Many San Francisco residents are simultaneously saddened and enraged by news that Starbucks is shuttering all 23 La Boulange cafes in the Bay Area, including the original location and its industrial bakeries, by September of this year. The coffee conglomerate purchased the French bakeries back in 2013 for $100 million, and despite a "reported 35 percent growth in the breakfast platform and a 16 percent growth in food sales for the chain," those numbers aren't big enough for Starbucks.
In a press release, Starbucks explains, "Based on our ongoing evaluations, Starbucks has determined La Boulange stores are not sustainable for the company's long-term growth." The founder of La Boulange and current Senior Vice President of Starbucks Pascal Rigo also announced his departure from the company "to continue his passion for food in San Francisco."
So what's to be done with all of those prime cafe locations around the city? According to Rigo, "They have a plan for most of them. I have a plan for some of them, also." That sounds like a glimmer of hope! Since La Boulange locations rest on some of the most desirable real estate in San Francisco, and it's not unlikely that many of these storefronts will transition into Starbucks. To commemorate the greatness that is La Boulange, here are all the things about it we will miss the most.
Is this a French tradition? Don't think so — but we like it.
Seriously, the entire jar is up for grabs.
There is always an abundance of rosemary potatoes on the plate, and the staff knows not to skimp on the avocado.
It's one of the few places in the city you can relax while dining outdoors.
On anything from croissants to freshly baked bread.
Made with real cookie butter, espresso, whole milk, and cookie crumbles, this flavored latte puts any of Starbucks's to shame.
What other coffee shop can say it uses the best local organic milk?
There's always a crumbly pastry to try.
So cute and snackable.
The grab-and-go options are better than any other.