Starbucks

About Our Franchise

Starbucks is a global coffeehouse and coffee company founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker. Initially selling coffee beans, the company transformed under Howard Schultz in the 1980s into an Italian-style coffeehouse chain and rapidly grew to become the largest coffee retailer in the world. Today Starbucks operates more than 37,000 stores across over 80 countries, serving millions of customers daily. The brand has become synonymous with specialty coffee and a distinctive customer experience.

What Makes Starbucks Stand Out High Quality: Sourcing premium coffee beans and using precise roasting methods. Variety: A wide menu of hot and cold beverages, snacks, bakery items and seasonal products. Customer Experience: Unique store design, free Wi-Fi and the “Third Place” concept beyond home and work. Digital Innovation: Mobile app, mobile payment, online ordering and the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program.

Business Model & Licensing Starbucks directly owns many of its stores and in some markets operates through licensed stores rather than traditional franchises. Unlike brands such as McDonald’s, Starbucks does not offer public franchising; instead, it partners with large companies or local operators via licensing agreements (for example, Alshaya Group operates Starbucks in Turkey and several other countries).

Key Facts at a Glance Founded: 1971 — Seattle, USA Founders: Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, Gordon Bowker Expansion Model: Company-owned + Licensed Stores (no open franchise program) Number of Stores: Over 37,000 worldwide Industry: Coffeehouse / Specialty Coffee Core Strengths: Quality, customer experience, innovation and global scale