Starbucks Starbucks, along with its partner Delek Group of Israel, closed all six of its locations in Israel, citing "on-going operational challenges" and a "difficult business environment." The Starbucks location in the former imperial palace in Beijing closed in July 2007. The coffee shop had been a source of ongoing controversy since its opening in 2000 with protesters objecting that the presence of the American chain in this location "was trampling on Chinese culture." In July 2008, the company announced it was closing 600 underperforming company-owned stores and cutting U.S. expansion plans amid growing economic uncertainty. On July 29, 2008, Starbucks
Closure in Moscow it was announced that Closure in Moscow would be one of 1100+ bands showcasing at the annual South by Southwest music festival in the US. The band joined Emery on the select dates in the Zumiez Couch Tour 2009, then went on the Thee Summer Bailout Tour with Emery (band), Kiros, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Ivoryline and Secret & Whisper. On select dates during the tour, they joined The Audition and The Higher on The Audition for the Higher Tour, which also includes Runner Runner, In:Aviate and The Hoodies. The band planned to return to Australia in the