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The 10 Most Important Dates in Starbucks History

Check out these 10 most important dates in Starbucks’ history.

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2017

On December 1, 2016, Howard Schultz announced he would resign as CEO effective in April 2017 and will be replaced by Kevin Johnson. On May 8th Howard Schultz delivers the commencement speech at Arizona State University to over 260 students who enrolled in and earned a degree through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.

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2016

In the summer of 2016, Starbucks got a makeover on their dress code. Facial piercings, crazy hair colors, and a wider range of clothing become accepted as work attire. The goal for this change is to make it so partners can really be their true self and to make the environment of a Starbucks store […]

2014

Starbucks launches a plan with Arizona State University that offered qualifying Starbucks partners the opportunity to receive a college degree through ASU’s online program. Starbucks also starts to roll out powermat wireless charging, in their stores, where people can charge their phones on a mat so they can work without having their phone die. Total […]

2011

Starbucks introduced their largest cup size, the Trenta, which can hold 31 ounces. It is available for iced drinks only. Starbucks also introduced their K-Cup packs, which are trademarks of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. The next year, they acquire Teavana for $620 million and widen their assortment of tea. Total stores: 17,003

2009

A loyalty program came out for users of the Starbucks card. Prior to this it was just a gift card, but now it was being turned into a card that offered perks such as, no charge for soy milk or added syrups, free refills on drinks like drip coffee and tea, and even free Wi-Fi […]

1999

Starbucks introduced the Caramel Frappucino that included whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a dome lid for the first time. Starbucks also entered the tea business in 1999 when it acquired the Tazo brand for $8,100,000. At this point, they had opened stores in China, Kuwait, Lebanon and South Korea. Total stores: 2,498

1995

Starbucks introduced the “Frappuccino” in 550 stores. This name came about when Starbucks acquired The Coffee Connection in Boston. They sold a slushy drink made from a soft-serve machine and named it a “frappuccino.” Starbucks applied the name to their new drink. When it first came out it only had two flavors, coffee and mocha, […]

1994

In January 1994, Starbucks opens its’ first drive-thru location. There were a total of 17 stores.

1987

In 1987, the original owners sold the Starbucks chain back to former manager Howard Schultz for $3.8 million. They went off to focus on Peet’s coffee. Howard then rebranded his Il Giornale coffee outlets as Starbucks and had a major expansion of business. The revenue for that year was $ 1.3 million. Two years later […]