What was Starbucks’ first store location, opened in 1971?

Starbucks’ first store opened at Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1971.

The company was founded by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl and Gordon Bowker, who opened the original store near Seattle’s historic public market. At first, Starbucks primarily sold roasted coffee beans, tea and coffee-making equipment rather than serving the espresso-focused drinks associated with its later cafes.

Howard Schultz joined Starbucks in 1982 and became interested in the Italian coffeehouse model. After leaving briefly to start Il Giornale, he acquired Starbucks and expanded the company’s cafe format.

The original Pike Place store remains a well-known landmark and still operates near the market. Starbucks was named after a character in Herman Melville’s novel Moby-Dick, while its siren logo reflects maritime imagery associated with Seattle’s port history.