Starbucks deliberately designed its iconic round tables to help customers feel less lonely.
Starbucks’ secret to success wasn’t the logo, it was the idea of making people feel at home with round tables. When Howard Schultz took over Starbucks in the early 1980s, he didn’t just want to sell coffee, he wanted to create a place where people felt welcome and at home. His goal was to make Starbucks a "third place," a spot between home and work where people could relax, connect, and build community. That’s why he decided to use round tables in the stores. Unlike square tables, which can make people feel separated, round tables make it easier for people to talk and interact, whether they’re sitting alone or with others. By the mid-1990s, Starbucks had grown into a popular spot for customers to meet and connect. Today, Starbucks has over 32,000 stores worldwide and has become a global cultural hub, all thanks to the idea of creating a space where everyone feels they belong. As Howard Schultz said, "Starbucks represents something beyond a cup of coffee." Success isn’t just about sales, it’s about creating connections that last. #Believe