Starbucks, a name that resonates around the globe, a symbol of modern coffee culture. But few know that Starbucks’ journey to global domination began with a hidden gem in Pike Place Market, Seattle in 1971. Join Discovery To Wonders as we explore the first Starbucks store in the world, where you can experience the original Starbucks coffee flavor and feel the pioneering spirit of this legendary coffee brand.
Discovering History: The Original Starbucks Store
Birthplace and Startup Story
March 30, 1971, marked the birth of the first Starbucks store, located in the bustling Pike Place Market of Seattle, Washington, USA. This location is not only the birthplace of the Starbucks brand but also a symbol of humble beginnings, where a coffee dream reached out to the world.
Nestled in the lively market, the first Starbucks store embodied the aspiration to bring premium quality coffee beans to Americans. Three founders, Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker, passionate coffee lovers, together realized this dream. They drew inspiration from Alfred Peet of Peet’s Coffee, a pioneer in high-quality coffee roasting in the US, and were determined to create a unique coffee experience in Seattle.
The first Starbucks store in Seattle, a must-visit destination for coffee lovers
From a Small Shop to a Global Icon
Initially, Starbucks was simply a place selling roasted coffee beans and coffee brewing equipment. However, the exceptional coffee quality, unique flavor, and dedicated service style quickly won the hearts of customers. Word of mouth spread, and the small Starbucks shop gradually became a familiar destination for coffee lovers in Seattle.
From a small store in Pike Place Market, Starbucks has grown strongly, expanding its business to tens of thousands of stores worldwide. The success of the first Starbucks store laid a solid foundation, inspiring and motivating this brand to continuously develop, becoming one of the most powerful and beloved coffee empires on the planet.
Starbucks, from a small coffee shop in Seattle to a global coffee brand
5 Unique Features Only at the First Starbucks Store
The first Starbucks store is not only the birthplace of the brand but also contains unique features, blending traditional values with a spirit of innovation. Visiting Starbucks Pike Place, you will not only enjoy coffee but also discover the special things that made the brand distinctive from its early days.
Original Vintage Design
Stepping into the first Starbucks store, you will immediately feel the difference compared to modern Starbucks stores. The store’s design is imbued with the style of the 1970s, with warmth and simplicity as the main themes. Rustic wooden furniture combined with red bricks creates a cozy, friendly, and nostalgic space.
Unlike the modern spaces, optimized functionality, and technology applications of today’s Starbucks stores, the first Starbucks store retains its original, rustic, and genuine character. The humility in design not only reflects the spirit of the early startup days but also honors the brand’s core values: coffee quality and customer experience.
Cozy, vintage atmosphere inside the first Starbucks coffee shop in Seattle
Area preserving historical marks at the first Starbucks store
Pike Place Fish Market-Inspired Service Style
One of the unique points creating a special experience at the first Starbucks store is its distinctive service style, deeply influenced by Pike Place Market culture. Inspired by the image of fishmongers skillfully tossing fish, Starbucks employees here also create an entertaining cup-passing performance.
When ordering, the customer’s name and request are written directly on the cup. Then, the employee skillfully tosses the cup to the barista. The barista will quickly catch the cup and complete the order. This unique cup-passing display not only creates a difference but also demonstrates Starbucks’ dynamic, innovative spirit and integration into local culture.
Unique coffee cup tossing performance at the first Starbucks store, inspired by Pike Place Market
In addition, the service style at the first Starbucks store also stands out with its friendliness, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Employees always greet customers with a smile, are ready to advise and share knowledge about coffee, creating a warm and welcoming space, making each customer feel valued.
Friendly and professional service style at the first Starbucks store
Original Starbucks Logo
The first Starbucks store in Seattle is the only place in the world that still retains the brand’s original logo. The first logo featured a two-tailed Siren mermaid, inspired by sea myths and the allure of mermaids.
The original logo version was dark brown, expressing the sincerity, rusticity, and class that Starbucks aimed for. Through many changes, today’s Starbucks logo has become more modern and refined with the image of a crowned mermaid and a characteristic green color. However, the original logo still retains its classic beauty and is proof of the brand’s development. When visiting Starbucks Pike Place, don’t miss the opportunity to admire and take photos with the first version of the Starbucks logo.
Original Starbucks logo preserved at the first Starbucks store in Seattle
Evolution of the Starbucks logo over time
Unique Pork’n Beans Pig Made from Coffee Beans
Another interesting highlight at the first Starbucks store is the Pork’n Beans pig sculpture made from genuine Starbucks coffee beans. This unique pig is a work of art created as part of the “Pigs on Parade” competition in 2001, to raise funds for the Pike Place Market Foundation.
Pork’n Beans is not only a creative artwork but also reflects Starbucks’ connection with the local community and Pike Place Market culture. Today, this adorable pig has become a familiar symbol and is associated with the history of the first Starbucks store, bringing joy and interest to visitors.
Pork’n Beans pig made from Starbucks coffee beans, a unique highlight in the original Starbucks coffee experience.
Starbucks Name and Literary Inspiration
Few know that the name Starbucks was inspired by the character Starbuck, the loyal first mate in Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby-Dick. The character Starbuck symbolizes the spirit of adventure, exploration, and the desire to conquer the seas, qualities that Starbucks wants to convey to its customers.
The name Starbucks not only evokes images of voyages but also expresses the desire to deliver a bold, unique, and premium coffee experience. Along with the Siren mermaid logo and distinctive name, Starbucks has created a strong imprint, making the first Starbucks store in Pike Place Market a global icon.
Origin of the Starbucks name from the novel Moby-Dick
Every small detail at the first Starbucks store contains historical values and is associated with the brand’s development story. From classic design to unique service style, Starbucks Pike Place remains a symbol of innovation, creativity, and coffee passion. These factors have helped Starbucks go beyond the boundaries of a regular coffee shop, becoming a global brand, conquering the hearts of millions of coffee lovers worldwide.
Exploring Seattle: Continuing the Starbucks Experience
Seattle is not only famous for the first Starbucks store but also a dynamic, multicultural city with countless attractions. After experiencing the original Starbucks coffee flavor, you can continue your journey to explore other famous tourist destinations of America’s “coffee capital.”
Boeing Everett Factory: Witnessing Aviation Wonders
Not far from downtown Seattle, the Boeing Everett Factory is a must-visit destination for those passionate about exploring technology and aviation. This is the world’s largest airplane manufacturing plant, where you can witness firsthand the assembly process of giant aircraft such as the Boeing 747, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.
Joining a tour of the Boeing Everett Factory, you will discover the complex stages of aircraft production, learn about the history and stature of the Boeing Corporation, and admire aviation engineering masterpieces.
Boeing Everett Factory, where giant airplanes are manufactured
Pike Place Market: Immersing Yourself in a Lively Atmosphere
Located right next to the first Starbucks store, Pike Place Market is a long-standing cultural symbol of Seattle, established in 1907. The market is not only a place to sell fresh produce but also a vibrant cultural and artistic space, gathering artisans, street performers, and exciting entertainment activities.
Visiting Pike Place Market, you will immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere, enjoy local cuisine, admire the skillful fish throwing of traders, and discover unique handicrafts.
Pike Place Market, a vibrant cultural icon of Seattle
MoPOP Museum: Exploring Pop Culture
The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a unique and impressive architectural work in Seattle, designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. The museum is home to valuable artifacts related to music, film, science fiction, and pop culture.
MoPOP is an ideal destination for those who love contemporary art and culture. Here, you can explore unique exhibitions about Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Star Wars, Marvel, and many other cultural icons.
MoPOP Museum, exploring pop culture in Seattle
Chihuly Garden and Glass: Admiring Glass Art
Chihuly Garden and Glass is a magnificent, colorful art space in Seattle, showcasing unique glass artworks by renowned artist Dale Chihuly. The garden harmoniously combines architecture, sculpture, and light, creating an impressive visual experience.
Visiting Chihuly Garden and Glass, you will admire exquisite and creative glass artworks, from giant glass flowers to complex sculptures, bringing a sparkling and magical art world.
Chihuly Garden and Glass, a sparkling and colorful art space in Seattle
Kubota Garden: Finding Tranquility
Kubota Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden, hidden in the heart of Seattle. Designed by Japanese gardener Fujitaro Kubota, the garden is a harmonious combination of traditional Japanese garden style and the natural landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
Kubota Garden is a green and peaceful oasis, where you can find tranquility and relaxation amidst the bustling urban life. Strolling through the garden, you will admire graceful wooden bridges, tranquil lakes, artificial waterfalls, and plants typical of Japan and the Pacific Northwest.
Kubota Garden, a green oasis in the heart of Seattle
Bainbridge Island: Immersing Yourself in Untamed Nature
Just a short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, Bainbridge Island is an ideal destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in untamed nature. The island is famous for its hiking trails through forests, quiet beaches, charming craft shops, and vibrant flower gardens.
Bainbridge Island offers a fresh, peaceful space, ideal for relaxing, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Bainbridge Island, a natural paradise near Seattle
Nordic Museum: Exploring Nordic Heritage
The Nordic Museum preserves and showcases the cultural heritage of the Nordic community in America. The museum presents historical, artistic, and cultural artifacts from Nordic countries such as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
Visiting the Nordic Museum, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and contributions of the Nordic community to the United States, exploring their immigration stories and life in Seattle.
Nordic Museum, exploring Nordic heritage in America
Northwest Trolls: The Way of the Bird King
Northwest Trolls is a unique art project, featuring giant troll sculptures made from recycled materials, hidden in forests and parks around Seattle. The Way of the Bird King is one of the most prominent works, attracting visitors with its impressive size and meaningful message about environmental protection.
Exploring The Way of the Bird King, you will immerse yourself in nature, search for giant troll statues, and discover the meaningful message that artist Thomas Dambo wants to convey.
Northwest Trolls, giant troll sculptures hidden in Seattle's nature
Snoqualmie Falls: Admiring Majestic Beauty
Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, just about a 45-minute drive from Seattle. The waterfall, over 80 meters high, cascades down from a steep cliff, creating a majestic and magnificent natural spectacle.
Visiting Snoqualmie Falls, you will admire the pristine beauty of nature, hike in the forest, take souvenir photos, and enjoy the fresh air.
Snoqualmie Falls, the majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest nature
Green Lake Park: Relaxing and Enjoying Green Space
Green Lake Park is one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in Seattle. With a large lake in the center, the park is an ideal place to relax, walk, jog, bike, boat, and participate in other outdoor activities.
Green Lake Park offers a green and fresh space, an ideal place for you to put aside the worries of life and enjoy relaxing moments in nature.
Green Lake Park, green and peaceful space in Seattle
Conclusion: Seattle and the Unmissable Original Starbucks Experience
Seattle, a city not only famous for Starbucks coffee but also a diverse and attractive tourist destination with countless unique cultural, historical, and natural experiences. A trip to Seattle would not be complete if you miss the opportunity to visit the first Starbucks store and enjoy the original Starbucks coffee flavor, the origin of a global coffee empire. Come to Seattle and discover the wonderful things this city has to offer, starting with an unforgettable Starbucks coffee experience.