About Starbucks canada
Starbucks Coffee Company opened its first store in Canada on March 1, 1987 at Vancouver’s SeaBus Terminal. Since then, for nearly 40 years and with more than 1,400 stores across the country today, Starbucks has been committed to being the premier purveyor of the world’s finest coffee, inspiring and nurturing the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time.
Starbucks Partners
The green apron at Starbucks is more than a uniform – it’s a symbol of our dedication to doing right by the people who make our success possible. Since we opened our doors in Vancouver nearly 40 years ago, we’ve provided millions of jobs and currently employ over 20,000 partners (employees) in Canada that receive competitive pay and best-in-class benefits. This includes Starbucks landmark program, Bean Stock, which offers company stock to part-time and full-time employees and is why we call our employees ‘partners,’ because we believe success is best when it’s shared.
Every year, we invest over $700 million CAD to enhance the partner experience, including increased pay and benefits to all eligible partners, including part-time hourly partners in Canada. Starbucks partners in Canada enjoy many benefits and partner perks based on their unique needs and feedback, including:
By The Numbers
Our Commitment to Canadian Communities
With hundreds of thousands of Canadians coming through our doors every day, we believe it is our responsibility to contribute positively to the communities we serve. Through a variety of community programs, we take action to help local communities in Canada, all led by partners who know their neighbourhoods best.
Starbucks Community Champions
Starbucks Community Champions are partners who support charities and causes in their local communities.
Starbucks FoodShare
Launched in Canada in 2018, Starbucks FoodShare provides ready-to-eat meals to people in need through our nationwide partnership with Second Harvest Canada.
Giving Match
Through Starbucks Giving Match, Starbucks recognizes and supports partners’ individual contributions of eligible financial donations and volunteer time to qualified registered charities in Canada.
Neighbourhood Grants
Every year, The Starbucks Foundation invites partners to nominate local grassroots, community-led charities in their community to receive small grants.
Disaster Relief Response
Starbucks and The Starbucks Foundation strengthen communities affected by disaster by investing in preparedness, response and resilience programs. In partnership with The Canadian Red Cross, Starbucks provides financial assistance to support communities in times of crisis.
We also strive to create a positive impact for the communities we serve by supporting nonprofit organizations, registered charities and initiatives through both company donations and community-driven efforts. This is done in partnership with The Starbucks Foundation, Starbucks partners and others with a shared commitment and belief in supporting thriving communities.
Starbucks Canada is a certified Caring Company. Through Imagine Canada, a national charitable organization with a focus on supporting and strengthening Canadian charities and non-profits, Starbucks Canada is recognized with the Caring Company Certification for our leadership in community investment.
Across our 1,400 stores in Canada, we serve 100% Canadian dairy in our beverages – our largest commodity by volume next to coffee. In 2024, we invested $500,000 with Dairy Farmers of Canada to support dairy-sustainability focused projects and Canadian dairy farmers on their path to net zero carbon emissions.
By The Numbers
Our Journey in Canada
1987
First international store opens at Vancouver’s SeaBus Terminal in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia
1988
Offers full health benefits to eligible full- and part-time employees
1996
Enters the Toronto market with the opening of the Toronto office and five stores across the city on the same day
1997
Enters the Alberta market
1999
Enters the Saskatchewan market
2000
Enters the Quebec and Atlantic Canada markets
2002
Opens a new Canadian support centre (head office) in Toronto
2006
Canada celebrates the opening of the 500th company-operated location
2013
Starbucks Veranda Blend becomes True North Blend in Canada after 22,000 entries were submitted in a nationwide contest to name this unique Blonde Roast coffee
2015
Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay launches in Canada
2016
Announces unprecedented mental health benefit increase, $400 to $5,000 per year
2017
Introduces Starbucks Blonde Espresso in Canada first
2018
FoodShare pilot launches in the Greater Toronto Area
2019
Starbucks Delivers launches in Canada
2021
Announces permanent paid sick and family care for hourly partners in Canada
2021
FoodShare expands coast to coast in Canada
2023
Recognized with the Caring Company Certification by Imagine Canada
2024
Opens first Indigenous licensed and operated stores with Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and We Wai Kai Nation
2024
Partners with Dairy Farmers of Canada with $500,000 investment in sustainability
