Where did Starbucks open its first store in 1971?

Starbucks opened its first store at Pike Place Market in Seattle in 1971. The original location was established by Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, who were inspired by coffee entrepreneur Alfred Peet.

The first shop was called Starbucks Coffee, Tea, and Spice. It sold roasted coffee beans and equipment rather than the espresso-based drinks that later became central to the chain’s identity. The store remains at 1912 Pike Place and is a major landmark for visitors interested in the company’s origins.

Starbucks took its name from Starbuck, a character in Herman Melville’s novel Moby-Dick. The company’s nautical branding also reflects that literary connection. A frequent misconception is that Starbucks began as a café chain; its early business focused primarily on selling coffee beans, tea, spices, and brewing supplies before its retail model evolved.