Starbucks brings 'community store' concept to Watts neighborhood of LA
Starbucks Corp. continues to expand its network of stores dedicated to supporting local economic growth.
The coffee giant has opened a “community store” in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. It’s Starbucks second community format in the city and 17th nationwide. The new location is part of the company’s commitment, announced in January, to open 100 community stores across the country by 2025.
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Starbucks’ community stores are dedicated to providing economic opportunity by hiring locally, including working with diverse contractors for store construction and commissioning local artists to create murals in the store. Each store also features a dedicated space that will be used in partnership with local organizations to serve the needs of the community.
The Watts store has a training room designed for community events, including programs hosted in partnership with local nonprofit organizations. The store exterior features two murals commissioned by local artist Mike Norice, with the artwork inspired by the important aspects and events that shaped the Watts neighborhood into what it is today.
The Watts store employees nominated four community organizations that support local youth programs to receive donations from Starbucks: East Side Riders Bike Club, Sister of Watts, Operation Progress LA, College Track Watts. Each organization will receive $2,500.