Starbucks to Open First U.S. ‘Signing Store’

Starbucks is opening its first officially deaf-friendly store in the U.S. in October, according to a statement it released.

The new “Starbucks Signing Store” will be located at 6th Street and H Street in Washington, DC, approximately two miles away from the Gallaudet University campus. Gallaudet is a private university for the deaf and hard of hearing.

“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,” Starbucks executive vice president Rossann Williams said in a statement.

Just two years ago in 2016, the corporate-owned coffee chain opened a store with a similar concept in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Starbucks plans to hire 20 to 25 deaf, hard of hearing and hearing employees for the DC location. All must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL).

"The National Association of the Deaf applauds Starbucks for opening a Signing Store that employs Deaf and hard of hearing people,” CEO of the National Association of the Deaf Howard A. Rosenblum said in a statement provided by the coffee chain. “Starbucks has taken an innovative approach to incorporating Deaf Culture that will increase employment opportunities as well as accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing people, while at the same time educating and enlightening society."

Read the full press release at news.starbucks.com.