Last updated 1st August, 2024
Starbucks first opened in 1971 in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. From just a narrow storefront, Starbucks offered some of the world’s finest fresh-roasted whole bean coffees. The name, inspired by Moby Dick, evoked the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders.
From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection.
Today, with more than 15,000 stores in 50 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. And with every cup, we strive we bring both our heritage and an exceptional experience to life.
The coffee buying team evaluates over 1,000 samples each year but only a few make it into the warehouses. Starbucks coffee buyers spend approximately 18 weeks each year traveling to countries of origin. The purpose of these travels is not to directly buy coffee, but to continue learning about coffee and strengthen relationships with growers and suppliers. These relationships are critical to Starbucks future success and solidify their role as champions of quality and progress at every level of the coffee business. It is because of these relationships that Starbucks receives the first pick of the best crops worldwide.
Starbucks opened the doors to its first store in Australia in July 2000 in Sydney’s CBD. To date, Starbucks Australia has 34 coffee houses in Sydney, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Melbourne.
Starbucks coffee houses offer more than the finest coffee sourced from across the globe. Friendly people, great music and a comfortable upbeat meeting place create the famous ‘Starbucks Experience’. The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores is specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal space to use as they wish. The combination of armchairs, coffee tables and chairs, bars and stools and community tables means that there is something for everyone.
Those looking for peace and quiet away from home or the office can relax and linger in comfortable surroundings and escape into a book. For those looking for an intimate place to meet friends, you can huddle around a coffee table and chat over a mug of coffee – just as they would in their own home.