Starbucks: The Rise of a Global Coffee Chain

The principles that lead them to success

By: Oxana Tsirelman, Staff Writer

Starbucks is a multi-billion global coffee chain that thrives on providing coffee and customer service to the utmost perfection. One of the keys to its success is that it buys top of the line whole bean coffees. After all, “that’s the essence of what we do, but it hardly tells the whole story.”

Excellent coffee is not all that Starbucks offers its guests. This chain attracts their guests with its quality customer service and welcoming atmosphere. When one customer was asked what attracts him to Starbucks, he replied “it’s the exclusive image that Starbucks portrays. With the exclusive image comes the feel that you are dining in a European café. I also like the variety of the different coffees you can have, the different blends.”

Starbucks began in 1971 as merely a roaster and retailer of tea, spices, as well as whole bean and ground coffee. It was very humble back in the day, for it was a single store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. Here it is today, with 17,000 retail stores and in more than 55 countries.

This global coffee chain certainly stayed true to its mission to “inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time.”

However, serving coffee is much more than just a business.  This chain was always guided by its strong belief in serving the best coffee possible. After all, their coffee buyers travel to coffee farms in Latin America, Africa and Asia to choose top of the line Arabica beans. But it doesn’t end there: upon the beans arrival, Starbucks experts “bring out the balance and rich flavor of the beans through the signature Starbucks roast.”

Another aspect that makes Starbucks irresistible is its sense of togetherness. After all, “our stores are a neighbourhood gathering place for meeting friends and family. Our customers enjoy quality service, an inviting atmosphere and an exceptional cup of coffee.”

Starbucks is globally recognized to the point where it’s the recipient of several awards across the globe. Some of their awards include being one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World, one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, one of the Most Admired Companies in America, and one of the Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality.

They do not limit themselves to offering coffee as there are several choices of premium Tazo teas, fine pastries and music. What’s also good is that they provide a Wi-Fi internet network, and in turn, is a prime attraction for students to do their readings and assignments with a cup of superb coffee in hand.
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They also have a clever way of advertising by utilizing the good old word of mouth. It’s so simple, yet effective.

There you have it, ladies and gentlemen: the secrets to Starbucks growth and success. Starbucks is among the perfect examples of success in business. Other start-up businesses would do well in following Starbucks lead.

Feature image courtesy of Nick Richards
Banner image courtesy of Connie Ma