Welcome to the world of Starbucks, where every sip is an experience, and every cup is a story waiting to be told. You probably know and love this popular coffee chain, but did you know there is so much more to Starbucks than meets the eye? Keep reading to discover some interesting facts about one of the most recognized brands in the world.
A Book Inspired Starbucks
Starbucks was influenced by the novel “Moby-Dick.” The founders, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, originally planned to name their coffee chain after the character in the book “Pequod.” However, they eventually settled on the name “Starbucks” after one of the characters in the novel.
It Started as a Small Shop in Seattle
Starbucks may now have over 31,000 stores worldwide, but it all started with just one small shop in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market in 1971. The original store still stands and operates today, making it a must-visit for any coffee lover.
They Started With Coffee Beans, Not Drinks
When the first Starbucks store opened, it didn’t sell any brewed coffee. Instead, it only sold high-quality whole coffee beans and specialized in roasting them. It wasn’t until 1982 that they started offering freshly brewed coffee to customers.
The Logo Has a Deeper Meaning
We all recognize the iconic Starbucks logo, but did you know it has a deeper meaning? The twin-tailed mermaid, or siren, represents the company’s goal of providing customers with an alluring and irresistible experience. The logo also pays tribute to Seattle’s maritime history.Â
Starbucks Used to Serve Alcohol
In the late 1980s, Starbucks experimented with serving wine and beer in addition to coffee. The concept was called “Café Starbucks” and was only available in select locations. However, it didn’t catch on and was eventually discontinued.
Starbucks Has Its Language
Ordering a drink at Starbucks sometimes feels like speaking a different language. With terms like “grande,” “venti,” and “macchiato,” it’s no wonder that Starbucks has its unique terminology. These terms were created to make ordering and preparing drinks more efficient for baristas.
Starbucks Coffee Is Ethically Sourced
Starbucks takes pride in sourcing its coffee beans from ethical and sustainable sources. They have a program called “C.A.F.E. Practices” that ensures their coffee is grown and harvested in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner.
The Starbucks Cup Sizes Are Not Just Random Names
You may have wondered why Starbucks has such unique names for their cup sizes. Well, there is a reason behind each one. The small size, “tall,” was chosen because it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. The medium size, “grande,” means large in Italian, and the largest size, “venti,” is derived from the Italian word for 20, representing its 20-ounce capacity.Â
They Have a “Secret” Menu
Starbucks has a variety of drinks on its regular menu, but did you know they also have a “secret” menu? These are drinks that are not advertised but can be made upon request. From the famous “Butterbeer Frappuccino” to the refreshing “Pink Drink,” there is something for everyone on the menu.
They Offer Free Coffee Grounds for Gardening
Starbucks offers free coffee grounds to customers who want to use them for gardening. The soils are rich in nutrients and can be used as a fertilizer or added to compost. It’s just one of the many ways Starbucks is trying to promote sustainability.
They Have Their Coffee Farm
In 2014, Starbucks opened its first coffee farm in Costa Rica called “Hacienda Alsacia.” This farm serves as the company’s research and development center and a way to showcase its dedication to high-quality coffee.
Starbucks Employees Get Free College Tuition
Starbucks is known for offering excellent employee benefits, including health insurance and stock options. However, one of the most notable benefits is its partnership with Arizona State University, which offers full tuition coverage for eligible employees to earn a degree online.
They Have a Coffee Passport
For true coffee lovers, Starbucks offers a “coffee passport” that allows you to track the different types of coffee you’ve tried worldwide. You can even get it stamped at participating locations to keep track of your global coffee adventures.
The Pumpkin Spice Latte Almost Didn’t Happen
Can you imagine the Fall season without the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte? Well, it almost didn’t happen. The drink was created as a limited-time offering and wasn’t popular until a few years later when it became the seasonal favorite we know today.
Starbucks Has Its Line of Bottled Water
In addition to drinks, Starbucks also has its bottled water brand called “Ethos.” The company donates a portion of the profits from each bottle to support water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives in developing countries.
They Have a Reserved Roastery and Tasting Room
For a truly unique coffee experience, visit one of Starbucks’ reserve roasteries and tasting rooms. These locations offer exclusive, small-batch coffees that are not available anywhere else. It’s a must-visit for any coffee connoisseur!Â
They Have Their Line of Oat Milk
In response to the increasing demand for plant-based options, Starbucks recently added oat milk. However, unlike other coffee chains that use popular brands like Oatly or Alpro, Starbucks has its own brand called “Oatly Barista Blend.” It has been a hit with customers since its release in 2020.Â
Starbucks’ Logo Has Changed Over Time
The original Starbucks logo featured a brown nautical theme with the words “Starbucks Coffee, Tea, and Spice” surrounding the siren. However, over time, the logo has undergone several changes. In 1987, it became green to represent growth and freshness, and in 2011, ‘Starbucks’ was removed from the logo. Today, the siren stands alone in her iconic green circle.Â
More From Inspired by Insiders
Eating is essential to your survival, but many food items can cause serious harm and put you at risk of death if ingested in large quantities or not prepared properly. Some of them are common foods you consume every day.
25 Dangerous Foods You Didn’t Know Could Kill You
16 American Foods That Foreigners Will Give Anything to Taste
Reddit was agog with foreigners sharing their experiences of trying classic American dishes or looking forward to trying them while visiting. From New York to California, here are 16 American foods tourists want to try at least once.
16 American Foods That Foreigners Will Give Anything to Taste
The Most Iconic Food From Every State in America
Travel around the United States and you will experience the unique flavors of each state. Each state has its iconic food that is just as diverse as the culture and landscapes in America. Here is a look at some of the most iconic foods from each state.
The Most Iconic Food From Every State in America
20 Worst Foods for People Over 40
After age 40, ensuring you eat healthy foods that provide essential nutrients and vitamins for optimal health becomes even more crucial. Also, you should know what to avoid is just as important. Avoid these foods as much as possible.
20 Worst Foods for People Over 40
Visiting France? Avoid These Disgusting Foods During Your Stay
You’ve heard many great things about France and have decided to spend your next holiday there. Awesome! The language, people, sights, and food are all fascinating, but there are some dishes to avoid in France. These foods might be a local specialty, but they are usually strange and disgusting.
Visiting France? Avoid These Disgusting Foods During Your Stay
This article was produced on Inspired by Insiders.