Seattle voters face the prospect of a tax on espresso and derivative drinks to help pay for children’s programs.

Starbucks has reached an agreement to buy Seattle Coffee Company from AFC Enterprises.

Starbucks plans to acquire its licensed operations in Switzerland and Austria from its partner, Bon appetite Group.

Starbucks, Bank One, and Visa U.S.A. have announced a strategic relationship to develop “innovative new consumer payment products that will enable Starbucks to enhance consumer convenience and reward customer loyalty.”

First quarter earnings per share of $0.20 exceeds consensus estimate by $0.02. Targets for 2003 include opening at least 1,200 new stores and increasing total revenues by approximately 20 percent

Winners of the chain’s “Match Made Over Coffee” contest will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to Europe.

Ten percent increase in same-store sales.

Net profit down 55 percent in first half of year for Japanese subsidiary.

Caffeinated growth: 11th consecutive year of comparable store sales growth of 5% or greater.

Same-store sales at company-owned stores up 10%.

Company announces long-term goal of 25,00 stores worldwide.

Twenty Seattle stores are participating in the hot breakfast sandwich market test.

Growth of 20-25% per year expected by world’s leading coffee retailer.

Jim Donald, former president/CEO of Pathmark Stores, takes the helm.

Tenth consecutive year of both comparable store sales gains of 5% or greater and 20% plus revenue growth.

First Starbucks store on the island is to be located in the heart of Old San Juan

Through a deal with Hewlett-Packard and T-Mobile, Starbucks plans to offer wireless Internet access to its patrons.

PepsiCo veteran David Pace will take over the coffee company’s human resources division

Innovative ordering service allows customers to conveniently and quickly order their favorite beverages or pastries by phone or online before arriving at the store

Pilot program to help small Mexican coffee producers excel in an increasingly challenging coffee marketplace

Company will replace registered Starbucks Cards that have been lost or stolen