Starbucks Company Headquarters

Cardboard chair anyone?



How about a folding chair in every Pantone color?


One major highlight was a tour of the Starbucks company headquarters. It's difficult to describe their inspiring work environment without being able to experience it first hand. One awesome feature is that on every floor they have a kitchen area with free Starbucks drinks. I doubt many people go without their morning or afternoon coffee in this office. The overall work atmosphere was very chill, yet energetic and highly creative. It would be the ideal work environment for just about every creative-minded professional.

We were fortunate enough to visit during a very exciting time for the company. They just recently launched their new logo, they were also currently celebrating their 40th anniversary, and CEO Howard Schultz had just released his second book, "Onward: How Starbucks Fought for its Life Without Losing its Soul."

Deep within the guts of the building, we toured the Starbucks Brand Experience, a history museum-like exhibit displaying the past, present, and a preview of the future of the finest coffee company in the world.

By far my favorite part was being able to see ALL the different logo options their creative department brainstormed. While revamping the world famous brand logo, they had an entire room covered with logos from floor to ceiling. The overall process from beginning strategy stage to the final implementation phase took roughly 18 months. To say the least, they didn't cut any corners in strategically recreating their mark in the world.

Another highlight was when we visited a "test" Starbucks where they were experimenting by offering a wine bar in select coffee shops. I was told one thought behind this was that through research gatherings, they found that people gather at coffee shops more often than they used to frequent local bars or nightclubs. In order to cater to this emerging market, they're conducting real-life field research by offering select wine and brew beverages in a segregated portion of the shop. I wonder if this would catch on in the Grand Rapids area--although it would be direct competition to the Reserve wine bar. Hmm...?

On behalf of Adrienne, I would like to extend a HUGE thank you to those that took such great care of us during our stay in Seattle (you know who you are!) We had an absolute awesome time and cannot wait until the next time we can visit!