What inspired the name "Starbucks"?

The name "Starbucks" is inspired by the novel Moby Dick, authored by Herman Melville. In the story, one of the primary characters is Starbuck, the first mate of the whaling ship Pequod. The founders of Starbucks were influenced by their love for the sea, the coffee trade, and the evocative imagery associated with whaling ships. They felt that the name encapsulated a sense of adventure and exploration that they wanted to evoke in their coffee brand.

Choosing a literary connection such as Moby Dick also aligns with the company’s branding and the storytelling aspect of coffee culture, which emphasizes the journey of coffee from bean to cup. This connection not only gives the brand a unique identity but also aligns with the deep tradition of coffee being a beverage that inspires conversation and community, much like the narratives found in literature.