Officials upset over Starbucks closings

Published: July 23, 2008 at 2:05 PM
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A Starbucks sign is pictured outside the coffee shop chain in Washington on July 2, 2008. The Starbucks Corporation announced today they will close 600 company-operated stores over the next year do to a declining U.S. economy. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn)
A Starbucks sign is pictured outside the coffee shop chain in Washington on July 2, 2008. The Starbucks Corporation announced today they will close 600 company-operated stores over the next year do to a declining U.S. economy. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn) | Enlarge Enlarge
MIAMI, July 23 (UPI) -- Two Florida officials say they are trying to talk Starbucks out of closing under-performing stores in their towns.

The mayor of North Miami and the redevelopment director of Lauderdale Lakes say the Starbucks facilities slated for closing are both in locations targeted for redevelopment, The New York Times reported Wednesday.

North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns won't say whether he plans to offer Starbucks something when he meets with company representatives about the closings.

"This is definitely a hiccup in our plans," Burns said. "We are hoping by some miracle they will change their minds."

Gary Rogers, who directs redevelopment for Lauderdale Lakes, says he is trying to arrange a meeting with Starbucks representatives so he can plead his town's case.

The two locations are among 600 that Starbucks plans to close this year.


© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



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