A popular coffee shop known for competing with Starbucks has permanently shut down one of its main locations, shocking its customers.
City Saints, located in Hoboken, New Jersey, revealed that its Bloomfield Street store is now closed for good.
City Saints Coffee Shop Closes Doors for Good
On Thursday, customers of the coffee shop were greeted with a sign saying "Closed Today" on the front door.
TAPinto Hoboken recently reported a conversation with John, who chose to keep his last name private, at City Saints coffee shop. John revealed the reason behind the closure of the retail store: the lease was ending. He highlighted that City Saints would now shift its focus towards the wholesale part of its business, which is reportedly thriving.
The speculation about the coffee shop's closure began when it stopped opening on weekends. Customers also pointed out a noticeable reduction in staff at the Bloomfield Street location. City Saints also operates a branch in Brooklyn.
City Saints has made a name for itself with its coffee offerings, especially popular are the vanilla cinnamon lattes, alongside their selection of pastries.
A regular of the coffee shop expressed their sentiments, stating, "City Saints was a great corner coffee shop with amiable staff and a wonderful addition to the neighborhood. Unfortunately, it ended so abruptly."
The coffee shop confirmed in a statement, "Today is our last day," marking the end of its presence on Bloomfield Street.
Customers observed a lack of employees at the coffee shop, which also operates another Brooklyn, New York branch.
Also Read: Applebee's Continues Downsizing, Closes Another Veteran Location as Part of Nationwide Cutbacks
Starbucks Launches Inclusive Store Initiative
In a significant move towards inclusivity, Starbucks has unveiled a major initiative to create more accessible stores for all customers.
The "Inclusive Spaces Framework" is designed to enhance accessibility within the coffee giant's locations. Starbucks intends to implement more inclusive design features in all 16,300 stores across the United States.
The initiative's first store, embodying this new framework, opened on February 16 in Washington, DC. This move highlights Starbucks' commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all patrons, including those with disabilities.
Kim Knackstedt from Unlock Access, a Washington, DC-based accessibility and disability policy firm, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. "So many people with disabilities don't even access retailers because they can't get in the door," Knackstedt noted.
She highlighted the significance of having spaces that are welcoming and accessible to everyone, stating, "It's a huge deal... You know it, or you don't, literally from the moment you enter."
According to the Starbucks website, all future construction and renovations of Starbucks' company-operated stores in the U.S. will start to include elements from this framework. This marks a significant step in Starbucks' efforts to enhance accessibility and promote inclusion within its stores.
Moreover, Starbucks plans to share the framework openly, encouraging its adoption and adaptation across the retail sector. This move is intended to broaden the impact of accessible design in retail environments, making shopping and dining spaces more inclusive for everyone.
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