Starbucks Corporation is a coffeehouse chain based in the United States.

Named after a character in the novel Moby Dick, it is the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with over 7500 self-operated and 5500 licensed stores in 39 countries. The current company logo, modeled after a 15th century Norse woodcut, is a mixoparthenos, or "twin-tailed mermaid, or siren as she's known in Greek mythology. The company and the logo have an interesting history. In Jan 2011, Starbucks released a new version of the logo with a couple of big changes and some subtle changes as well. The two major changes made to the logo are

They removed the name of the company "Starbucks Coffee". Their intention behind this maybe to expand the brand to beyond coffee. They have been talking about expanding into breakfast and there was also talk of a Bar/Lounge concept. This makes sense if they want to expand but maybe they should have kept the name "Starbucks" and removed "Coffee".

They also removed the circle around the Siren and the logo now features just the Siren. The logo has some subtle changes including smoothing her hair, refining her facial features, weighting the scales on her tail to bring the focus to her face.

The logo refinements were done by Lippincott.

Starbucks was founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1971 as a local coffee bean roaster and retailer called Starbucks Coffee, Tea and Spices. Howard Schultz joined the company in 1982 and was inspired on a trip to Italy to develop a similar espresso bar and coffeehouse culture in the United States. To advance the concept, he founded the company Il Giornale three years later. In 1987, Schultz purchased Starbucks, merged it with Il Giornale, and renamed the company Starbucks Corporation. The logo on the left is that of the Il Giornale company. As you can see, the Il Giornale logo is somewhat similar to Starbucks logo i.e being circular and having a band.

The original logo, as seen on the left, the Starbucks siren was topless and had a fully-visible double fish tail. The original logo has raised some controvery because of the bare chest, but the logo continues to appear on some of the products like the Starbucks Anniversary Blend 1 lb coffee bags. Both the original logos seem to be perfect on wooden crates.

In the second version, her chest was covered by her flowing hair, but her navel was still visible, and the fish tail was cropped slightly. The logo also inherited the stars from the Il Giornale logo.

In the current version, her navel and chest are not visible at all, and only vestiges remain of the fish tails.

Store Design
Sustainable design and build methodologies are part of our DNA. We believe a coffeehouse should be a place to find connection. We believe it should fit seamlessly within its neighborhood. And we believe its environmental impact should be as minimal as possible. Our store designs are rooted in our coffee heritage, and in our Starbucks Shared Planet community involvement and environmental stewardship goals. So our designs reflect the character of a stores surrounding neighborhood and help reduce environmental impacts. As our stores are built and renovated, we will source materials and employ craftsmen on a local basis and incorporate reused and recycled elements where possible. To guide our efforts, were using the U.S. Green Building Councils LEED certification program as a benchmark for success. (LEED is short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.) We aim to achieve LEED certification globally for all new, company-owned stores beginning in late 2010. Each new and renovated store uses one of four design concepts. We invite you to explore them:

Heritage coffeehouses reflect the mercantile roots of our first store in Seattles historic Pike Place Market with worn wood, stained concrete or tile floors, metal stools and factory-inspired lighting. Large community tables, club chairs and wood blinds evoke a turn-of-the-last-century feeling. Artisan stores echo the industrial past of urban markets, taking inspiration from the Modernism of the 1930s. This motif celebrates simple materials like exposed steel beams, masonry walls, factory casement glass and hand-polished woodwork in a creative gathering place for culture and the arts. Regional Modern embodies a trend-setting style that is comfortable and welcoming. We use bright, loft-like, light-filled spaces punctuated with regionally inspired furniture and culturally relevant fabrics to create a calm and contemporary respite from the clamor of the fast-paced world. Concept stores are unique environments created by our designers to explore innovations within the coffeehouse. We call them our design sandboxes. That sense of exploration is extended to everyone who visits, through daily coffee and tea cuppings, artistic events and community gatherings.

7th and H
800 7th St NW Suite 305, Washington, DC 20001. Washingtons Chinatown neighborhood is a storied historical district with a renewed vigor and vibrancy. In 2006, the area underwent a $200 million renovation that transformed it into a popular destination for shopping, eating and nightlife. The nearby Verizon Center also brings a steady flow of sports and concert enthusiasts into the neighborhood. And at the heart of all this activity, theres a Starbucks. The store sits directly across from the Chinatown gate and the Gallery Place Metro station. And while the signage has Chinese characters as a respectful nod to its location, you can still recognize all the consistently tasteful elements that make the store a Starbucks. Notable Store Elements

A custom mural and exposed brick walls create a warm interior. Reclaimed wood was used for the bar, tables and condiment stations. LED lighting was used in the signage to conserve energy.

Bellevue Square
226 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, Washington 98004. Shopping malls and food courts arent often appreciated from an aesthetic perspective, but there is room for innovation and great design. Thats the approach we took to our store in the second floor center court of Bellevue Square, a site that attracts more than 16 million visitors a year to its 180 retail shops and restaurants. Notable Store Elements

Much of the stores equipment and furnishings are repurposed from other Starbucks locations. Other fixtures were manufactured by local suppliers. Water conservation features include low-flow faucets and a grease interceptor to keep oils out of the main sewer. Energy saving LED lighting was also installed.

Palace Hotel
Plaza de las Cortes, 7, Madrid 28014, Spain. LEED Platinum certified. The historic Palace Hotel (built by order of King Alfonso XIII in 1912) with its garden terrace, the fountain of Neptuno and nearby museums of Madrid all of these provide a stunning backdrop to this recently renovated and expanded store, which was our very first coffeehouse in Spain. This location now has the distinction of being another first it is our first LEED-certified store in Spain. Green solutions were used throughout the renovation of the store. In its design, this coffeehouse draws inspiration from its rich history. Archways, boxed beams and paneled wainscot were used to give the space its classical feel. A light, airy color palette compliments the warm woods and spacious architecture. Notable Store Elements

The countertops were made from an old wooden bench that was given a second life. The community table and leather chairs were found in an antique market and restored. Scrap leather obtained from shoe and automobile factories was used on the face of the bar. Half of the wood used to build the store was repurposed from other Starbucks stores. Of the new wood that was used, 90% is Forest Stewardship Council certified, which means it was responsibly sourced. Entrance mats were made using recycled rubber from aircraft tires. Wood, metal, cement and other waste materials were separated and recycled during construction. The mural was created using burlap bags from a Starbucks roasting facility. Efficient air conditioning equipment and LED bulbs reduced the stores energy use by 30%. Low-flow faucets and waterless urinals reduce the stores water use by 40%.

1st and Pike

102 Pike St., Seattle, Washington 98101. LEED Gold certification. This corner store is at the gateway to Seattles historic Pike Place Market a location of rich history and vital importance to both Starbucks and the Emerald City. It was, after all, in the Market that the original Starbucks opened in 1971. The design of our 1st & Pike coffeehouse evokes the warm heritage of that first store through its hardwoods, furniture and lighting. The store is LEED Gold certified. During construction, we made sure to recycle as much of the construction waste as possible. Notable Store Elements

The leather on bars outer facing was scrap obtained from shoe and automobile factories. The walnut used in the tables, doors and bar top was salvaged from a nearby farm. The signage on the bar uses recycled slate from a local high school. The community table is twice reused; it was previously located at a Seattle restaurant and before that, in a home. The restroom partitions are made from recycled laundry detergent bottles. The wall tapestry is made of repurposed burlap coffee bags from our local roasting plant.

Conduit Street
2/3 Conduit St., London, United Kingdom W1S 2BX. This store at the heart of London offers a stylish caf presence. Its definitely a place to be seen, with large windows giving a great view to and from the street. For large groups and the evening crowd, the basement offers an eclectic, lounge-like atmosphere with soft, inviting seating. The design relates to the character and sophistication of this particular neighborhood. It includes found objects, reclaimed regional materials and elements saved from the previous tenant. Several environmental initiatives imbedded throughout the design including reclaimed regional materials and energy efficient lighting. Notable Store Elements

The wood used for shelving comes from fallen oak trees from Wales. Reclaimed wood panels come from the salvaged floor boards of a demolished hotel in Kent. Hardwoods come from a member of a European sustainable forestry commission program. Artwork comes from old tea boxes found in Bolton and saved from a landfill. The wooden frames are made from beams of a demolished Victorian-era brewery.

Energy saving LED lighting was also installed.

Disney Village
77700 Chessy Paris, FR-75 77700, France. Registered for LEED certification. Disney Village is the shopping, dining and entertainment center of Disneyland Paris, which welcomes 14 million visitors a year. This beautiful store in the heart of Disney Village looks back toward the 1930s-era of European clean, modernist design and it looks forward as an example of what green design can accomplish. This building was originally designed by architect Frank Gehry with signature towers of stainless steel. We renovated the existing Gehry towers to naturally ventilate the space. The building is registered for LEED certification. Notable Store Elements

Wood in the store comes from retired barrels reclaimed from the French wine industry. The countertop uses a material containing recycled mobile phone parts. The face of the bar is scrap leather obtained from shoe and automobile factories. Chairs are reclaimed from other stores and reupholstered to save them from landfills. The coffee stamp artwork was made using reclaimed wood Entryway floor mats are made using recycled rubber from French aircraft tires. Low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets in our restrooms help conserve water. The ventilation system uses natural convection-exhausting heat to significantly reduce energy use. Using LED and CFL light bulbs further reduces our energy use.

University Village
4634 26th Ave NE, Seattle, Washington 98105. Registered for LEED certification. For decades, the large Starbucks at Seattles University Village outdoor mall has been one of our busiest stores, beloved by large crowds of students hitting the books and shoppers seeking rest from their treasure hunts.

When it came time to renovate this legendary store, we looked for ways to make it even more inviting and inspiring with large community tables, warm wood features and green design elements throughout. Notable Store Elements

Redwood siding on the exterior is from reclaimed Eastern Washington hop-vine poles. Table wood was salvaged from a fallen ash tree in Seattles Wallingford neighborhood. Paints, finishes and adhesives were designed not to interfere with the aroma of coffee. The leather on the bar is scrap from shoe and automobile factories. The wood used in the wall fixtures was recycled from school bleachers. The wall tapestry is made of burlap coffee bags from our local roasting plant. Dual-flush toilets and low-flow faucets significantly reduce our water use. LED and CFL bulbs reduce our energy use. Over 80% of the construction waste was diverted from landfill and reused or recycled.

From the neighborhoods where our stores are located, to the ones where our coffee is grown we believe in being involved in the communities were a part of.
Bringing people together, inspiring change and making a difference in people's lives it's all part of being a good neighbor. And it's a commitment rooted in the belief that we can use our size to bring about positive change.
Community Service

Were inspiring partners (employees) and customers alike to get involved in their communities through innovative volunteer programs. Learn More About Community Service
Youth Action

We're tapping into the natural potential of young people empowering them to use their creativity and innovation to have a positive impact in their communities. Learn More About Engaging Young People
(STARBUCKS)RED

Weve partnered with Product (RED) to help fight AIDS in Africa. And with your support, were continuing to make a big difference in the lives of many. Learn More About (STARBUCKS)RED
Starbucks Foundation

Created to further our commitment to community, the Starbucks Foundation supports programs that contribute to our communities in meaningful ways. Learn More About The Starbucks Foundation
Ethos Water Fund

Every time you purchase a bottle of Ethos Water, you help provide clean water to children in developing countries.

Environmental Stewardship
We share our customers' commitment to the environment
And we believe in the importance of caring for our planet working with and encouraging others to do the same. As a company that relies on an agricultural product, it makes good business sense. And as people living in the world, it is simply the right thing to do.
Recycling

Its a big challenge and were making big progress. Were trying to develop more environmentally friendly cups and are working hard to expand our recycling program in an effort to reduce the waste we create. Learn More About Recycling & Reducing Waste
Energy

We are proud of the work we have done to be more energy efficient and were committed to further minimizing our energy consumption and using renewable sources of energy to lower our impact on the planet.

Learn More About Energy Conservation

Water

We all have to work carefully with one of our most valuable natural resources and were evaluating our store design, equipment and operations to identify ways to continue to reduce the amount of water we use. Learn More About Water Conservation
Green Building

Were making our stores as green as we can by using responsible building materials and energy efficient designs to reduce our environmental footprint. Learn More About Building Greener Stores
Climate Change

Climate change poses a serious threat to the worlds coffee-growing regions and were aggressively pursuing strategies to address this problem and help farmers mitigate the impact. Learn More About Tackling Climate Change

Online Community
Aside from fine coffee, its the wonderful people you meet that make Starbucks so special. People like you. People with ideas, passion and curiosity. Youre the reason we try so hard to make our coffeehouses warm, welcoming places to gather. And youre the one we want to give voice to in our online communities. Wed like to help you have fun, dream big and connect to the people and ideas that interest you. Because we believe marvelous things happen when you put great coffee and great people together.

Entertainment
What would the coffeehouse be without great music? Well it wouldnt be Starbucks, for one thing. Were just as passionate about music as we are about coffee. Thats why we handpick all the tunes you hear in our stores. We take pride in creating unique compilations you cant find anywhere else. Because helping people discover their next favorite artist or recording is one of our favorite things to do.
Music

Colbie Callat - All of You New Release

Various Artists - Jamaica: Island in the Sun New Release

Various Artists - The Help: Orginial Motion Picture Soundtrack New Release

Various Artists - T-Bone Burnett New Release

Beyonce - 4

Bon Iver - Bon Iver

About Us
It happens millions of times each week a customer receives a drink from a Starbucks barista but each interaction is unique.
Its just a moment in time just one hand reaching over the counter to present a cup to another outstretched hand. But its a connection. We make sure everything we do honors that connection from our commitment to the highest quality coffee in the world, to the way we engage with our customers and communities to do business responsibly. From our beginnings as a single store over forty years ago, in every place that weve been, and every place that we touch, we've tried to make it a little better than we found it.

Our Heritage

Every day, we go to work hoping to do two things: share great coffee with our friends and help make the world a little better. It was true when the first Starbucks opened in 1971, and its just as true today.

Back then, the company was a single store in Seattles historic Pike Place Market. From just a narrow storefront, Starbucks offered some of the worlds finest fresh-roasted whole bean coffees. The name, inspired by Moby Dick, evoked the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders. In 1981, Howard Schultz (Starbucks chairman, president and chief executive officer) had first walked into a Starbucks store. From his first cup of Sumatra, Howard was drawn into Starbucks and joined a year later. A year later, in 1983, Howard traveled to Italy and became captivated with Italian coffee bars and the romance of the coffee experience. He had a vision to bring the Italian coffeehouse tradition back to the United States. A place for conversation and a sense of community. A third place between work and home. He left Starbucks for a short period of time to start his own Il Giornale coffeehouses and returned in August 1987 to purchase Starbucks with the help of local investors. From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. Our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. Today, with more than 15,000 stores in 50 countries, Starbucks is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. And with every cup, we strive we bring both our heritage and an exceptional experience to life.