Starbucks Closing 600 Stores: SBUX Leaving Consumers Thirsty

Seattle, Washington - Starbucks closings have been announced by Starbucks Corporation, traded on the Nasdaq as SBUX. Starbucks closings will affect 600 as yet un-identified stores, according the the coffee company. The 600 Starbucks closings include mainly stores which opened since 2006. The Starbucks closings are being attributed to the rising costs of both food prices and gas prices, according to the AP. The publicly-traded stock, SBUX is expected to be affected, according to Forbes.

West Coast vs. East coast

The Seattle-based coffee company is politely referring to the Starbucks closings as "part of its transformation strategy." That's just corporate speak for down-sizing, losing money and lay-offs.

Meanwhile, the coffee giant that was born in Quincy, Massachusetts is going strong. There are 7,988 Dunkin Donuts stores worldwide with 5,769 in the United States, according to Dunkin Donuts.

Where to Get Your Hot Coffee Now

Just because Starbucks is closing 600 stores does not mean that you have to go without your morning Joe. There are other hot coffee alternatives that you can turn to in your time of need for a caffeine fix.

1. Purchase Starbucks Coffee Beans

Grocery store chains are now selling bags of Starbucks coffee beans. Consumers who must have their Starbucks coffee but will no longer have a convenient store nearby due to the Starbucks closings, can brew their own. This way they can also continue to give their business to the coffee company they adore.

2. Invest in an Espresso Machine and Milk Steamer

If you really love your gourmet coffee drinks, you can make your own at home. Invest in an espresso machine with a milk steamer. Learn to make your own favorite gourmet coffees at home.

3. Try a New Brand

It sounds risky, I know, but go ahead and try another type of coffee from another coffee chain if you don't want to make your own coffee.

4. Starbucks Coffee Run