A Look Back At The Evolution Of Starbucks In Photos
Here's how your grande non-fat soy vanilla latte came to be.
By 
Thanks to Starbucks, no matter where you go in the world, you can start your day with your go-to coffee order. Well, *practically* anywhere. There are over 30,000 stores worldwide—from Beijing to Boston...not to mention Starbucks beans in most grocery stores. But before the Seattle-based company expanded across the globe, it was just a local coffeehouse. See the rise of one of the world's biggest brands in photos.
1971: The Original Starbucks Opens
Before Starbucks was a global chain, it was just a popular coffee shop in Pike Place Market in Seattle, WA. The original store that started it all opened in 1971.
1982: Howard Schultz Joins The Team
The former Chairman and CEO of the company, Howard Schultz, joined Starbucks in 1982 as the Director of Retail Operations.
1983: A Visit to Italy Changes Everything
After taking inspiration from the many espresso bars and coffee shops he saw while visiting Italy, Schultz returns to the United States set on reinventing the American coffeehouse culture.
1984: A New Concept Emerges
In 1984, Schultz convinced the Starbucks founders to test a coffeehouse feel in a new store they were opening in downtown Seattle. Here, the first Starbucks café latte was served.
1987: Sold!
Schultz left the company in 1985 to found Il Giornale, an Italian coffeehouse chain that brewed Starbucks beans. Two years later, he returned and acquired Starbucks into his new company, forming the Starbucks Corporation. After the acquisition, Schultz opened three new stores, bringing the chain's total number of locations to 17.
1988: The Key To Happy Employees
As Chief Executive Officer, Schultz put in place a plan for all full- and part-time employees (including spouses) to receive full health benefits and coverage. This was part of Schultz's incentive plan to keep long-term baristas and employees.
1989: Rapid Growth
Just four years after being acquired, Starbucks began a quest of massive expansion. By 1989, the total number of stores more than doubled with 55 locations.
1990: The Coffeehouse Vibe Catches On
In 1990, the relaxed coffeehouse vibe that Starbucks offered in its stores took off like wildfire. Throughout the decade, the company saw major growth across the country and underwent an expansion of its Seattle headquarters.
1991: A New Language
As a way to solidify the brand's unique culture, the company created a system that was different from your average coffee shop—starting with the sizes. Instead of small, medium, and large, Starbucks served tall, grande, and venti beverages.
1992: Starbucks Heads To Wall Street
The company completed an initial public offering in 1992 for $17 per share and raised about $25 million. At the time of the completed offering, the coffee company had over 140 stores open across North America and was becoming one of the most popular chains in the country.
1994: The First Starbucks Drive Thru
In the early '90s, Starbucks realized there was a heavy demand for drive-thru restaurants, so they began testing this option in Southern California locations in 1994.
1995: Introducing The Frappuccino
In 1995, Starbucks added a new addition to its menus with blended beverages, most importantly, the Frappuccino. The drink became wildly popular, with everyone from Bill Clinton to Britney Spears ordering it.
1996: Starbucks Opens In Asia
Starbucks opened its first stores outside of North America in 1996 in Japan and Singapore.
1996: The Brand Branches Out
By 1996, the coffee company began dipping its toe into a diverse range of products, including Starbucks branded ice cream.
1997: The Starbucks Foundation Is Created
The company founded the Starbucks Foundation with the mission of strengthening the communities Starbucks serves. The foundation's first action was funding a literacy program throughout the United States and Canada.
1998: Starbucks Gets Stocked In Stores
In 1998, the company began selling different blends of coffee beans in grocery stores across the United States for customers who wanted their Starbucks fix at home, too.
1998: A 'Magic' Collaboration
Magic Johnson teamed up with the company to help with its social impact projects. He visited several locations in underserved neighborhoods across the country.
1999: Protesters Target Starbucks
Starbucks became the focus of protesters in 2009, as they rallied in Seattle during the World Trade Organization Summit. The brand was seen as the poster child for corporations and mass consumption and was vandalized by anti-WTO activists.
1999: Starbucks Inspires British Politicians
Starbucks became a prime example for British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor Gordon Brown's initiative to offer tax breaks to encourage employee share ownership in businesses, as the company was the first to offer stock options to part-time employees in 1991.
2000: Tazo Tea Joins Starbucks
In 2000, Starbucks acquired Tazo Tea and subsequently rolled out a new line of iced beverages. The same year, the company began sourcing fair trade coffee in an effort to strive for higher ethical standards.
Starbucks Is Selling The Most Adorable Keychains
Will Starbucks Be Open On Easter This Year?
15 Menu Items Nutritionists Order At Starbucks
The 11 Healthiest Starbucks Drinks
