In 1986, Howard Schultz outlined his vision for Il Giornale, his new company, in a memo to employees: "We wish to enhance the environment where our people work. We recognize that rewards must be psychological as well as financial and strive for an atmosphere where each individual can share in the growth."
By 1990, Il Giornale and Starbucks had merged, and we needed a similar touchstone to lead us. So we wrote one of our own.
Our first mission statement was a simple embodiment of our founding ethos: “Establish Starbucks as the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world while maintaining our uncompromising principles as we grow.”
Today’s mission has evolved to express the boundless potential of connecting over coffee. “With every cup, with every conversation, with every community – we nurture the limitless possibilities of human connection.”
Using these words as our guide, we ensure that every store opened, every partner hired and every cup of coffee brewed reflects our values.
