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
LMR 600 Gordon out with Thomas events. It was withdrawn from service in 1999 after suffering damage to the firebox. Gordon was given a cosmetic repaint and was one of the first locomotives placed in The Engine House museum adjoining in March 2008. On 25 July 2008 the locomotive was formally handed-over by the Army to the Severn Valley Railway, who had been looking after it in a caretaker capacity. it is still awaiting an overhaul. LMR 600 Gordon Longmoor Military Railway number 600 "Gordon" is a preserved British steam locomotive. It was built during World War II to the War Department "Austerity"