SEATTLE, June 17 (UPI) -- Coffee-giant Starbucks said it will close all 23 locations of its La Boulange pastry shops to focus on expanding the brand in house.
Starbucks, which acquired the San Francisco-based bakery chain three years ago, said it will continue to sell La Boulange-labeled pastries across the United States and Canada. The La Boulange bakery items, including pastries and breakfast sandwiches, have helped bolster Starbucks' food sales, the company said. The closures are expected by the end of September.
"Based on our ongoing evaluations, Starbucks has determined La Boulange stores are not sustainable for the company's long-term growth," the company said.
The company said Pascal Rigo, the founder and "creative force" behind La Boulange, is leaving "to continue his passion for food in San Francisco while dedicating more time and resources toward his nonprofit ventures."
Starbucks acquired La Boulange's parent company, Bay Bread LLC, in 2012 for $100 million in an effort to boost a food-products menu. Many of the La Boulange locations are in San Francisco, with one in Los Angeles. Starbucks is also closing two manufacturing facilities that serve the La Boulange retail locations and an Evolution Fresh Cafe in San Francisco.
