Starbucks Coffee History

Starbucks coffee history begins in 1971 when the first location was opened in the nations oldest farmers market - Pikes Place Market in Seattle. They remained successful as a local coffee roasting facility until 1982 when Howard Schulz joined Starbucks as director of retail operations and marketing. In a historic move, they began to market their coffee to fine restaurants and espresso bars.

The 80's

In 1983, Schulz traveled to Italy and saw a business opportunity for Starbucks to emulate the old Italian Espresso bars. He convinces the founders to test out an espresso bar in Seattle and it's a hit! In 1985, Schulz founds Il Giornale, a company that sells coffee and espresso beverage made from Starbucks beans. Then in 1987, he buys Starbucks and combines the 2 ideas.

The 90's

In 1991, Starbucks makes history again by becoming the first privately owned company to create a stock option program that includes part time employees (it's no surprise then that in 2005 they are listed among Fortunes top 100 places to work). In 1992, the company goes public, and then in 1993 opens a second roasting plant in Kent, Washington and begins a relationship with Barnes and Noble. In 1995, the open another roasting facility in York Penn and also start to serve their delicious Frappuccino beverages. The also form an alliance with Canadian Bookstore Chapters, Inc and enter into a joint venture to open Starbucks coffee houses in Japan. Throughout the year, Starbucks enters into agreements and ventures with other companies and by the end of 1999, Starbucks has coffee houses in 3501 locations.

The 20's

Historically, Starbucks has proven it is a company with a conscience through many programs and offers $1 million in financial support to coffee farmers as well as grants in the millions for literacy, schools and community based organizations. Of course, they also continue to grow the business with Starbucks cards and by introducing wireless hot spots into their cafes.

Their success is no mystery as well all know Starbucks coffee is simply delicious! They have been able to repeat this success in many countries and today there are more then 8000 Starbucks coffee cafes in over 30 countries.