Starbucks Closure Could Leave Long-Term Vacancy in Aggieville

An aerial image of the front of the closed starbucks in Aggieville..

The front of the closed starbucks in Aggieville

An aerial image of the front of aggieville with the sign covered and cars parked out front.

A close up aerial image of the closed starbucks in Aggieville.

Listen to the Full Audio StoryBy. Lauryn Betts

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The Starbucks in Aggieville recently closed as part of a national downsizing strategy, leaving many Manhattan residents wondering what business might move into its prime spot. But according to the Aggieville Business Association (ABA), the answer may not come anytime soon.

The executive director of the ABA, Dennis Cook, said that while he “would really love to see something local” take over the space, Starbucks still holds the lease for another six years. That means the property owner will continue receiving rent payments from the company, even though the store has closed.

“They have to continue to pay them for at least six more years, so the property owner is in no hurry to find someone to fill the space,” the director said.

The urgency to fill the space is left to Starbucks. So, being a national company, it is unlikely that the space will be filled too rapidly.

The Aggieville location was one of many Starbucks stores nationwide affected by the company’s “Back to Starbucks” strategy, which aims to streamline operations and improve store design. The closure has left a visible gap in the heart of the district, where foot traffic and local business activity are usually high.

“There are some local businesses who have said that would be a really good location—they would love to be in Aggieville,” the director added. “But at this point, it’s all just speculation.”

For now, the future of the former Starbucks remains uncertain. With six years left on the lease and no confirmed plans for a new tenant, the space is expected to sit empty for the foreseeable future.