Portland, Oregon Local News
Starbucks’ original store at Pike Place Market closed following vandalism
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Seattle police have not yet shared the details of the vandalism but a portion of the storefront has been boarded up and a fire is under investigation.
SEATTLE — Starbucks’ original store at Pike Place Market in Seattle is closed after it was reportedly vandalized Friday night.
The Seattle Police Department is investigating the vandalism, according to Starbucks. The company said the store was closed and all employees and customers were safe.
Cell phone video from Friday night captured some of the damage. In the video, you can see the front window of the store vandalized. A handful of firefighters and police officers responded to the incident.
Police have not shared the details of the vandalism but a portion of the storefront was boarded up. The Seattle Fire Department said a fire is under investigation.
“I came a long way for nothing,” said David Kikau. “But it’s okay I understand.”
Kikau is visiting from Hawaii. He said he was invested in seeing the iconic Seattle staple.
“In Hawaii we have Starbucks, and we hang out there,” Kikau said. “Study there, we meet there, and I bought stocks in it a while ago and I always wanted to see where it started.”
Workers were on-site throughout the weekend telling onlookers the store was closed and didn’t know when it would reopen.
Like many others from out of town, Sheila Ordaz made her way to the coffee shop, only to find disappointment.
“We actually came to see the original Starbucks and unfortunately it’s not open,” said Ordaz who visited from Texas. “Of course you’re going to Seattle,” Ordaz said. “This is Seattle, so it’s kind of sad, I love Starbucks.”
A spokesperson with Starbucks sent KIN 5 a statement regarding the closure and vandalism. Saying in part:
“Fortunately, the store was closed, and all partners (employees) and customers are safe.
1912 Pike Place is our original store, where so much connection and kindness has taken place for more than half a century. We will reopen – for our customers, our partners, and our community – very soon.”
it’s still unclear what the extent of the damage is. Officials said there was a fire Friday night at the store that is still under investigation.
KING 5 reached out to the Seattle Police Department for more information on the vandalism but has yet to hear back.
The store opened in 1971 and has since become a popular tourist attraction in Seattle.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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