Starbucks

Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational coffee company and coffeehouse chain. It is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and operates in more than 80 countries. Starbucks is known for its espresso beverages, brewed coffee, cold drinks, pastries, and merchandise.

The company began in 1971 as a single store at Pike Place Market in Seattle. It was founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, who initially sold roasted beans and equipment. In 1982 Howard Schultz joined as director of marketing and retail operations; inspired by Italian espresso bars, he led expansion plans.

In 1987 Schultz acquired Starbucks and merged it with his own chain, renaming the business Starbucks Coffee Company. The brand expanded rapidly in the United States and abroad, and the company went public in 1992. Since then Starbucks has become the world's largest coffeehouse operator.

Starbucks offers beverages such as brewed coffee, espresso drinks, and teas, plus pastries and light meals. The company sells whole-bean coffee, ready-to-drink beverages, and consumer packaged goods through company stores and retail partners. It operates Starbucks Reserve stores and Roasteries for premium coffees.

Starbucks emphasizes ethical sourcing and sustainability through its C.A.F.E. Practices program, farmer support, and commitments to reduce waste and energy use. It has invested in coffee-growing communities, recyclable and compostable packaging, and renewable energy projects.

The company maintains a loyalty program and mobile app, Starbucks Rewards, to drive customer engagement. Starbucks is publicly traded on the NASDAQ (ticker: SBUX) and is a member of the S&P 500.