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Starbucks among US brands now a focus of Hong Kong protestors

Photo by istock.com

October 9, 2019

Starbucks locations, specifically those of a local Hong Kong franchisee group, are the target of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong.

The Starbucks franchisee, Maxim's Group, is a target given reportedly close connections to mainland China, according to a Seattle Times report. Several Starbucks located in Wan Chai, on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, have been the focus of vandals that have set stores on fire, broken windows and defaced storefronts. The protesters, according to the report, are focusing their anger on companies they view as supporting Beijing. Another U.S. franchise brand that is a target is Shake Shack, according to the Seattle Times.

Maxim's Group owns Starbucks licenses in Hong Kong and Macao, according to a Motley Fool report, which reported the protests against the franchisee group began after the daughter of Maxim's founder denounced the protests last month. Of the 3,922 Starbucks in China, about 200 are licensed to Maxim's in Hong Kong and Macao, according to the report.