Starbucks began as a small coffee shop in 1971 and grew rapidly throughout the 1980s and 1990s, opening many new stores across North America and beyond. However, slowing sales growth in the 2000s led the company to close many underperforming stores in 2008-2009 as the economy declined. Under the renewed leadership of Howard Schultz as CEO, Starbucks refocused on its coffee culture and customer experience. Changes like simplifying food options and rewarding loyalty helped sales rebound. Record revenues and profits in recent years show that Starbucks' customer-centric reforms have put the company back on track after a period of philosophical and financial transition.