Starbucks is closing Government Center’s iconic steaming kettle location

Several Starbucks locations in Boston, including the iconic one under the steaming brass kettle in Government Center, are closing. 

A sign posted at the Court Street location confirms the closure: “We’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to close this Starbucks location by the end of this week.”

It is unclear what will happen to the steaming brass kettle, which has had a Starbucks underneath it since 1997.

The closures are part of a nationwide restructuring of the business. The company is claiming a “Back to Starbucks” strategy, which includes closing hundreds of stores in the U.S. and Canada and laying off 900 non-retail employees. 

The shift is part of the company’s strategy of returning to being a welcoming coffeehouse that offers a “great atmosphere” and “a seat for every occasion,” said the company’s CEO, Brian Niccol, in a letter on Thursday.

The Starbucks app lists other “Grab & Go” locations set to close on Sunday, including in Cleveland Circle, Coolidge Corner, Davis Square, Downtown Crossing, and Harvard Square.

Starbucks did not provide a specific number for locations closing but said signage would be up at stores notifying customers. 

The company said it is offering to transfer workers to other locations wherever possible and severance packages. 

Starbucks said it would notify non-retail employees whose positions are being eliminated on Friday.

Niccol said Starbucks expects to have 18,300 North American locations when the fiscal year ends on Sunday. According to the company’s third-quarter release, the company had 18,734 locations as of June 29. 

Starbucks plans to expand the number of coffeehouses and renovate more than 1,000 locations in the next fiscal year. 

Niccol said that early results from the coffeehouse renovations show customers visiting more often, staying longer, and sharing positive feedback. 

Niccol, the previous chairman and CEO of Chipotle, took over this position last September as Starbucks struggled with declining sales and foot traffic. 

In the Q3 earnings report, Niccol said, “We’ve fixed a lot and done the hard work on the hard things to build a strong operating foundation. In 2026, we’ll unleash a wave of innovation that fuels growth, elevates customer service, and ensures everyone experiences the very best of Starbucks.”

Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.