Starbucks How Starbucks Changed Supply Chain Management From Coffee Bean to Cup Starbucks Company Profile Began in 1971 as a single store in Seattle’s Pike Place Market as a roaster and retailer of whole bean and ground coffee, tea and spices. Starbucks is named after the first mate in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Their logo is also inspired by the sea—featuring a twin-tailed siren from Greek mythology. Mission: To inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one