SEATTLE, USA – Starbucks announced Monday the revival of the Coffee Master program for its retail partners in North America. Nearly 20 years ago, Starbucks introduced the Coffee Master program and black aprons as a special designation for partners around the world who are experts in coffee knowledge.
In his first 30 days back as CEO, Howard Schultz and senior leaders have met with partners all around the country in collaboration sessions to co-create the future of Starbucks together.
One piece of feedback has been clear, says the company: “becoming a Coffee Master and receiving a black apron was one of the coolest parts of being a barista at Starbucks”.
It continues to be a source of pride for partners to visually showcase their knowledge and skill.
In response, and in celebration of partners’ coffee passion, Starbucks is bringing the Coffee Master program and black aprons back to North America
In addition, partners who become a Coffee Master will have the chance to be selected for a trip to origin – or “the first 10 feet” of the bean to cup journey – specifically, Starbucks coffee farm, Hacienda Alsacia, in Costa Rica.
The story of Starbucks aprons
From the iconic green to black for Coffee Masters, the Starbucks apron has become a way to celebrate events and milestones and recognize partner contributions.
The apron was a part of Starbucks from the first day it opened its doors in Seattle’s Pike Place Market in 1971. Partners wore simple brown grocer’s aprons – the same shade as the original Siren logo and the whole bean coffee they weighed and scooped each day.
Green aprons
In 1987, Starbucks partners began wearing aprons in the now-iconic Starbucks green and updated with the company’s new logo. Now, in more than 80 markets around the world, nearly 400,000 Starbucks partners embrace the green apron as a symbol of Starbucks mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit — one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.
Black aprons
Black aprons will be worn by Coffee Masters – eligible partners who complete Starbucks Coffee Academy. Launched in 2019 and developed to open-source coffee knowledge, Coffee Academy is available in 60 countries with more than 180,000 course enrollments to date – both Starbucks partners and customers – building their love, passion and knowledge of coffee together.
Signing store aprons
Partners at Starbucks signing stores globally wear aprons with the word “Starbucks” embroidered in sign language.
A rainbow of aprons
Other colorful variations have also popped up over the years, like orange aprons in the Netherlands to celebrate King’s Day, pale blue aprons for the launch of Frappuccino Happy Hour, and even a rare purple apron for barista champions.
