Hoboken Starbucks and Panera Restaurants are phasing out indoor seating due to homelessness concerns

Two popular restaurant chains are taking matters into their own hands when it comes to tackling homelessness in Hoboken, and the new policy is drawing controversy.

During lunchtime downtown, two of Washington Avenue’s most popular establishments – Starbucks and Panera Bread – don’t have anyone sitting inside enjoying food or coffee.

Tables that once took up space inside the Panera are now stacked at the back of the restaurant. A sign informs customers that it’s only takeaway and delivery.

Both restaurants have ditched indoor seating to get around a growing problem: homelessness.

“As an Uber Eats delivery man waiting in front of Panera and Starbucks, I saw homeless people sitting at Starbucks every day… some friendly, some not so. They hang out from opening to near closing,” said delivery man Nick. DeFelice.

A Panera manager confirmed to NBC New York that they did indeed remove the dining tables from the floor about two weeks ago after a fight between patrons who were thought to be homeless. The manager noted that some people were becoming more and more aggressive and that the company did not want to do this, but considered it necessary for the safety of its customers and employees.

“We live in a very urban, but at the same time upmarket area, and it’s not something you want to see every day. It’s unfortunate, but it makes sense. Personally, I do not agree with this, but it is not in my hands, ”said one of the clients. .

Both restaurants are franchises of larger chains whose open-door comfy seating policies are especially appealing to people looking for a place to warm up or take a bath. A homeless man in the area who said he has been going to Starbucks for seven or eight months told News 4 that no one asked him to leave, just leave his bags outside.

Other franchises around the country have also moved away from seating. Hoboken has not been involved in the policy change, with the city’s communications director saying in a statement that “the entire country is going through a housing crisis, and while cities across the country are grappling with this problem, Hoboken has actively hired two social workers.” specially trained to meet the needs of the homeless.”

In the block west of Washington Street, the Hoboken Shelter accommodates 50 people a day and offers services to anyone from 9 am to 9 pm 365 days a year. The director told NBC New York that they were working with the city to bring in these social workers and spoke with both restaurants about their outreach services. She noted that the number of clients has increased.

Neither the Starbucks corporate office nor Panera responded to requests for comment.