Starbucks to close up to 400 locations over the next 18 months yahoo.com This is disappointing. Starbucks drinks are overpriced and so is their food. But I tolerate it because they used to provide a nice atmosphere to sit down, read the paper, and talk with friends. Then they got embarrassed because their store manager actually enforced rules about having to be a customer to sit at their tables. In response, Starbucks allowed its in-store experience to deteriorate and available tables for its paying customers got harder to find. So, now, none of the customers at these refashioned takeout only stores can use their restrooms or sit at tables. And Starbucks saves money!