Starbucks to Open Corporate Office in Nashville, Shed Some Seattle Jobs

Coffee giant plans Southeast expansion, but Seattle to remain headquarters

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Starbucks announced plans to open a corporate office in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of expanding its operations in the Southeast. This means some jobs connected to sourcing operations will be relocated from the company's Seattle headquarters to the new Tennessee location, although the exact number was not disclosed. Starbucks stated its North America and Global Support headquarters will remain in Seattle.

Why it matters

The move signals Starbucks' strategic shift to grow its presence in the Southeast, while maintaining its longstanding headquarters in Seattle. It also raises questions about the company's future commitment to the Seattle area, especially amid a proposed state income tax on high-earners that some business leaders have criticized.

The details

Starbucks said affected employees in Seattle will be offered the option and support to relocate to Nashville. The company recently announced a $1 billion national restructuring effort that included closing 31 locations in Washington state and nearly 1,000 layoffs, primarily in the Seattle and Kent areas.

  • Starbucks announced the Nashville expansion on March 4, 2026.
  • The company plans to open the new Southeast corporate office in Nashville later this year.

The players

Starbucks

The world's largest multinational coffeehouse chain and roaster, with its North America and Global Support headquarters remaining in Seattle.

Mike Grams

Chief operating officer for Starbucks, who cited Nashville's talented workforce as a key factor in the company's expansion plans.

Bill Lee

The governor of Tennessee, who welcomed Starbucks' decision to open an office in Nashville.

Steve Murch

A Seattle tech entrepreneur and investor who speculated on X that Starbucks billionaire Howard Schultz may have re-domiciled out of Washington state.

Ari Hoffman

A Seattle-based radio talk show host who questioned on X whether Starbucks' Nashville expansion means the company is leaving Seattle.

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What they’re saying

“Looking ahead, Starbucks has great ambitions to grow even further across North America. With these growth plans, we see Nashville, Tennessee, as an ideal location to open an office and establish a more strategic presence in the Southeast region of the U.S. The city offers a deep, talented and growing workforce, making it a desirable location for us.”

— Mike Grams, Chief operating officer, Starbucks (Tennessee Department of Economics & Community Development)

“Companies across the nation recognize that Tennessee's strong values and fiscally-conservative approach are good for business, and we are proud to welcome another Fortune 500 company like Starbucks to our state.”

— Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee (Tennessee Department of Economics & Community Development)

What’s next

Starbucks plans to open its new Southeast corporate office in Nashville later this year as part of its expansion plans in the region.

The takeaway

Starbucks' decision to open a corporate office in Nashville while maintaining its Seattle headquarters reflects the company's strategic shift to grow its presence in the Southeast, even as it faces questions about its long-term commitment to the Seattle area amid a proposed state income tax on high-earners.