorite beverages. For instance, local coffee shops such as Baldwin & Co., Who Dat Cafe, and Orange Couch are potential alternatives to the Elysian Fields store. The Magazine Street Starbucks is also surrounded by other coffee chains like French Truck, PJ’s Coffee, and CR Coffee, presenting more options for coffee lovers in the area.

Background on Starbucks’ Restructuring

The closures are part of Starbucks’ broader strategy to address concerns related to personal safety, racism, and a growing mental health crisis affecting many communities. In addition to the store closures, it is noteworthy that two new Starbucks locations are currently under construction in Lafayette, Louisiana, as part of the company’s expansion efforts.

Despite these closures, five other Starbucks locations in downtown New Orleans will remain open. The Elysian Fields store’s closure follows a trend seen across various cities, as Starbucks central management looks to balance profitability with safety and community needs.

The closures of these popular coffee shops represent a significant shift in the local retail landscape, particularly as New Orleans grapples with increasing crime rates. In light of this, the immediate future of Starbucks in the city remains uncertain, with many hoping for improved conditions to allow for the eventual return of beloved community gathering spots.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WDSU: New Orleans Starbucks Locations Closing
• Wikipedia: Starbucks
• WWLTV: Starbucks Closing New Orleans Locations
• Google Search: Starbucks closures New Orleans
• NOLA: Starbucks Coffee Closes in New Orleans
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Coffee
• Fox Business: Starbucks Closes Stores Amid Crime in New Orleans
• Google News: Starbucks New Orleans closures

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.