Starbucks Corporation is a global coffeehouse chain and roaster that operates, licenses and franchises coffee shops and related retail businesses. Founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker, the company grew from a single store focused on whole-bean coffee and equipment into a broad consumer-facing brand. Howard Schultz, who joined the company later and served in senior leadership roles, is widely credited with transforming Starbucks into a mass-market specialty coffee retailer and expanding its footprint internationally.
Starbucks' core activities center on the retail sale of hot and cold specialty beverages, whole-bean and packaged coffees, teas and ready-to-drink products, along with complementary food items and merchandise such as mugs and brewing equipment. The company operates through company-owned stores and a global network of licensed locations, and it has developed premium concepts including Starbucks Reserve and Roastery locations to showcase small-lot coffees and immersive retail experiences. Starbucks also participates in consumer packaged goods and grocery channels through licensing and distribution agreements, and it has pursued partnerships to extend its retail products into supermarkets and foodservice.
Technology and customer engagement are significant parts of Starbucks' business model: the company has invested in its mobile app, loyalty program and digital ordering platforms, and it works with food-delivery partners to broaden access to its products. Starbucks maintains a global supply chain with roasting, distribution and sourcing programs intended to support consistent product quality across markets. The company does business in numerous countries around the world and operates a mix of company-operated and licensed stores to adapt to local market conditions. Over its history, Starbucks' leadership and strategic initiatives have emphasized international expansion, product innovation and digital ecosystem development to drive customer frequency and brand growth.