When we stop to shop or eat at a large chain store or restaurant, we don’t usually think about where it all started. Because of this, many people probably don’t realize how many large companies got their start right in Seattle. This exciting city is the birthplace of many different well-known brands. How many of these national brands did you know that got their start in Seattle?
- Starbucks
There can’t be a list of companies that got their start in Seattle that doesn’t include Starbucks. The popular coffeehouse chain is probably the most famous brand with roots in Seattle. It all started in 1971, with the first store on Western Avenue. It stayed here until 1976 when the company moved to Pike Place, where it remains today. When Starbucks first started, it only sold whole roasted coffee beans, and the original location still sells just coffee and a few beverages. If you want more, you can stop in at one of the other 24,000 other locations around the world.
- Cinnabon
The delicious cinnamon rolls of Cinnabon also got their start in Seattle. In 1985, at the SeaTac Mall, which is now the Federal Way Mall, the first Cinnabon rolls made their way to customers. Rich Komen, the owner of Restaurants Unlimited and CEO Ray Lindstrom, made it their mission to create the perfect cinnamon treat. These rich and delicious treats are now sold all around the country.
- Eddie Bauer
Eddie Bauer, famous for its down jackets and outdoor wear, got its start in Seattle. Eddie Bauer, a Pacific Northwest outdoorsman, started the company, and in 1940 patented the first quilted down jacket. Over the years, he would also patent several other outdoor items, before selling his interest in the company in 1968.
- Sur La Table
Sur la Table is a retail kitchenware company that sells everything from cookware to cutlery, appliances, bakeware and more. This company got its start in 1972 when Shirley Collins opened a store in Pike Place Market. Now, there are over 100 stores around the country, 75 of which offer cooking classes, and a website with cooking tips and recipes. Shirley Collins sold the company in 1995, but its corporate headquarters are still based right in Seattle.
- REI
It’s not surprising that another outdoor gear company got its start in Seattle. Lloyd and Mary Anderson created REI or Recreational Equipment Incorporated as a cooperative to help people who love the outdoors get affordable equipment. The first full-time employee was Jim Whittaker, who is also the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and he later became the CEO. REI is now the largest consumer co-op in the country and you can find shops in almost every state. The company still encourages their customers to try before they buy.
How many of these brands did you know got their start in Seattle? There are many other products and companies that have roots in the Seattle area including Microsoft, UPS, and Amazon.
Image via shinji_w | Licensed by CC BY 2.0
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