Starbucks closing prompts concerns about downtown Indianapolis safety

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A city government spokesperson said Friday that downtown Indianapolis remains safe after the Starbucks coffeehouse on Monument Circle cited safety as a reason for its closing Oct. 28.

Starbucks, according to a statement issued Friday, “routinely reviews” its stores to see whether they’re “thriving” and to determine if employees, which it calls “partners,” “feel supported” in serving customers.

The Starbucks statement on the closing of the location on the southeast quadrant of Monument Circle said, in part, “Our first priority is to make sure our partners are safe at work. We will continue to work to make sure that partners can focus on crafting exquisite beverages and creating connections in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment.”

Mark Bode, the director of communications for the city government, sent a statement, too. He noted the downtown police district is the safest in Marion County. He also cited the 97% housing occupancy rate and $3.8 billion in planned economic development.

Starbucks also operates downtown locations in the Hyatt Regency at 1 S. Capitol Ave., and in the Mass Ave Cultural Arts District at 430 Massachusetts Ave.

Brian Mowery, the minority leader on the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council, issued a statement on behalf of himself and four other Republican council members. It said, in part, “For years now, we have been saying that this city needs to get serious about public safety, and now businesses are closing on Monument Circle because we cannot keep it safe. It is time for the prosecutor, mayor, and council to come together to try to fix this problem before it gets worse. We cannot wait to act.”

Kim Nething owns Rocket Fizz, which sells soda, candy and novelty items just a couple doors down from Starbucks on Monument Circle. “If I hear about a business leaving downtown Indianapolis because of crime and safety issues, there’s more to it than that,” she said.

She said she has never experienced a major problem with crime in the 10 years she’s owned her business although she has a safety plan in place for employees in case something happens.

Nething said, “I have police that come in my shop not only as customers regularly but they come in regularly just to check on us.”

CNN reported in July that due to “a high volume of challenging incidents that make it unsafe to continue to operate,” Starbucks was closing 16 locations in Seattle; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C.; and Portland, Oregon. The decision came as Starbucks’ interim CEO worked to change the company culture.

A letter issued July 11 to employees noted they are “seeing firsthand the challenges facing our communities — personal safety, racism, lack of access to healthcare, a growing mental health crisis, rising drug use, and more,” they wrote, adding that “with stores in thousands of communities across the country, we know these challenges can, at times, play out within our stores too.”

In the July letter, Starbucks execs also noted that they routinely read employees’ numerous incident reports. As a result, the company execs said they’ll offer employees new training opportunities that included how to deal with active-shooter situations. The company also planned to offer employees more mental health benefits, access to abortion care, clarity around shifts and store policies.

The company in June also announced it may again close its restrooms to the public.

Statements

“We routinely review the partner and customer experience in our stores, to see if the store is thriving, partners (employees) are feeling supported, and that we are meeting customer needs.  Our local leaders are, and have always been, empowered to use the many resources at their disposal to modify store operations and create the best experience for our communities. But when necessary, we will make the decision to close a store.

“Our first priority is to make sure our partners are safe at work. We will continue to work to make sure that partners can focus on crafting exquisite beverages and creating connections in a safe, warm, and welcoming environment.”

Sam Jefferies, senior manager of brand reputation and crisis communications specialist for Starbucks

“The City continues to work with IMPD and stakeholders to keep Downtown a safe and vibrant place to live, work, and play. Thanks to that collaboration, as well as investment in public safety ambassadors, IMPD cameras, and expanded cleaning capacity, Downtown remains the safest district in Marion County. That has helped influence a 97% occupancy rate for housing units in the Downtown area; $3.8 billion in planned economic development projects; the continued attraction of major conventions annually; and the opening of over 70 retail and restaurant businesses last year alone. On Monday night the City-County Council will vote on Mayor Hogsett’s proposed 2023 budget, which features an unprecedented public safety investment that helps fund 200 additional IMPD officer positions, increases first-year officer pay, and continues to build out robust law enforcement technology infrastructure.”

Mark Bode, the director of communications for Indianapolis city government