Founding of Starbucks
Starbucks was founded in Seattle, Washington, by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker. Initially, it sold high-quality coffee beans and equipment rather than brewed coffee.
1971
1982
Howard Schultz Joins Starbucks
Howard Schultz joined Starbucks as the Director of Retail Operations and Marketing, bringing a vision of transforming the company into a coffeehouse experience inspired by Italian coffee culture.
1984
First Starbucks Café Opens
The first Starbucks café opened in Seattle, allowing customers to enjoy brewed coffee alongside the sale of beans and equipment, marking a significant shift in the company's direction.
1987
Starbucks Goes National
Howard Schultz acquired Starbucks and began expanding the brand, opening locations across the United States, marking the start of Starbucks' national presence.
1992
Starbucks Goes Public
Starbucks went public on the NASDAQ stock exchange, raising significant capital to support its expansion plans and increasing brand visibility.
1996
International Expansion Begins
Starbucks opened its first international store in Tokyo, Japan, marking the beginning of its global expansion strategy outside the United States.
2000
Introduction of the Frappuccino
Starbucks introduced the Frappuccino, a blended coffee beverage that quickly became a popular choice among customers, further diversifying its menu offerings.
2003
Acquisition of Teavana
Starbucks acquired Teavana, a specialty tea retailer, expanding its beverage offerings and catering to tea enthusiasts alongside its coffee products.
2008
Launch of Starbucks Card Rewards Program
Starbucks launched its Starbucks Card Rewards program, allowing customers to earn rewards for their purchases, enhancing customer loyalty and engagement.
2011
Introduction of Mobile Ordering and Payment
Starbucks introduced mobile ordering and payment through its app, revolutionizing the customer experience and streamlining the ordering process.
2015
Starbucks reinforced its commitment to ethical sourcing by pledging to purchase 100% of its coffee through ethical sourcing practices, ensuring fair treatment for farmers.
2018
Starbucks celebrated its 47th anniversary, with over 28,000 stores worldwide, solidifying its status as a leading coffeehouse chain globally.
2020
Starbucks adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing its drive-thru and delivery services, prioritizing customer safety while maintaining service continuity.
2021
Starbucks announced new sustainability initiatives, including plans for reducing waste and increasing the use of recyclable materials in its stores to minimize environmental impact.
2023
Starbucks launched Starbucks Odyssey, a new loyalty program utilizing blockchain technology, allowing customers to earn and trade unique digital assets for rewards.
2024
Starbucks continues to expand its international presence and innovate its product offerings, focusing on sustainability and customer experience in a rapidly changing market.
