Starbucks Plans to Close 500 North American Locations as Part of $1 Billion Restructuring
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 30 2025
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Source: Newsfilter
- Industry Decline: According to Black Box Intelligence, U.S. restaurant traffic fell every month in 2025 except for July, indicating that inflation-weary consumers are dining out less, prompting many chains to close underperforming locations.
- Starbucks Restructuring: Starbucks announced plans to close approximately 500 North American locations as part of a $1 billion restructuring effort aimed at reversing sales declines in its largest market, including the closure of its upscale Reserve Roastery in Seattle.
- Wendy's Strategic Review: Wendy's announced a strategic review in 2025, planning to close hundreds of underperforming U.S. locations as part of its
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Analyst Views on SBUX
Wall Street analysts forecast SBUX stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for SBUX is 96.12 USD with a low forecast of 59.00 USD and a high forecast of 115.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
21 Analyst Rating
12 Buy
7 Hold
2 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 95.160
Low
59.00
Averages
96.12
High
115.00
Current: 95.160
Low
59.00
Averages
96.12
High
115.00
About SBUX
Starbucks Corporations is a roaster, marketer, and retailer of specialty coffee globally. Its North America segment includes the United States and Canada. Its International segment includes China, Japan, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Its North America and International segments include both Company-operated and licensed stores. The Channel Development segment includes roasted whole bean and ground coffees, Starbucks-branded single-serve products, a variety of ready-to-drink beverages, such as Frappuccino and Starbucks Doubleshot, foodservice products, and other branded products sold outside the Company-operated and licensed stores. A large portion of its Channel Development business operates under a licensed model of the Global Coffee Alliance with Nestle, while its global ready-to-drink businesses operate under collaborative relationships with PepsiCo, Inc., Tingyi-Ashi Beverages Holding Co., Ltd., Arla Foods amba, Nestle, and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- China Market Strategy: Starbucks announced a joint venture with Boyu Capital to operate its business in China, expected to close in Q2 of fiscal 2026, further solidifying its position in the world's second-largest market.
- Expansion Plans: Starbucks aims to open 600 to 650 new stores in fiscal 2026, despite closing approximately 400 U.S. locations last year, demonstrating the company's commitment to global market expansion.
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Starbucks Reports Earnings Below Expectations, Yet Stock Price Increases.
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