U.S. consumer company · large-cap · listed on Nasdaq · headquartered in Washington State.
Clue 2 · The Numbers
About $36 billion in revenue from roughly 40,000 locations — one of the most ubiquitous retail footprints ever built.
Clue 3 · The History
Opened its first store in 1971 at Seattle's Pike Place Market, selling beans only — no drinks. The drinks came after a trip to Milan.
Clue 4 · The Secret
Customers leave well over a billion dollars loaded on its gift cards and app at any given time — an interest-free loan bigger than some banks' deposits.
Clue 5 · The Lore
Named after the first mate in Moby-Dick. Your name will still be spelled wrong on the cup.
Clue 6 · The Giveaway
Green mermaid. Pumpkin Spice Latte. The unofficial office of every laptop worker in America.