Starbucks Is Founded

Setting the scene

Seattle in the early 1970s already had coffee roasters like Peet's influencing taste; three academics—Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker—opened a store in Pike Place Market selling whole-bean arabica, named after the mate-loving first mate in Moby-Dick.

What happened

Starbucks was founded in 1971 in Seattle at 2000 Western Avenue before moving to Pike Place, focusing on roasting and equipment rather than espresso bars.

Why it still matters

Howard Schultz later expanded café culture after acquiring the brand in 1987, spreading Italian-style lattes from Chicago to Beijing; Starbucks redefined the 'third place' between home and work and sparked specialty-coffee competition across every Main Street.

Background

Howard Schultz later expanded café culture.