Founding of Starbucks
Starbucks was founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker in Seattle's Pike Place Market. The company initially sold high-quality coffee beans and equipment.
1971
1982
Howard Schultz Joins Starbucks
Howard Schultz joined Starbucks as Director of Retail Operations and Marketing. He later played a pivotal role in transforming Starbucks into a coffeehouse chain.
1984
First Starbucks Café Opens
Inspired by Italian espresso bars, Howard Schultz convinced the founders to open the first Starbucks café in Seattle, which served brewed coffee and espresso beverages.
1987
Schultz Purchases Starbucks
Howard Schultz acquired Starbucks with the help of investors and began expanding the company, rebranding his own coffee company, Il Giornale, as Starbucks.
1992
Starbucks Goes Public
Starbucks went public with its initial public offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol SBUX.
1996
International Expansion Begins
Starbucks opened its first international location in Tokyo, Japan, marking the beginning of its global expansion.
1998
Entry into the UK Market
Starbucks entered the UK market by acquiring the Seattle Coffee Company, which had 56 stores in the United Kingdom.
2000
Howard Schultz Steps Down as CEO
Howard Schultz stepped down as CEO, becoming Chief Global Strategist, while Orin Smith took over as CEO.
2008
Howard Schultz Returns as CEO
Howard Schultz returned as CEO to help revive the company during a period of financial struggle and initiated a series of strategic changes.
2010
Acquisition of La Boulange
Starbucks acquired the bakery chain La Boulange to improve its food offerings and enhance the customer experience.
2012
Introduction of Starbucks Verismo
Starbucks launched the Verismo system, a single-serve coffee and espresso machine, to enter the home coffee market.
2013
Acquisition of Teavana
Starbucks acquired Teavana, a specialty tea retailer, to expand its tea offerings and presence in the tea market.
2015
Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
Starbucks opened its first Reserve Roastery and Tasting Room in Seattle, offering a premium coffee experience and showcasing rare and exotic coffee beans.
2017
Kevin Johnson Becomes CEO
Kevin Johnson succeeded Howard Schultz as CEO, while Schultz became Executive Chairman to focus on the company's Reserve brand and social impact initiatives.
2020
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
Starbucks adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by enhancing its drive-thru, delivery, and mobile order capabilities to continue serving customers safely.
2021
Starbucks 50th Anniversary
Starbucks celebrated its 50th anniversary, reflecting on its journey from a single store in Seattle to a global coffeehouse chain with a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
2022
Expansion of Starbucks Odyssey
Starbucks expanded its Odyssey program, integrating blockchain technology to offer unique digital experiences and rewards for customers.
2023
Starbucks Sustainability Initiatives
Starbucks announced new sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint, including a commitment to plant more trees and use more renewable energy sources.
