Some Starbucks customers could soon lose their local coffee shop as the chain looks to shut down a number of UK stores.
The move has put jobs at risk after the company launched a consultation into the closures.
Starbucks has not confirmed how many outlets will be affected, or where, but the decision comes after a global review of its coffee shops.
The American chain currently operates around 520 company-owned stores in the UK alongside a network of franchise branches, employing more than 5,600 people nationwide.
The review aims to identify underperforming shops that have failed to deliver the atmosphere customers expect or achieve sustainable profitability.
A company spokesperson said: "We have conducted a review of our coffeehouse portfolio in North America and certain stores have been identified for closure where it has not been possible to create the physical environment customers and partners (employees) want, and where there isn't a path to financial performance."
Similar assessment criteria are now being applied across Europe, including whether outlets are in the right locations, attract sufficient customer traffic and operate in the most effective format.
Despite the planned shutdowns, Starbucks insisted it remains committed to growth in Britain.
The review aims to identify underperforming shops that have failed to deliver the atmosphere customers expect or achieve sustainable profitability
| PAThe company confirmed it still intends to open 80 new UK stores during the current financial year.
The expansion plan extends across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), with 150 fresh outlets scheduled to launch in the same period.
Starbucks said: "While the EMEA business is on track to meet its commitment to open 80 new stores in the UK and 150 across EMEA this financial year, some stores in the UK, Switzerland and Austria will close as a result of this portfolio review."
The restructuring is part of a wider global shake-up led by chairman and chief executive Brian Niccol, who took charge of the business a year ago.
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Mr Niccol has already implemented significant cost-cutting measures in North America, including plans to reduce the region’s store footprint by one per cent this year
|GETTY
The global restructuring aims to address stores that are struggling
| GETTYMr Niccol has already implemented significant cost-cutting measures in North America, including plans to reduce the region’s store footprint by one per cent this year.
Around 900 head office positions are also set to be eliminated.
In February, the chief executive announced a separate round of 1,100 job cuts.
His approach has drawn criticism after reports emerged that he frequently commutes by private jet between his home in California and Starbucks headquarters in Seattle.
The global restructuring aims to address stores that are struggling to remain financially viable or provide the desired customer experience.