Starbucks has closed dozens of Bay Area stores due to staff shortages

Despite all the anger and anger Starbucks has garnered over the decades, and perhaps rightly so, it remains an essential employer for many workers. Corn SFGATE Now reports that the Seattle-based coffee company has closed some stores in the Bay Area due to staffing shortages, proving that even giant coffee companies aren’t immune to the staffing issues plaguing the restaurant industry. According to SFGATE, dozens of popular cafes have closed in several cities; in San Francisco, venues such as Bush and Van Ness, Grant and Bush, the Folsom Street Target, Westfield Center and Union Square are closed or closing earlier than normal – with no definitive return to normal in sight. Outside of the city, KRON4 reports that a Starbucks in Walnut Creek has been closed since Monday with a sign reading “Sorry for the inconvenience, our store is temporarily closed” hanging on the front door. At least three Oakland stores are in similar conditions.

“When a store experiences a temporary staff shortage, we respond by reducing hours to be aware that our partners are not overworked – prioritizing their health and well-being in our decision-making” , the coffee chain wrote in a statement to KRON4. “These decisions are made on a store-by-store and market-by-market basis, and our customers can check the Starbucks Locator on our website or app to see their store’s current hours of operation.” SFist adds that these closures seem dissonant with Starbucks commits to opening 500 storesalbeit improved, in North America, as it removed some 600 stores. [SFGATE/KRON4]

Pacific Cocktail Haven returns to action this week

After a fire engulfed the bar’s original location last year, fan-favorite cocktail bar Pacific Cocktail Haven is set to reopen in its new location at 550 Sutter Street on Wednesday, March 16. Kevin Diedrich, owner and operator, received “American Bartender of the Year” at the 2020 Bar Industry Spirited Awards, the same year PCH was also selected as “America’s Best Bar.” opening will be Wednesday to Saturday, from 5 p.m. to midnight.

SoMa’s new queer party gets Holy Cow dancing again

Like SFist reports, a group of friends got together to plan the post-pandemic party they felt they all needed. The result was Gemini, San Francisco’s new gay party at Holy Cow Nightclub. The theme for the first party, held on February 12, was red and pink. “Planning a party these days means embracing uncertainty,” co-host Tyler Hopf told SFist. “But now I think we’ve landed at the perfect time to launch this new adventure.” Next month, revelers can expect a money-themed party.

Hometown Creamery Unveils Inventive New Flavor

The brothers behind Inner Sunset’s Hometown Creamery have been creating delicious ice cream for years. But Saadi and Adar Halil’s newest flavor is a bit more inventive: Chicken n’ Waffles is brown sugar ice cream with syrup-soaked waffles and a savory fried chicken batter. A disclaimer stating that there is no chicken in ice cream is below the description, and below this there’s a second postscript encouraging customers to ask for a side of free Red Rooster Hot Caramel.

SF eater

These couples found love at the Berkeley Bowl

The brave people of Berkeleyside covered the Valentine’s Day story that no one had the guts to investigate: Is Berkeley Bowl the most romantic grocery store in East Bay? The frozen food aisle meets cuties, Buddha hands and kumquats, and almost rotten produce were just a few highlights for couples who found love among coupons and carrots.