The original Starbucks store at Pike Place Market in Seattle has been shut down after reportedly being vandalized on Friday night.
Seattle Police Department is currently investigating the incident, as confirmed by Starbucks. The store has been closed, ensuring the safety of all employees and customers.
Cell phone footage from Friday night captured some of the damage, showing the front window of the store vandalized.
While the specifics of the vandalism have not been disclosed by the police, a section of the storefront has been boarded up, and a few firefighters and police officers responded to the scene.
The Seattle Fire Department mentioned that there is an ongoing investigation into a fire related to the incident.
David Kikau, visiting from Hawaii, expressed disappointment, stating, “I came a long way for nothing. But it’s okay, I understand.” Kikau had hoped to witness the iconic Seattle landmark.
Over the weekend, workers informed onlookers that the store remained closed, with no clear indication of when it would reopen.
Sheila Ordaz, visiting from Texas, also expressed disappointment, saying, “We actually came to see the original Starbucks and unfortunately it’s not open. This is Seattle, so it’s kind of sad, I love Starbucks.”
In response to the closure and vandalism, a Starbucks spokesperson issued a statement, reassuring that all employees and customers are safe and expressing plans to reopen the store soon.
The extent of the damage is still unknown, with officials mentioning a fire incident on Friday night that remains under investigation.
Efforts to obtain more information from the Seattle Police Department regarding the vandalism are ongoing.
The store, which opened in 1971, has become a popular tourist destination in Seattle.
