In the bustling heart of Portland, Oregon, amidst the historic charm of Pioneer Square, lies a Starbucks location with a story that stretches back decades. More than just a place to grab your morning coffee, Starbucks Pioneer Square stands as a landmark, marking the spot where Starbucks first ventured into Oregon. Opened on August 28, 1989, this iconic store, known as Starbucks store number 401, has been serving the Portland community without interruption for over 26 years, a testament to its enduring appeal and historical significance.
This journey into the past begins with a fascinating discovery: a vintage newspaper article from The Oregonian, dated August 23, 1989. This article, unearthed from the archives, offers a glimpse into the anticipation and excitement surrounding the arrival of Starbucks in Portland. The headline itself announced the upcoming opening at Pioneer Courthouse Square, highlighting it as the first of three planned Starbucks outlets for the city that year. According to the article, Howard Schultz, then president of the 18-year-old specialty coffee chain, envisioned this location as a showcase for the Seattle-based company’s products, aiming to make a “large, visual impact” on the Portland market.
Pioneer Square Chosen: A Prime Location for Starbucks’ Oregon Debut
The selection of Pioneer Courthouse Square as the location for this inaugural Oregon Starbucks was no accident. David Porter, then executive director of Pioneer Courthouse Square, revealed a meticulous seven-month evaluation process to pinpoint the ideal business for this prominent space. Interestingly, out of 35 local retailers considered, and proposals ranging from pizza parlors to pubs, Starbucks was the only out-of-town business to express interest. Porter emphasized that Starbucks’ vision was uniquely “targeted to downtown and to the square,” aligning perfectly with the Square’s goals and the needs of the downtown Portland community. This strategic choice underscored the significance of Pioneer Square as a vibrant hub and a prime location for businesses seeking to establish a strong presence in Portland. The company committed to a five-year lease for the 1,100-square-foot property, with an option for renewal, demonstrating their confidence in this venture.
A Menu Ahead of Its Time: 34 Coffee Varieties and Culinary Offerings
The 1989 article further detailed the impressive offerings planned for this new Starbucks location. Imagine stepping into a coffee shop in 1989 and being presented with a selection of 34 different varieties and blends of coffee! This vast array, coupled with coffee drinks, juices, and sodas, was truly groundbreaking for the time. Adding to the appeal, Starbucks partnered with Portland caterer Ron Paul to provide food, making this location the “most food-oriented outlet” in the entire Starbucks chain. The menu featured fresh pastries for the morning crowd and transitioned to Italian-style sandwiches, salads, and desserts as the day progressed, catering to a wide range of tastes and appetites. This focus on both an extensive coffee selection and quality food items set the Pioneer Square Starbucks apart and contributed to its early success.
More Than Just Coffee: Starbucks’ Vision for Portland
Howard Schultz’s quotes in The Oregonian article reveal Starbucks’ ambitious plans for Portland. Having already established 39 outlets across Seattle-Tacoma, Vancouver, B.C., and Chicago, Portland was a key target for expansion. Schultz mentioned plans to open two more Portland locations before the end of 1989 – one at Two World Trade Center and another along Southwest Alder Street – aiming for a total of 50 stores by year’s end across their entire network. The fact that Starbucks had already expanded to Chicago before Portland is an interesting historical detail, highlighting the strategic approach the company took to market penetration.
Starbucks Pioneer Square Today: A Living Piece of Portland History
Today, Starbucks Pioneer Square remains a vibrant and integral part of downtown Portland. It stands not just as a place to enjoy a beloved beverage, but as a living testament to Starbucks’ early vision and the evolution of Portland’s coffee culture. While the media relations department might have different recorded opening dates due to archival discrepancies common with very old stores, the newspaper article and associated press photo provide compelling evidence of the August 28, 1989 grand opening. This location, Starbucks store number 401, continues to welcome customers, offering a familiar Starbucks experience within the historic ambiance of Pioneer Square. Visiting Starbucks Pioneer Square is like stepping back in time, connecting with the early days of Starbucks’ expansion and experiencing a piece of Portland’s vibrant history firsthand.
This exploration into the origins of Starbucks Pioneer Square was sparked by the discovery of a press photo featuring Howard Schultz inside the store just before its opening. The handwritten notes on the back of the photo – “oregonian” and “8-23-1989” – served as clues, leading to the rediscovery of The Oregonian newspaper article and the rich history behind this landmark location.
