Key Stats
Starbucks operates approximately 40,199 stores across 80+ countries worldwide.
Annual revenue reached $37.18 billion for fiscal year 2025.
Market capitalization stands at approximately $92 billion as of November 2025.
The company employs around 381,000 people globally.
Starbucks serves roughly 100 million customers each week.
Starbucks started as a single coffee store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market back in 1971. Three friends turned their passion for quality coffee into what became the world’s largest coffeehouse chain.
The company transformed how people think about coffee. What began as selling beans and equipment evolved into creating spaces where communities gather.
Today, Starbucks represents more than just coffee. It built a global brand recognized in over 80 countries, setting standards for specialty coffee worldwide.
Starbucks History
Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker opened the first Starbucks on March 30, 1971. They sold premium coffee beans and equipment, not brewed coffee.
Howard Schultz joined the company in 1982 as director of retail operations and marketing. A trip to Italy inspired his vision of bringing Italian coffeehouse culture to America.
Schultz left Starbucks briefly to start Il Giornale coffeehouses. In 1987, he purchased Starbucks with investor backing and merged the companies under the Starbucks name.
The company went public in 1992 and began its aggressive expansion. By 2000, Starbucks had grown to over 3,000 locations.
Starbucks Co-founders
Jerry Baldwin
Former English teacher who became the company’s first president. Baldwin learned coffee roasting from Alfred Peet and later purchased Peet’s Coffee in 1984.
Zev Siegl
History teacher who served as Starbucks’ first paid employee. Siegl handled operations during the early years before selling his stake in 1980 to pursue other ventures.
Gordon Bowker
Writer and advertising professional who helped develop Starbucks’ brand identity. Bowker conceived the company name inspired by Moby Dick’s first mate.
Starbucks Marketcap
Starbucks maintains a market capitalization around $92 billion as of November 2025. The company ranks among the world’s most valuable restaurant brands.
The stock has experienced fluctuations over recent years. Competition from chains like McDonald’s McCafé and regional players affects valuation.
Leadership changes and market conditions influence investor confidence. CEO Brian Niccol took the helm in 2024 to implement a turnaround strategy.
Starbucks Revenue
The company generated $37.18 billion in revenue for fiscal year 2025. This represents modest growth compared to previous years.
North America remains the largest revenue contributor. The region accounts for approximately 70% of total sales.
China represents the second-largest market for Starbucks. The company faces intense competition there from local chains like Luckin Coffee.
Starbucks Competitors
Starbucks competes in a crowded coffeehouse market. Global chains and local shops vie for customer loyalty across different price points.
| Company | Primary Market | Store Count | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkin’ | United States | ~12,000 | Value-focused coffee |
| Costa Coffee | United Kingdom | ~4,000 | European leader |
| Tim Hortons | Canada | ~5,600 | Canadian icon |
| Luckin Coffee | China | ~12,000 | Tech-driven expansion |
| McCafé | Global | 40,000+ | Fast food integration |
| Peet’s Coffee | United States | ~200 | Premium specialty |
| Dutch Bros | United States | ~800 | Drive-thru focused |
| Caribou Coffee | United States | ~600 | Regional presence |
The coffeehouse market continues evolving. Companies like Chipotle Mexican Grill demonstrate how fast-casual dining can attract similar demographics.
Starbucks Acquisitions
Starbucks pursued strategic acquisitions to diversify its product offerings and strengthen market position. The company acquired several brands between 1999 and 2012.
Tazo Tea joined Starbucks in 1999, adding premium tea products to the portfolio. This purchase helped the company establish itself beyond coffee.
Seattle’s Best Coffee came aboard in 2003 when Starbucks acquired Seattle Coffee Company. The brand targeted value-conscious consumers and appeared in locations like Subway restaurants. Starbucks later sold Seattle’s Best to Nestle in 2018.
Ethos Water became part of Starbucks in 2005 for approximately $8 million. The acquisition combined bottled water sales with social responsibility, donating portions of proceeds to clean water initiatives.
Evolution Fresh, purchased in 2011 for $30 million, represented an entry into the health-focused juice market. Starbucks opened standalone Evolution Fresh stores but later closed them, continuing to sell products in Whole Foods Market and other retailers.
Teavana marked Starbucks’ largest acquisition at $620 million in 2012. The specialty tea retailer operated 300 mall-based stores. Starbucks closed all Teavana retail locations by 2018 but integrated products into its coffeehouses.
La Boulange, a San Francisco bakery chain, cost $100 million in 2012. The acquisition aimed to elevate food offerings at Starbucks locations. The company eventually shuttered La Boulange stores but continued using its recipes.
These acquisitions followed a pattern. Starbucks bought brands, closed their standalone operations, and incorporated products into existing Starbucks locations. This strategy diversified menus while maintaining the core Starbucks experience.
The approach parallels strategies seen in other food service companies. Yum! Brands similarly manages multiple concepts under one corporate umbrella.
Not all acquisitions succeeded as planned. Teavana’s closure cost Starbucks significant investment despite initial optimism about transforming the tea category.
The company learned valuable lessons about brand integration and market positioning. Some products like Teavana teas and Ethos Water remain available in stores, while others faded from the lineup.
FAQs
Who owns Starbucks?
Starbucks operates as a publicly traded company with no single controlling owner. Institutional investors like Vanguard Group and BlackRock hold the largest stakes through index funds and mutual funds.
How many Starbucks locations exist worldwide?
Starbucks operates approximately 40,199 stores across more than 80 countries. The United States hosts over 16,600 locations while China has become the second-largest market.
What makes Starbucks different from competitors?
Starbucks positions itself as a premium coffeehouse experience rather than just a coffee vendor. The company emphasizes quality, atmosphere, and customer service over price competition.
When did Howard Schultz join Starbucks?
Howard Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of operations and marketing. He purchased the company in 1987 and transformed it into the coffeehouse chain known today.
Does Starbucks franchise its stores?
Starbucks primarily operates company-owned stores in the United States. International markets often use licensed stores through partnerships. The split globally stands at approximately 50-50 between company-operated and licensed locations.
