We’re committed to offering our customers the world’s best coffee and the finest coffee experience – while also conducting our business in ways that produce social, environmental and economic benefits for the communities in which we do business. We believe it’s possible to do well and do good at the same time.

A Brief History of Starbucks

Starbucks has always been a place where you can find the world’s best coffees. But in 1971, you would have had to travel all the way to our only store in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market

1970s

The first Starbucks opens. The name comes from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, a classic American novel about the 19th century whaling industry. The seafaring name seems appropriate for a store that imports the world’s finest coffees to the cold, thirsty people of Seattle.

1980s

Howard Schultz joins Starbucks in 1982. While on a business trip in Italy, he visits Milan’s famous espresso bars.

The Way We Do Business

The Starbucks mission statement is more than words on a piece of paper – it’s the philosophy that guides how we do business every day.

The Starbucks mission statement

Establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles while we grow. The following six guiding principles will help us measure the appropriateness of our decisions:

• Provide a great work environment and treat each other with respect and dignity.
• Embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business.
• Apply the highest standards of excellence to the purchasing, roasting and fresh delivery of our coffee. 
• Develop enthusiastically satisfied customers all of the time.
• Contribute positively to our communities and our environment.
• Recognize that profitability is essential to our future success.

Starbucks in the Mexico

In September 2002, Starbucks Coffe arrives Mexico associated with ALSEA, both companies share a common culture focused in values and mutual respect for people and environment.

The layout and atmosphere of Starbucks stores is specifically designed to be cosy and intimate, while at the same time providing people with their own personal space to use as they wish. The combination of sofas, armchairs, coffee tables and chairs, bars and stools, and meeting room tables means that there is something for everyone.

Those looking for peace and quiet away from home or the office can relax and linger in an armchair and escape into a book, whilst those looking for an intimate place to meet friends can huddle on a sofa and chat over a mug of coffee, as they would in their own home. Soft lighting and background music also contribute to this experience.