Starbucks' early expansion (1987-1997)
Starbucks grew from 11 stores in 1987 to over 1,400 by 1997, opening locations one at a time in mixed-use buildings and street corners. Each new store was a bet on foot traffic and neighborhood growth.
Starbucks became the dominant US coffee chain.
Set the template for coffee franchise expansion.
Slowpokes is following the same playbook, adding locations across Houston's neighborhoods.
