Do you stop by Starbucks every morning on your way to work? Patiently await the annual release of the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte? Starbucks is one of America's most popular and famous coffee roasters, but there is a lot that we don't know about it. Here are 10 things to learn about our favorite stop on the way to work.
1. It was founded by two teachers, and a writer
Gordon Bowker, Zev Siegel, and Jerry Baldwin were just three dudes committed to providing Seattle with an unreal cup of joe. Gordon (the writer), Siegel (the history teacher), and Baldwin (the English teacher), opened the first Starbucks in 1971 in Pike Place Market, in Seattle. When CEO and chairman Howard Schultz stepped in, they went from selling just coffee beans, to the goodies you see at 'Bucks today.
2. The Original Logo Was Scandolous
Everybody recognizes the mermaid on the iconic Starbucks logo. What you probably didn't know is that the mermaid is actually a siren. She is luring you in to buy the coffee, and she wasn't always doing it in the subtle way she is now. Before 1987, the siren was fully exposed up top. It wasn't until 1992 that the mermaid morphed into what we see today.
3. NPR Pulled a Prank on S'Bux Lovers
Get this. NPR's popular talkshow, All Things Considered, pulled a fast one on coffee lovers across the country. They reported that Starbucks was in the process of developing a coffee pipeline, that would run transcontinentally. They said that Starbucks' freshly roasted coffee beans would be traveling thousands of miles to reach customers everywhere. Most people got the successful April Fools joke, but there are a few stories of Starbucks employees getting questions about the "upcoming project."
4. We Should Thank a Stanford Basketball Player for Our Favorite Fall Drink
While studying economics and earning his MBA, Peter Dukes was also a player on the Stanford Men's Basketball Team. After graduation in 2001, he took a job with Starbucks. Little did he know that after two years with the company he would come up with the most famous fall drink, ever. Despite early-on pushback to the pumpkin-pie inspired drink, the Pumpkin Spice Latte was born.
5. Starbucks Has Gone Undercover
Starbucks hasn't always been the most popular coffee shop in the country. After some low years, several Starbucks went undercover. One example is the 15th Avenue Coffee and Tea. This Starbucks hid any obvious logos, names, and uniforms, but still accepted reward cards. The point of the undercover Starbucks' was so that corporate could test out new ideas, without any bias related to the Starbucks brand.
6. The CIA Has Its Very Own
The CIA's Langely campus has its very own Starbucks. At this location, no names are used due to the level of security used around CIA employees. Some pretty extensive background checks are done in order to become an employee at this Starbucks. At least at this location, no names will be misspelled.
7. Should Have Invested Sooner...
Starbucks hit Wall Street in 1992, and guess how much you could buy in for? $17.00. Yup, that's right. Today, that same share is worth upwards of $80.00. So, if you were lucky enough to have invested early on, it's probably time to splurge.
8. Friday Night Spent at...Starbucks? Count Me In
Starbucks' menu has been steadily increasing over the years, adding a variety of options for the general public. This Spring, Starbucks will unveil its "Evening Menu." What's on this magical menu? Think truffle mac 'n cheese, bacon-wrapped dates, and beer and wine. I have a feeling Starbucks may just turn into the new pregame spot.
9. Starbucks Has a Record Label
Starbucks created its very own record label, Hear Music, with Concord Music Group in 2007. Even better? It actually got some big hitters, including Paul McCartney. When the famous singer heard about Starbucks' label, he became a part of it within weeks of its formation. Along with McCartney, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell also signed.
10. Starbucks' Name Has an Interesting Inspiration
Moby Dick was in fact the inspiration behind the famous coffee shop's name. "Starbucks" is a reference to the first mate in Melville's novel. It was between Starbucks, and Pequod, the name of the whaling ship in Moby Dick.
Clearly, Starbucks has a long history filled with interesting stories and facts that the general public is unaware of. As one of America's favorite coffee brands, Starbucks will be around for many years to come, so more interesting facts are bound to come out.