In an era when consumers’ tastes are becoming increasingly variable, Starbucks has been a constant. It’s the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with more than 24,000 locations in 70 countries, nearly half of those in the United States. But even if no day is complete without a grande iced white chocolate mocha, we bet that there’s a lot you didn’t know about this mega-chain. So, here are the 10 things you didn't know about Starbucks;
10.
IT'S FOUNDERS WEREN'T INDUSTRY INSIDERS
The first location, in Seattle’s Pike Place Market, was opened by a history teacher named Zev Siegl, an English teacher named Jerry Baldwin, and an advertising executive named Gordon Bowker. Baldwin managed financials and coffee production, Siegl operated and developed stores, and Bowker handled marketing. Baldwin was trained how to roast coffee by Peet’s Coffee founder Alfred Peet, and the trio actually purchased the company from him in 1984.9.
THE ORIGINAL LOGO WASN'T PG-RATED
While researching logos after founding the company, the founders were studying over marine history books and discovered a sixteenth-century Norse woodcut of a twin-tailed mermaid, also known as a Siren. The image was essentially used as-is for the first logo but wasn't PG-Rated, but eventually her hair moved to a more “strategic” location.8.
THERE ARE 36,000 POSSIBLE FRAPPUCCINO COMBINATIONS
Here is what spokeswoman Lisa Passe had to say: “If you take all of our core beverages, multiply them by the modifiers and the customization options, you get more than 87,000 combinations.”7.
THEY WERE ONCE AVERAGING TWO NEW STORES PER DAY
While the speed has slowed a bit, between the years of 1987 and 2007 the company opened, on average, two new stores every single day.6.
THERE IS A "10 MINUTE RULE"
No, this does not apply to food dropped on the floor. Well, Each store opens 10 minutes before its posted opening time, and closes 10 minutes after it.5.
IT SPENDS MORE ON HEALTH CARE THAN ON COFFEE
Starbucks provides healthcare to all employees who work at least 20 hours per week, and even though it’s costing the company hundreds of millions of dollars every year and the board has pressured CEO Howard Schultz to reduce costs, this is an issue he refuses to accommodate on.4.
YOU SHOULD HAVE INVESTED WITH THEN IN 1992
Had you gotten into the Starbucks IPO in 1992, you could have purchased a share for $17. Taking into account stocks, if you had purchased $1,000 of stock during the IPO, it would be worth about $230,000 today.3.
MORE THAN 20% OF THE ORDERS ARE MADE USING MOBILE DEVICES
If you’re still lining up for your daily coffee, you may want to start using your phone to place your order, too.2.
EVERY APRON CONTAINS SOME WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
At the top of the inside of every apron is sewn a black length of fabric which reads: “We create inspired moments in each customer’s day. ANTICIPATE CONNECT PERSONALIZE OWN.” It’s positioned to be seen every time a barista WEARS the apron.1.
THE MOST EXPENSIVE STARBUCKS DRINK EVER PURCHASED THERE COST MORE THAN $100
The most expensive drink ever created at a Starbucks was a White Mocha Frappuccino that was supplemented with 112 shots of espresso, protein powder, five bananas, and chocolate chips. It clocked in at $102.40, and because it was the customer’s birthday, he got it for free!RECAP:
2. EVERY APRON CONTAINS SOME WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
3. MORE THAN 20% OF THE ORDERS ARE MADE USING MOBILE DEVICES
4. YOU SHOULD HAVE INVESTED WITH THEN IN 1992
5. IT SPENDS MORE ON HEALTH CARE THAN COFFEE
6. THERE IS A "10 MINUTE RULE"
7. THEY WERE ONCE AVERAGING TO 2 STORES PER DAY
8. THERE ARE 36,000 POSSIBLE FRAPPUCCINO COMBINATIONS
9. THE ORIGINAL LOGO WASN'T PG-RATED
10. IT'S FOUNDERS WEREN'T INDUSTRY INSIDERS