Why Starbucks picked Nashville over Seattle for expansion, according to local business reporter

Starbucks is expanding in Nashville over Seattle, possibly due to Tennessee's more favorable tax climate, with Washington state ranking 45th in tax climate and Tennessee boasting the nation's eighth-best tax climate. The move follows the passage of a 'millionaires tax' in Washington state, which imposes a 9.9% income tax on households earning over $1 million. Starbucks insists it's keeping its Seattle headquarters, but Nashville's lower hourly wage may make it attractive to employers.