Starbucks Corporation, established in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, began as a small coffee bean retailer and has grown into the largest coffeehouse company in the world. Its founders, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, initially focused on selling high-quality coffee beans and equipment. By the 1980s, the company shifted towards the café model, introducing espresso beverages and a more European coffeehouse culture to the American public. Under the leadership of Howard Schultz, who joined the company in 1982, Starbucks expanded rapidly, popularizing specialty coffee across the globe.
Today, Starbucks operates over 30,000 locations worldwide, offering a wide range of coffee and tea products, as well as fresh food items. The company is recognized for its strong brand and has a significant cultural impact, shaping coffee consumption in numerous countries. Starbucks places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing, committing to responsibly grown and Fair Trade certified coffee. It aims to provide a consistent and high-quality coffee experience, while also promoting a sense of community in its stores, which are designed to be cozy and inviting.
