Here's a comprehensive summary of the Starbucks Corporation:
Starbucks, an American multinational coffeehouse chain, was founded in Seattle, Washington, on March 30, 1971, by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker. Initially, it operated as a local retailer specializing in high-quality coffee beans and equipment. The company's transformation into a global coffee shop serving espresso-based drinks began when Howard Schultz, then its director of marketing, acquired the chain in 1987 and spearheaded its aggressive expansion across the United States and beyond.
As of November 2022, Starbucks has grown to become the world's largest coffeehouse chain, boasting 35,711 stores in 80 countries, including over 15,800 in the U.S. The company is widely credited for ushering in the "second wave of coffee culture" by introducing a wider variety of coffee experiences to the general public. Starbucks offers a diverse menu of hot and cold beverages, including espresso drinks, Frappuccinos, and teas, alongside whole-bean coffee, pastries, and snacks, often complemented by free Wi-Fi access. Despite facing controversies related to its business practices, Starbucks consistently commands substantial brand loyalty and market share globally.