Get All Access for $5/mo

Starbucks CEO Launches Petition to End Government Shutdown Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, will give customers the opportunity to sign a petition calling for an end to the government shutdown.

By Lyneka Little

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Ted S. Warren/AP Photo

Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks, wants customers of the coffee chain to sign a petition to put government employees back to work.

On Thursday, the company announced plans to offer customers at its stores to sign a petition to halt the government shutdown.

"What has become clear to me over these past few days – aside from the continued dysfunction we see from our elected leaders – is the sad and striking realization that the American people have no platform with which to voice their frustration with Washington and the current stalemate that threatens our nation," Schultz wrote in a letter posted to the company website.

"The fact that the government's 'We the People' initiative website has shut down due to a lack of funding says everything about the irresponsible and untenable situation our political leadership has created across America," he continued.

Related: Starbucks' Free Coffee Promo Not Actually About Ending the Shutdown

The outspoken leader of the global coffee chain wrote that the petition will request that "congress reopen our government to serve the people, pay our debts on time to avoid another financial crisis, and pass a bipartisan and comprehensive long-term budget deal by the end of the year."

Customers can also visit http://www.cometogetherpetition.com/ to sign an online petition.

The CEO of Starbucks has been quite vocal in recent weeks. Earlier this week, Schultz penned an open letter calling for civility and leadership and encouraging discourse among politicians to "bring a solution to the current stalemate." In an effort to encourage people to work together, the popular coffee chain began offering a free cup of joe to anyone who buys a beverage for someone else.

Related: The 5 Restaurants Corporate Workers Expense the Most

Is a freelance writer in New York. She's written about personal finance and small business for such publications as The Wall Street Journal, MainStreet.com, Walletpop.com, People magazine. She also works as a freelance producer covering money at ABCNews.com. Little attended Howard University where she studied journalism. She loves drinking wine and tweeting, preferably at the same time. Follow Little on Twitter @Lyneka.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

At 16, She Started a Side Hustle While 'Stuck at Home.' Now It's on Track to Earn Over $3.1 Million This Year.

Evangelina Petrakis, 21, was in high school when she posted on social media for fun — then realized a business opportunity.

Health & Wellness

I'm a CEO, Founder and Father of 2 — Here Are 3 Practices That Help Me Maintain My Sanity.

This is a combination of active practices that I've put together over a decade of my intense entrepreneurial journey.

Business News

Remote Work Enthusiast Kevin O'Leary Does TV Appearance Wearing Suit Jacket, Tie and Pajama Bottoms

"Shark Tank" star Kevin O'Leary looks all business—until you see the wide view.

Business News

Are Apple Smart Glasses in the Works? Apple Is Eyeing Meta's Ran-Ban Success Story, According to a New Report.

Meta has sold more than 700,000 pairs of smart glasses, with demand even ahead of supply at one point.

Money & Finance

The 'Richest' U.S. City Probably Isn't Where You Think It Is

It's not located in New York or California.

Business News

Hybrid Workers Were Put to the Test Against Fully In-Office Employees — Here's Who Came Out On Top

Productivity barely changed whether employees were in the office or not. However, hybrid workers reported better job satisfaction than in-office workers.