Since its humble beginnings at Seattle's Pike Place Market in 1971, Starbucks has grown to become an industry leader and household name. This book takes an in-depth look at the evolution of this dynamic and sometimes controversial corporation.

Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee every day, and many of them come from the thousands of Starbucks coffeehouses across the country. But how much do you really know about the place you get your morning cup of Joe?

Part of the Corporations That Changed the World series, this book provides readers with a richly detailed history of this famous coffeehouse chain. It traces Starbucks' meteoric rise from a small Seattle-based company to an international powerhouse, chronicling how the changing executive leadership affected corporate strategy and direction. It also explores how Starbucks has embraced and incorporated new technologies and innovations, as well as how the corporation has shaped and been shaped by important social causes. An unbiased look at the controversies that have surrounded Starbucks over the years will help readers better understand these contentious issues. This updated and expanded edition includes new chapters, financial data, and coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the company.