Starbucks began in 1971 with three partners opening the first store in Seattle's Pike Place Market. In the early 1980s, Howard Schultz joined Starbucks and helped expand its business. Today Starbucks has over 18,000 stores in 62 countries. The document discusses Starbucks exploring opportunities in Germany through a joint venture with KarstadtQuelle Group in 2001. It provides an analysis of the partnership's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Recommendations are made to help Starbucks adapt its brand and operations to the German market to ensure the venture's success.