Seattle Mayor Calls for Starbucks Boycott as Company Expands to Nashville Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s first public act after winning the November election was a call for a Starbucks boycott. The move, which she made shortly after declaring victory, sparked immediate attention. Wilson, a progressive leader, framed the boycott as a response to the company’s perceived role in the city’s economic challenges. Starbucks, however, responded by accelerating its plans to expand beyond Washington, ultimately relocating its operations to Nashville, a state with no income tax and favorable business incentives. The decision by Starbucks to shift its headquarters to Nashville followed a broader trend of major corporations leaving Seattle. Amazon had already split its operations, Boeing had departed years earlier, and now Starbucks is joining the exodus. This migration has raised concerns about the long-term economic impact on Washington, particularly as the state’s progressive tax policies—many of which were championed by wealthy residents like Nick Hanauer—face backlash. Hanauer, a billionaire who once advocated for higher taxes on the wealthy, recently warned that virtually every affluent friend he has is either leaving the state or planning to. He called the situation a “catastrophe,” highlighting the unintended consequences of policies designed to address inequality. Starbucks’ relocation to Nashville was not an isolated decision. The company had already begun exploring alternatives to Seattle after the state legislature passed a new income tax in 2025. Initially, Starbucks considered a 21-story tower in Bellevue, but the tax law pushed the company further south.#nashville_tennessee #starbucks #seattle_mayor_katie_wilson #nick_hanauer #moody_s_investors_service
Starbucks Nashville Expansion Linked to Seattle Tax Policies A Seattle-based business reporter has raised questions about why Starbucks is shifting its focus from Washington to Nashville, suggesting that the state’s tax policies may be a key factor in the coffee giant’s expansion plans. The speculation comes amid growing concerns about the impact of Washington’s new “millionaires tax” on businesses and high-income earners. The Seattle Times published an article titled “What’s Nashville Have That We Ain’t Got in Seattle?” which highlights Tennessee’s more favorable tax environment compared to Washington. According to the Tax Foundation’s 2025 survey, Tennessee ranks eighth nationally for its business tax climate, while Washington is ranked 45th. The article notes that Starbucks’ decision to expand in Nashville could be influenced by Tennessee’s lack of a personal income tax, which contrasts sharply with Washington’s new progressive tax policies. Washington state Democrats passed the “millionaires tax” in March 2025, which was signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson on March 30. The tax imposes a 9.9% income tax on households earning over $1 million annually, applying to income exceeding the first $1 million. The law, which takes effect on January 1, 2028, has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it could harm small businesses and middle-class families. The Wall Street Journal editorial board called the tax a “con” that risks capturing the middle class. Starbucks has been reducing its presence in Seattle, including the closure of five additional stores in March 2025. This follows earlier closures, such as the Starbucks Reserve Roastery on Capitol Hill.#nashville #seattle #starbucks #seattle_times #tax_policy
Refreshers Take Over Menus as Fast-Food Chains Embrace Fruit-Flavored Beverages The fast-food industry is witnessing a surge in the popularity of “refreshers,” a category of fruit-flavored beverages that have become a staple on menus from Starbucks to McDonald’s. These drinks, characterized by their bright colors and sweet, fruity profiles, are designed to appeal to younger consumers seeking a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee and tea. While the term “refresher” is not officially defined, the trend has gained traction as chains expand their beverage offerings to capture a growing market. The trend began with Starbucks, which introduced the concept in 2012 as a non-coffee, non-tea option for customers. The drink, initially a mix of iced tea and lemonade, evolved into a variety of flavors, including caffeinated versions launched earlier this year. Starbucks reported $2 billion in annual U.S. sales from refreshers, highlighting their success. Dunkin’ has also embraced the trend, with the category driving double-digit sales growth for the past four years. The chain has enlisted celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Morgan Thee Stallion for marketing, further boosting its appeal. Other chains are following suit. Panera Bread has added fruit-based drinks like Frescas and Energy Refreshers, while Sonic offers options that range from bubbly to flat. Swig, a Utah-based chain known for its dirty sodas, has seen success with its water-based refreshers, which cater to health-conscious customers avoiding its higher-calorie sodas. The drinks are particularly popular among women aged 16 to 35, who view them as a guilt-free treat. The rise of refreshers is part of a broader shift in consumer behavior. With fewer people eating out, beverages have become an “affordable indulgence,” according to David Henkes of Technomic.#sonic #mcdonalds #starbucks #dunkin #panera_bread
Easter 2026 Restaurant Hours in Rhode Island: Open and Closed Locations Christians in Rhode Island will observe Easter on Sunday, April 5, 2026, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday follows a 40-day period of Lent, a time of reflection and preparation in the Christian tradition. Easter’s date shifts annually because it is a “moveable feast,” tied to the lunar calendar and the spring equinox, as explained by the History Channel. This year, the holiday falls on a Sunday, influencing the operating hours of several restaurants and retail chains. The article outlines which major restaurant chains will be open or closed on Easter Sunday, providing details about their schedules. McDonald’s, for instance, typically operates on holidays, though specific hours vary by location. Customers are advised to use the McDonald’s store locator tool to confirm their local restaurant’s availability. Similarly, Starbucks and Dunkin’ locations have flexible hours, with customers encouraged to check their respective apps or online tools for precise information. Chick-fil-A, however, will be closed on Easter due to the holiday falling on a Sunday, as the chain observes a weekly closure on Sundays. Chipotle and Cava will also be closed on April 5, with the companies confirming this to USA TODAY. Wendy’s, on the other hand, will remain open at most locations, though individual restaurants may adjust their hours. Cracker Barrel will operate at its regular hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Applebee’s will have select locations open with potentially reduced hours. IHOP will be open on Easter, but customers should verify local hours. Subway, Taco Bell, Firehouse Subs, and Panera Bread all note that their hours may vary by location, with independent ownership or regional management influencing schedules.#mcdonalds #starbucks #rhode_island #easter_2026 #dunkin_donuts
A special order: How a Starbucks DoorDash request turned into a campaign to help Brittany Smith’s life took an unexpected turn when a simple DoorDash delivery request led her to start a fundraiser for an elderly driver in need. The incident unfolded after Smith, who regularly uses the delivery service for her family, noticed a man struggling on her porch. Her husband, who is disabled, relies on DoorDash to get food for their daughter, and the delivery driver for a recent Starbucks order became the focus of her compassion. Smith described the moment she saw the driver, Richard, nearly fall while approaching her home. “I see this man walking up my front porch and he almost falls… and then he almost, like, stumbles going down… and I was like, this is so sad,” she recalled. The sight stirred memories of her early career as a certified nursing assistant in a long-term care facility, which deepened her empathy for older adults and veterans. Richard’s situation became even more dire when he shared with Smith that his wife had lost her job without fault, leaving the couple with little to cover basic needs like medications. “By the time that they pay necessities and medications, there’s nothing left,” Smith said. Determined to help, she launched a GoFundMe campaign, believing it was a divine prompting. The fundraiser quickly surpassed its initial $20,000 goal, reaching over $300,000 within days. Smith’s daughter, who had ordered the Starbucks drink, was initially surprised by the gesture, but Smith felt compelled to act. “I told my daughter yesterday… I don’t know what it is about this man, but God’s telling me that we have to go do this,” she explained. The story gained widespread attention, highlighting the unexpected connections that can form through everyday interactions.#brittany_smith #richard #doorDash #goFundMe #starbucks
