Starbucks Nashville headquarters grant sparks debate over $30M in taxpayer funds

Added: 2026-05-28

[00:00:00]Well, a big payday for one of the world's biggest coffee companies is brewing controversy here in Tennessee.

[00:00:06]State leaders just approved a $30 million grant to bring a new Starbucks headquarters to downtown Nashville. Tony Sloan joins us live now with why some taxpayers are upset about footing the bill. What's up, Tony?

[00:00:21]Uh yes, so Starbucks promises to bring thousands of high-paying jobs to the Music City. But critics say giving millions in taxpayer money to a massive corporation just does not make sense.

[00:00:33]Now, Tennessee State Funding Board approved a $30 million grant on Wednesday, and the money will help Starbucks build a new corporate headquarters at the Peabody Union in downtown Nashville. State officials say the grant will offset expenses like building expansion and improvements. In return, Starbucks is committing a $100 million investment, saying that they will create 2,000 new jobs over the next few years. State leaders say the average salary for those positions will be $125,000.

[00:01:07]But some grassroots organizers, they're pushing back against the deal. They argue small businesses are already struggling to keep their doors open because of the skyrocketing property taxes.

[00:01:20]If Tennessee is already one of the best places in America to do business, why are taxpayers being asked to subsidize one of the largest corporations in the world? A corporation, by the way, that is cutting jobs and closing stores. This project uniquely helps attract more professional services, vendors, suppliers, restaurants, real estate activity, and innovation to the region.

[00:01:45]Now, state officials say they'll hold Starbucks accountable for delivering those high-paying jobs. If the company does not live up to the agreement, the state plans to claw back on the incentive money.

[00:01:57]I'll send it back to the studio.