Starbucks: Brewing Up History

Written by: Anna Pafenberg

Did you know that Starbucks was originally a manufacturing company for coffee supplies? It wasn’t always the billion dollar corporation that we have today. Featuring the iconic mermaid logo and green aprons, Starbucks went on to being the biggest name in coffee. 

Starbucks was created in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, in Pike Place Market. Founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, the three set out on a mission to deliver the best teas, spices, and of course, coffee beans to the people of Seattle. When the three first met, they had the idea to sell high quality coffee to American consumers who were used to fast and unreliable coffee to get them through their day. While researching where to find beans, Zev Siegel discovered Peet’s, located in Berkeley California. The Bay Area was a long way from Seattle, but Siegel made the trip and met Alfred Peet, who agreed to supply the three with high quality coffee beans after a couple of meetings.

Once plans were in motion, the three had to think of a name. They liked the idea of their company starting with ‘ST’ and the rest was inspired by the Moby Dick character, Starbuck. Originally, coffee was only given as samples to lure customers into the bulk buy store that Starbucks originally was. The first year didn’t go so well, with only $46,000 in sales, and little to none of that left over after expenses, but the three decided to go on and buy a second store. Soon there were more employees and another store!

Unfortunately, in 1975, the Brazilian coffee crop had hit hard times. Due to the fact that coffee prices rose, customers stopped coming in. Eventually, they had to stop giving samples and Starbucks fell on hard times. In 1976, the store moved to its ‘original location’ in Pike Place Market. The original building was torn down so many people believe that this is where it all started and is commonly regarded as the original. In 1981, the store started to take off, making $4.4 million dollars in the previous year. The first coffee bar selling brewed coffee was at Starbucks 5th store which opened in 1982.

After all this, things took off and became more recognizable to the Starbucks we have today. They bought Peet’s Coffee, and started expanding their locations more and more. Now, Starbucks has an extremely successful app that changed the game for people in a hurry, allowing them to order their coffee ahead of time. They have created dozens of amazing and creative drinks and food. The only question, what is the next innovation for Starbucks coffee?