Who were the disciples of Alfred Peet that opened the first Starbucks?

The opening of the first Starbucks can be attributed to three key individuals: Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker. These individuals were inspired by Alfred Peet, who is recognized for revolutionizing coffee roasting in the United States, particularly through his coffee shop, Peet's Coffee and Tea. Baldwin, Siegl, and Bowker learned from Peet's emphasis on high-quality coffee and sought to replicate this ethos when they established Starbucks in Seattle in 1971. Their connection to Peet’s legacy greatly influenced Starbucks' commitment to sourcing quality coffee and providing exceptional customer experiences. This foundational relationship is a crucial aspect of Starbucks' history and emphasizes the importance of learning from mentors in developing a successful brand.