Starbucks leaving Seattle? Coffee giant to move corporate jobs to Nashville

Starbucks will relocate a portion of its Seattle-based corporate workforce as it expands operations to Tennessee. According to the coffee giant, the move will affect roles tied to direct and indirect sourcing operations teams within Starbucks’ supply chain organization. Starbucks claimed that Seattle will remain its North America and Global Support headquarters, but said it will continue evaluating whether additional teams and roles should transition to Nashville over time.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development said Starbucks plans to establish a new corporate office in Nashville later this year, with more details expected in the coming months. According to KING 5, Starbucks said Seattle employees whose positions are impacted are being offered the option and support to relocate. The company also indicated that additional roles are expected to open in Nashville as the new office ramps up.

Company leaders framed the Tennessee expansion as a strategic move to support growth across North America, particularly in the central and southern United States and parts of the Northeast. In a prepared statement, Starbucks Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams called Nashville “an ideal location” for a new office and a stronger Southeast presence, pointing to the city’s “deep, talented and growing workforce.”

Tennessee state and local leaders welcomed the announcement, calling it a win for job creation and corporate investment. Deputy Gov. Stuart McWhorter said Starbucks’ decision underscores Tennessee’s appeal for corporate growth and will deliver “meaningful, well-paying opportunities” for residents. Gov. Bill Lee also praised the move, saying the state is proud to welcome another Fortune 500 company and that the investment will create quality jobs for Tennesseans.

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell echoed that sentiment, highlighting the city’s efforts to create career pathways and expand access to good-paying jobs. He said Nashville is “excited” to continue attracting employers that recognize the region’s quality of life and provide opportunities for economic mobility.

The news is the latest hit to the company’s presence in Seattle. At the end of 2025, Starbucks announced a $1 billion restructuring plan, including 900+ corporate layoffs and store closures to address declining sales and improve operational efficiency. Approximately 974 non-retail employees in the Seattle/Kent area were affected. Later that month, protesters claiming to be Starbucks employees set up an encampment at the coffee giant’s corporate headquarters in Seattle.

The protesters from unionized Starbucks locations across the country began the strike on November 13, the annual Red Cup Day, one of the company’s busiest days of the year. The protesters received support from Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Ro Khanna of California, Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Jayapal visited the Seattle encampment, where she called for wealth redistribution and urged corporations and the wealthy to “pay their fair share.”

Seattle socialist Mayor Katie Wilson joined the protesters early in the strike, shortly after her opponent conceded the November election. Wilson appeared on the picket line immediately after her victory speech. 

The announcement comes as Washington Democrats in the State Legislature are moving forward with a slew of massive taxes, including income taxes, after passing the largest tax increase in state history last year, despite warnings of flight from the Evergreen State. Starbucks and state officials said additional information about the office and future hiring plans will be released in the coming months.