The First Starbucks

Starbucks opened its first location at Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington in 1971, founded by three partners who sold whole-bean coffee, tea, and spices without any seating or espresso drinks. The original store still operates at the market. Howard Schultz, who joined the company in 1982 and eventually bought it, got the idea for the espresso bar concept from a trip to Milan, Italy. He opened his own espresso cafe called Il Giornale in 1986 before buying Starbucks in 1987. The company now operates over 35,000 locations in 80 countries.

Source: Starbucks