Coffee Origins at Starbucks - A Look Back at Over 40 Years of History

Since the opening of its first store in 1971, Starbucks has become one of the most successful coffee companies in the world. With more than 27,000 stores in over 75 countries, the Seattle-based behemoth is now a global powerhouse. But how did it become so big? It all starts with the coffee origins of Starbucks.

The Early Years: 1971-1987

The first Starbucks location opened in Seattle's historic Pike Place Market in 1971. Founded by three partners — Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker — the company was initially called Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Spice. The partners opened the store to supply fresh-roasted coffee beans to local restaurants and coffee aficionados.

The store was an immediate success and the partners quickly opened a second location. The company changed its name to Starbucks Coffee Company in 1982 and began expanding to other cities. By 1986, there were 17 Starbucks stores across the United States.

Expansion: 1988-1996

In 1987, Howard Schultz, a former employee of Starbucks, bought the company and began a period of rapid expansion. Schultz opened stores in Vancouver and Chicago and also changed the company’s focus from selling beans to selling coffee drinks. Schultz also changed the company’s name to Starbucks Corporation.

By 1992, Starbucks had expanded to over 140 locations across the United States and Canada. The company also began selling merchandise, such as mugs and tumblers, and food items such as pastries and sandwiches.

Going Global: 1997-Present

In 1997, Starbucks opened its first international store in Tokyo, Japan. This marked the beginning of the company’s global expansion. In the following years, Starbucks opened stores in Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Today, Starbucks has stores in over 75 countries and is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. The company continues to expand its offerings, introducing new drinks, food items, and merchandise.

Starbucks’ Coffee Origins

At the heart of Starbucks’ success is its coffee. The company has always prided itself on the quality of its products. Starbucks only sources its beans from the highest quality farms and roasts them to perfection.

The company also works with farmers to ensure that their operations are sustainable and ethical. Starbucks regularly visits its coffee farms to ensure that the beans are grown and harvested in a responsible manner.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Starbucks has grown into a global coffee giant. The company’s success can be attributed to its commitment to quality coffee and its dedication to sustainable and ethical farming practices.

Starbucks has come a long way since 1971 and has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. With over 27,000 stores in 75 countries, Starbucks’ coffee origins are sure to make a lasting impression on the world.