NewsNational

Actions

Starbucks to open first store for deaf community

Posted at 10:33 AM, Jul 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-19 16:39:59-04

Starbucks is set to open the company's first store that caters to hearing impaired people. 

The coffee giant announced Thursday that this new store will build upon efforts to connect with the diverse communities it serves.

This is a historic moment in Starbucks ongoing journey to connect with the Deaf and hard of hearing community, hire and engage Deaf and hard of hearing partners, and continue to find ways to be more inclusive, accessible and welcoming to all, said Rossann Williams, Starbucks executive vice president of U.S. Retail. 

All Signing Store's employees will be fluent in American Sign Language.

The store will create a distinctive retail experience for all customers, while offering a unique store format that promotes accessibility and offers employment and career advancement opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing people, Starbucks said in a statement.

The store is set to open in Washington, D.C. this October.