"**History:** The first Starbucks opened its doors in Seattle on March 30, 1971, and between 1987 and 2007, the company rapidly expanded, adding nearly two new branches every day. The original Starbucks was founded by Jerry Baldwin, an English teacher, Zev Siegl, a history teacher, and Gordon Bowker, a writer, all of whom were alumni of the University of San Francisco. Their goal was to provide customers with high-quality coffee. The first location was at 2000 Western Avenue and operated there until 1975, after which it moved to 1912 Pike Place Market, where it still stands today. Initially, Starbucks sold only roasted whole coffee beans and did not brew coffee for sale; instead, they offered free samples to entice customers to buy the whole beans. In 1987, the original owners sold Starbucks to former employee Howard Schultz, who shifted the focus towards robust flavors and an Italian-style espresso coffee experience."
