Starbucks Franchise Information

Starbucks is the world's largest multinational chain of coffee shops. Founded in 1971 as a coffee bean retailer, then acquired in 1987 by Howard Schultz, it has acquired and built coffeehouses all over the world. In addition to drip brewed coffee and espresso beverages, Starbucks shops also serve tea and bottled beverages, pastries, and ready-to-eat sandwiches. Some Starbucks stores are inside other retail locations such as supermarkets and bookstores (though these stores are only licensed and not owned or operated by the company) - but Starbucks does not franchise!

If you are interested in a coffee franchise - there are some other great coffee franchises available:

     

Starbucks stores serve a variety of brewed coffees, which change on a weekly basis in order to provide customers with an easy way to sample a variety of coffees and blends. Also served are an array of other hot drinks, both espresso-based (like lattes and cappuccinos) and non-espresso based (like hot chocolate, hot white chocolate, steamed cider, and "cremes", Starbucks' term for steamed milk with various flavored syrups added). During winter months the hot drinks are the main staple for Starbucks. However, during the warmer months most of its revenue does not come from coffee, but from Frappuccino blended coffees and blended cremes. These drinks are made from a base plus syrup and ice. Stores in Seattle, Chicago, Maryland, and other areas are experimenting with hot breakfast options such as ham, egg, and cheese on a muffin and eggs Florentine sandwiches.

Starbucks' marketing strategy involves positioning the local Starbucks outlet as a "third place" (besides home and work) to spend time, and the stores are designed to make this easy and comfortable. The café section of the store is often outfitted with comfortable stuffed chairs and tables with hard-backed chairs. There are ample electrical outlets providing free electricity for patrons using or charging their portable music devices or laptop computers. Most stores in the U.S. and in some other markets also have wireless Internet access (although this access is not free, as it is in some independent coffee shops).