BREAKING: IS STARBUCKS CORPORATE LEAVING SEATTLE? Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. & Department of Economic & Community Development Commissioner, and Starbucks announced today the global coffee company is "expanding" corporate operations to Davidson County later this year. Does this mean they are leaving Seattle? “Companies across the nation recognize that Tennessee’s strong values and fiscally-conservative approach are good for business, and we are proud to welcome another Fortune 500 company like Starbucks to our state,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “As Starbucks continues to shape their brand and expand their operations, we’re grateful it has chosen to build a future in the Volunteer State and will create quality jobs for Tennesseans.” “Looking ahead, Starbucks has great ambitions to grow even further across North America. With these growth plans, we see Nashville, Tennessee, as an ideal location to open an office and establish a more strategic presence in the Southeast region of the U.S.,” said Mike Grams, chief operating officer, Starbucks Coffee Company. “The city offers a deep, talented and growing workforce, making it a desirable location for us.” “We’re excited to see Starbucks choose Tennessee as the home for this corporate office and can’t think of a better fit than the heart of Music City,” said Deputy Gov. McWhorter. “Investments like this reinforce Tennessee’s position as a destination for high-quality corporate growth and deliver meaningful, well-paying opportunities for our talented workforce.”