Quick Answer
Starbucks was founded in Seattle, USA, in 1971. According to its fiscal 2025 Form 10-K, it had 40,990 stores worldwide on September 28, 2025: 21,514 company-operated and 19,476 licensed, including 18,311 in North America. In Taiwan, the brand is operated by Uni-President Starbucks, which opened its first store in Tianmu, Taipei, in 1998 and announced more than 600 stores in May 2026.
Starbucks at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1971, Seattle, USA |
| Stores worldwide | 40,990 (Sept 28, 2025; 21,514 company-operated, 19,476 licensed) |
| North America | 18,311 (11,018 company-operated, 7,293 licensed) |
| China (company-operated) | 8,009 |
| Taiwan | Uni-President Starbucks; first store 1998 in Tianmu; 600+ stores in May 2026 |
Taiwan’s Top Three Coffee Chains
| Brand | Stores in Taiwan (May 2026 report) |
|---|---|
| Starbucks | About 600 |
| Louisa Coffee | About 560 |
| 85°C | Nearly 400 |
3 Lessons for Café and Bubble Tea Operators
- Company-operated plus licensed: about half of Starbucks stores are licensed, and Taiwan is run by a local partner. See brand licensing and distribution.
- More than coffee: tea lattes, blended drinks and seasonal specials need reliable tea leaves, syrups and flavor powders.
- The cup is the brand: see drink cups and cup lids.
How Tang Sugar Supports Cafés and Bubble Tea Shops
Tang Sugar supplies tea leaves, syrups, flavor powders, non-dairy creamer, cups and lids from Taiwan, quoted together for your menu and consolidated into one shipment. We also offer an international sourcing agent service and tea shop planning. Contact us for bulk and wholesale quotes.
Note: this article summarizes public information about the brand. Caitang International (Tang Sugar) has no partnership or affiliation with the brands mentioned; brand names and trademarks belong to their owners. Figures are as of each source’s publication date.
Products in this article
All 487 Bubble Tea & Boba Ingredients →
FAQ
Which country is Starbucks from?
Starbucks is an American brand founded in Seattle, Washington, in 1971.
How many Starbucks stores are there worldwide?
There were 40,990 stores on September 28, 2025, according to the fiscal 2025 annual report.
Who operates Starbucks in Taiwan?
Uni-President Starbucks, part of the Uni-President group, which opened the first Taiwan store in Tianmu, Taipei, in 1998.
How many Starbucks stores are in Taiwan?
Uni-President Starbucks announced more than 600 stores in May 2026.
Related Reading
Who Founded Louisa Coffee? From a Tiny Takeaway Shop to About 560 Stores in Taiwan
Where Is Luckin Coffee From? China’s Largest Coffee Chain by Stores, Now in the US
Where Is Blue Bottle Coffee From? Oakland Roots, Nestlé’s Stake and Expansion in Asia
Taking a Bubble Tea Brand Overseas: Market Assessment, Trademarks, Ingredient Supply Chain and Store Replication
