``Starbucks Express'' Launches in Denver.

Business Editors

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 1, 2002

Innovative Ordering Service Allows Customers to Conveniently and

Quickly Order Their Favorite Beverages or Pastries

by Phone or Online Before Arriving at the Store

Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq:SBUX) launched the only large-scale market test of "Starbucks Express(TM)," today in Denver. Starbucks Express is a new service that provides customers with the convenience of ordering and paying for their favorite beverages and pastries by using their phone or the Internet.

"We're very excited about how well Starbucks Express was received by customers in test stores in the Seattle area," said Darren Huston, senior vice president, New Ventures, Starbucks Coffee Company. "In fact, we intended to end the Seattle test in January, but positive customer feedback lead us to extend the test indefinitely. Consumers have told us it has sped up their morning commute to work; and parents have found it a convenient way to order while on the go with their children as they do not need to wait in line."

"The expansion to more than 60 stores in Denver will offer Starbucks the opportunity to further assess customer interest and refine the service for a possible national launch," added Huston.

Starting August 1, 2002, Starbucks Express will give customers more time in their day by letting them pre-order and pre-pay for their favorite Starbucks beverages and pastries. Customers simply place their order via phone or the Starbucks Express website at www.starbucks-express.com about five minutes before arriving at their favorite store. Their pre-paid beverage will be ready upon arrival and waiting for them at the pick-up area with their name printed on the cup. Just for signing up and trying the service, Starbucks will be offering a complimentary first order.

"Starbucks Express offers people on-the-go the most convenient and efficient service coupled with the best coffee beverages available," said Anne Saunders, vice president, Starbucks Interactive, Starbucks Coffee Company. "Starbucks Express eliminates the need to carry cash and makes the morning coffee ritual more predictable, while enhancing the coffee experience. For our customers, having their own custom-made coffee beverage ready for them when they arrive also makes them feel valued."

Starbucks Express offers customers the same coffee beverages and the majority of pastries and breads that are available in Starbucks retail stores. There is a 25 cent service fee for each order placed using Starbucks Express.

Starbucks Express will be available in more than 60 stores within communities throughout metro-Denver, Boulder and Aurora, Colorado. This includes nine locations in downtown Denver. A complete list of participating stores is available at www.starbucks-express.com.

"Denver was selected as the only large-scale program based on its reputation as a technology savvy market that is also home to an educated coffee audience," added Saunders. "We are interested in the response of Denver-area customers because they have always enjoyed the coffeehouse experience and have been open to new technology experiences in the past."

Within five participating Starbucks stores in Denver, customers can register online for Starbucks Express using cutting-edge technology from HP. A computer kiosk using the HP Evo D500 desktop PC series with a keyboard and mouse will take customers through the registration process with ease. HP is also the preferred technology provider for Starbucks headquarters and its network of retail stores.

Upon completion of the Denver service on January 31, 2003, the program will be assessed for future market introductions.

Starbucks Coffee Company is the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its retail locations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific Rim, Starbucks sells coffee and tea products through its specialty operations, including its online store at Starbucks.com. Additionally, Starbucks produces and sells bottled Frappuccino(R) coffee drink and a line of superpremium ice creams through its joint venture partnerships. The Company's other brands enhance the Starbucks Experience through best-of-class products: Tazo Tea Company offers a line of innovative premium teas, and Hear Music produces and distributes a line of exceptional compact discs.