In which city did the first Starbucks store open in 1971?

The first Starbucks store opened in Seattle in 1971.

Starbucks began at Seattle’s Pike Place Market on March 30, 1971. The founders were Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, who were inspired by coffee entrepreneur Alfred Peet. The original business focused on selling roasted coffee beans and equipment rather than serving the broad café menu associated with Starbucks today.

The first store remains at Pike Place Market and is a major landmark for the company. Starbucks expanded gradually during its early years, then grew rapidly after Howard Schultz joined the company and promoted the Italian coffeehouse model.

A frequent misconception is that Starbucks began as a coffeehouse chain serving prepared espresso drinks. Its original retail purpose was selling beans and brewing supplies. The café experience became central later, especially during the company’s expansion in the 1980s and 1990s.