Have you ever wondered why there’s so many Starbucks restaurants in the Lower Mainland? More specifically, in BC? We have the most Starbucks per population- there’s a store here for every 15,258 people with a total of 329 Starbucks shops. So why? Well, lemme give you a quick little history lesson.

Everyone’s had to have heard of the first Starbucks. It’s located at Pike Place in Seattle, Washington on the west coast. This Starbucks was founded in 1971, and by just 1984, they had opened 6 coffee shops in Seattle. By the end of 1984, Starbucks’ sales were at $6.5 million, almost $1 million more from the previous year. So guess what happened by 1987? You guessed it! Their first location outside of Seattle was built at Vancouver’s very own Waterfront station. And the rest is history. 

The whole “That first sip feeling” is literally facts. From the start, Starbucks is a coffee shop for west coasters, so there you go! That’s why there’s at least 2 within a walkable distance no matter where you live in Vancouver. 

Starbucks is known for their quality, and honestly, good on them for making that their trademark. From a marketing perspective, there’s nothing more brilliant than being known for having consistently amazing products. 

Have you ever gone to a restaurant and had the most amazing time there? Best memories, prices, food, service, and overall vibe? And then you go home and realize there’s another location of the same restaurant that’s even closer to your house? So the next time you go, you go to the closer location, and it’s just a huge disappointment? Yeah, been there more times than I’d like to admit. However, I am genuinely impressed to say that I’ve never had this issue with Starbucks. No matter which one I go to, no matter the province or country, it’s always top quality and delicious. 

I think this is because Starbucks actually puts a high effort and priority into ensuring all staff are properly trained. They also make sure their mission statement, to inspire and nurture the human spirit, is widely known and supported between staff and customers alike. 

So, this is your sign to get out of the house, put on a cozy sweater with fuzzy socks and a big fluffy scarf, and enjoy one of the worlds best pumpkin spice lattes in our very own neighborhoods. Let’s be true, cozy west coasters together.