Mayor Reed Gusciora Pens Letter of Concern to Starbucks CEO

Trenton, N.J. - On March 30, the only Starbucks location in the Capital City will be closing its doors. Located at 102 S. Warren St., the store opened in 2017 as a Community Store, a selective program by Starbucks to open in distressed cities to give disadvantaged youth in Black and Brown communities their first jobs.

In response, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora sent a letter to Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan expressing his disappointment in the decision and willfulness to help keep the company in the Capital City.

"Dear Mr. Narasimhan:

I am writing to you today as Mayor of Trenton, NJ, with a pressing concern that deeply impacts our city and the progress we've made towards revitalization efforts in our downtown corridor.

I must express my profound disappointment upon learning second-hand of Starbucks' decision to close our Community Store in the Capital City. Since its establishment in 2017, this particular Starbucks location has been more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee for state workers; it has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for many of our young workers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds in our black and brown neighborhoods.

As you fully know, the well-intentioned concept of a Community Store, as outlined in Starbucks' own description, embodies the values of empowerment, inclusivity, and social responsibility. It serves as a vital pillar of support for local communities, offering not only employment opportunities but also a sense of belonging and dignity for individuals who may face systemic barriers to economic advancement.

The closure of our Community Store not only leaves a void in our downtown landscape but also deals a significant blow to the progress we've made in fostering a more equitable and vibrant city. The impact extends far beyond the loss of a business; it represents a setback in our collective efforts to uplift and empower our residents.

I implore you to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions that would allow the Trenton Community Store to continue serving as a catalyst for positive change in our city. Together, we can work towards finding sustainable ways to support our communities and ensure that no one is left behind in our pursuit of progress.

I am more than willing to discuss this further and explore potential avenues for collaboration. Your support in preserving the legacy of your Community Store would not only be a testament to Starbucks' commitment to social responsibility but also a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youths in our community.

Thank you in advance for your consideration to this urgent matter. I eagerly await your response and remain hopeful for a positive outcome that benefits all stakeholders involved."

A.Z. Johnson
P.I.O
Office of the Mayor, City of Trenton
[email protected]

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