• Starbucks Corporation is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington.

• Foundation and development:• The first Starbucks was opened in Seattle, Washington,

on March 30, 1971 by three partners: English teacher Jerry Baldwin, history teacher Zev Siegl, and writer Gordon Bowker.

• From Starbucks' founding in later forms in Seattle as a local coffee bean roaster and retailer, the company has expanded rapidly.

• The first store outside the United States or Canada opened in the mid-1990s, and overseas stores now constitute almost one third of Starbucks' stores.

• Starbucks Mission :

to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.

• protests on issues :

fair-trade policies, labor relations, environmental impact, political views, and anti-competitive practices.

• Coffee

serving the best coffee possible.

grown under the highest standards of quality,

using ethical sourcing practices.

• Stores

a neighborhood gathering place for meeting friends and family.

customers enjoy quality service, an inviting atmosphere and an exceptional cup of coffee.

Total stores: 17,018 (as of July 3, 2011)