Starbucks Exits Manhattan Corners for Drive-Throughs, Eyes 650 New Stores in 2026
Starbucks closed about two dozen Manhattan shops plus several in Brooklyn and Queens while opening its first exurban drive-through in Atoka, Tennessee, reflecting a 25% shift in customer visits to drive-throughs. It added 70 new stores this year and plans 650 openings in 2026 with up to 10,000 more sites.
1. Urban Store Closures
Starbucks has closed roughly two dozen stores in Manhattan along with multiple locations in Brooklyn and Queens as part of a strategic pullback from densely packed urban areas with limited drive-through capacity.
2. Drive-Through Volume Shift
Data shows that locations with drive-throughs not only recovered from pandemic downturns but also experienced volume gains, prompting a 25% migration of visits from in-store service to drive-through lanes.
3. Exurban Expansion Outlook
The chain opened about 70 new outlets this year, launched its first exurban drive-through in Atoka, Tennessee, plans 650 store openings in 2026 and could add up to 10,000 more US sites beyond its current 18,000.