Starbucks Cancels Contract With Local Dairy

Starbucks has canceled its contract with Elmhurst Dairies, a move that may result in the layoff of more than 700 employees - many of whom call Queens home, according to an article in the Queens Courier. 

“It’s a devastating blow to this company,” an Elmhurst employee told the Courier. “I think it’s a shot to Southeast Queens where 40 percent of our employees live. If we don’t stay open, it’s a shot to New York City as far as the price of milk goes in schools and bodegas.”

The coffee giant will instead acquire its dairy from Texas-based company Dean Foods, the nation’s largest dairy processor.

Elmhurst Dairy has filed a lawsuit through the Queens County Supreme Court against Starbucks. A motion hearing will be held on June 27.