Starbucks closed some NY stores over protest fears

Starbucks closed some NY stores over protest fears

A Starbucks coffee shop is permanently closed in Times Square in New York City on Monday, December 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

NEW YORK (AP) — Starbucks closed some New York City stores on Sunday “out of an abundance of caution” as cities across the U.S. braced for protests and potential unrest ahead of President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Starbucks spokesperson Jessica Conradson said the Manhattan stores were expected to reopen Monday. The Seattle-based company said it went ahead with the temporary closures because many people working in the stores live outside of Manhattan and might’ve gotten stuck from getting home if protests were to break out and disrupt transit service.

Photo: A Starbucks coffee shop is permanently closed in Times Square in New York City on Monday, December 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)