So what exactly does that mean? They're closing up shop because the higher-ups have decided that your favorite barista has been serving you pure swill for coffee these past years. Starbucks wants to see if coffee addicts will give them more money visit more often after they've "re-trained" all employees to make better drinks. This "renewed focus on espresso standards" will "ensure the exceptional quality of every beverage." (Ahem) Sure.

However, if you completely absolutely cannot live without your Mermaid-logo cups of coffee, YumSugar points out that all the smaller kiosk, bookstore and airport Starbucks will be open. Seattle, look at what addicts we've become. Le sigh.

Photo courtesy of Rude Lovers.