Update: Article Written 10/01/25

💔 When Profit Kills Purpose: A Lesson from the Fillmore
 

Last week, my neighborhood anchor—the Starbucks on Fillmore Street in San Francisco’s historic district—closed its doors. It wasn’t just a corporate transaction; it was a tangible loss of a community hub and a stark reminder of the limits of purely profit-centric leadership.

In the digital age, businesses must recognize that their impact extends beyond the balance sheet. Losing a location that fostered genuine human connection highlights the urgent need for a purpose-driven strategy that prioritizes community.

Read my full article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-purpose-driven-leadership-digital-age-alexis-snelling-siihc 

Why this closure is a classic example of short-term thinking costing long-term customer loyalty.

The essential difference between a transactional business and one that builds true sustainable growth through belonging.

How leaders can use platforms like SkillVill and the right digital tools to cultivate next-gen communities with purpose.

If you’re leading a business or a digital community, you have the power and responsibility to be a steward, not just a storefront.

Let’s talk about how to get it right.

Tomorrow join me to discuss over virtual coffee 8am PT/ 11am ET: https://luma.com/r0vg7h01

#PurposeDrivenLeadership #CommunityBuilding #BusinessStrategy #CorporateResponsibility #SanFrancisco #FillmoreSF #Retail #LeadershipDevelopment

Update: 9/29/25

We saw baristas who have confirmed that everyone was fired and the only person relocated was the manager.  

This confirms that they only gave 2 day notice to the closure and after store closed on Sunday, they removed all signs and updates on the door and promptly notified employees they were fired with no advance notice. 

Posted 2 days before closing our store:

Every morning, my mother and I, along with our emotional support dog Bernie, make our way to our local Starbucks in Fillmore, California. For my mother, who is in a wheelchair and relies on my care as her IHSS caregiver, this daily visit is more than just a routine stop for coffee; it's a vital part of our mental health regimen and our community network. This Starbucks has become a sanctuary for us and many others. It is a place where neighbors from diverse backgrounds come together, share conversations, and support one another.

However, we recently learned that this integral part of our neighborhood is at risk of closing down, with no warning given to the dedicated baristas who have become our friends. These skilled employees are more than just service providers—they are the heart of our Fillmore neighborhood, providing a welcoming space and a sense of community for seniors, disabled individuals, and underserved groups alike.

Starbucks on Fillmore Avenue is much more than a coffee shop. It is an essential service for the many residents in this historic and diverse community, including those from the KIPP school, seniors who rely on this as a meeting point, and others who are marginalized. By closing this location, Starbucks is not just shuttering an outlet; they are disrupting the lives of countless individuals who depend on this supportive environment.

We urge Starbucks to reconsider this closure, provide ample notice to employees, and recognize the unique role this establishment plays in the heart of our community. By keeping this location open, they uphold not just a service point but a longstanding tradition of community spirit and inclusivity.

Please join us in standing up for our beloved Fillmore Starbucks and the hardworking baristas who have made it a second home for so many. Let's make our voices heard and ensure that this vital community hub remains open for everyone who calls Fillmore their home. Sign this petition and help us save our Starbucks.