10 Little-Known Facts About Starbucks You Probably Didn’t Know
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve probably heard of Starbucks. As one of the world’s largest coffee chains, Starbucks is renowned for its coffee, rare limited edition blends, and unique in-store experiences that keep customers coming back for more. However, there are some lesser-known facts about Starbucks that you might not be aware of. Here are ten facts you probably didn’t know about Starbucks:
1. Starbucks Was Named After a Character in Moby Dick
The founders of Starbucks named their coffee shop after Starbuck, the first mate of the Pequod in the classic novel Moby Dick. The inspiration for the name came from one of the founders’ love of literature. The original logo for Starbucks was also inspired by the character, featuring a twin-tailed mermaid or siren.
2. Starbucks Used to Sell Espresso Machines
Before it became a coffee shop chain, Starbucks used to sell espresso machines and coffee beans. The founders of Starbucks, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, initially wanted to open a store selling high-quality coffee beans and equipment. However, when they discovered that their customers were more interested in buying brewed coffee instead, they decided to shift their focus.
3. Starbucks Roasts Its Coffee Beans Using the “Full City” Roast Method
Starbucks roasts its coffee beans using the “full city” roast method, which involves heating the beans until they reach the second crack stage. This produces a rich, full-bodied flavor that is characteristic of Starbucks coffee. The company has its own roasting plants, which roast up to five million pounds of coffee beans every week.
4. Starbucks Has a Secret Menu
Did you know that Starbucks has a secret menu? While these items aren’t officially listed on the menu, you can order them by name if you know what to ask for. Some of the most popular secret menu items include the “Pink Drink,” which is made with strawberry acai refresher and coconut milk, and the “Cotton Candy Frappuccino,” which is made with vanilla syrup and raspberry syrup.
5. Starbucks Stores Are Designed to Be Unique
Each Starbucks store is designed to be unique and reflect the local culture and community. For example, the Starbucks store in Amsterdam is housed in an old bank vault, while the store in Paris has a classic French bistro feel.
6. Starbucks Was the First U.S. Company to Offer Employees Health Insurance
In 1988, Starbucks became the first U.S. company to offer health insurance to all of its employees, including part-time workers. This move helped improve the company’s reputation as a socially responsible employer and set a new industry standard.
7. Starbucks Has a Customer Service Philosophy Called “Just Say Yes”
Starbucks customer service philosophy is based on the principle of “just say yes.” This means that employees are empowered to make customer-centric decisions and go above and beyond to create a positive experience for customers.
8. Starbucks Offers Free Coffee Grounds for Gardening
Starbucks offers free coffee grounds for gardening purposes. Coffee grounds can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants and also help improve soil structure.
9. Starbucks Gets Most of Its Revenue from Food Items
While Starbucks is best known for its coffee, the company actually gets most of its revenue from food items. In fact, food accounts for over 20% of Starbucks’ total revenue.
10. Starbucks Operates in 82 Countries
Starbucks has a global presence and operates in 82 countries around the world. The company has over 33,000 stores worldwide, making it one of the largest coffee chains in the world.
In conclusion, Starbucks is a coffee chain that has a rich history and some fascinating facts that you probably didn’t know. From its unique store designs to its secret menu items, there’s a lot to discover about Starbucks. These little-known facts add to the charm and personality of the coffee chain and make it an even more exciting place to visit.
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