Starbucks’ across Delmarva close down to do racial bias training

Starbucks, who ran into trouble back in April, closed stores on Tuesday for a unique training experience. It's an experience that comes on the heels of a Philadelphia incident that started when a manager racially profiled two black men. 

8,000 stores closed up shop to focus on racial bias training and shops across Delmarva are also getting involved.

The South Salisbury store was open for a few hours before they had their training at 3 PM. 47 ABC spoke to several customers who were glad to hear that their coffee shop is stepping up to the plate.

One customer, Randy Crockett says, "It was an isolated incident, so I didn't really apply that to all of the company but at the same time they still took a proactive stance so I really appreciate that."

And Marc Thomas tells us, "People are able to see that Starbucks is not with whatever the situation that happened. They aren't supporting that and it's good that they're showing that they aren't supporting that because no one is suppose to be supporting that honestly."

Starbucks sent out a preview showcasing what the training would include. Each store will receive a tool kit to learn in small self-guided groups. The first training will focus on understanding racial bias and the history of public accommodations in the United States. In the session, it also included videos from executives, rapper Common, and a discussion about the impact of bias. 

Starbucks could lose up to $12 million but for them, this training is an investment. Their executive vice president says May 29th isn't a solution, it's just the first step.

Starbucks Executive Chairman Howard Schultz even sent out an email this morning to customers. In this open letter, Scultz says, "This incident has prompted us to reflect more deeply on all forms of bias, the role of our stores in communities and our responsibility to ensure that like nothing like this happens again."