Starbucks shuts 8,000 US stores for racial bias training

Coffeehouse chain Starbucks has closed over 8,000 stores across the United States for a day to train its employees in avoiding bias.

In a note to the employees, Starbucks Executive Vice President Rossann Williams said, "Our hope is that these learning sessions and discussions will make a difference within and beyond our stores."

Starbucks Executive Chairman Howard Schultz appealed to customers in an open letter that the company wished "to be a place where everyone feels welcome," The Hill reported.

"Sometimes, however, we fall short, disappointing ourselves and all of you," he added.

The announcement follows a furore over the arrest of two African-American men at a Philadelphia Starbucks shop on April 12, which was followed by a public apology by the Starbucks CEO.

The two men entered the shop and enquired to use the washroom. An employee told them it was only for paying customers.

The Philadelphia Police was reportedly called by the manager when the two men sat in the store without placing the order.

When they then sat in the store without ordering anything, the manager called the police, and the men were arrested for trespassing. However, no charges have been filed.

The employee who called the police is no longer employed by Starbucks, according to the reports.

Earlier this month, the two Black men who were arrested reached a settlement with Philadelphia.

In return for not filing a lawsuit against Philadelphia or its employees, the two men - Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson asked the city spend USD 200,000 to help young entrepreneurs, to which the latter agreed, The New York Times reported.

As per the agreement, the men will each be given USD 1.