There's this myth that has been exacerbated by others that Starbucks means a $4 cup of coffee, which is not true.

It's ironic that retailers and restaurants live or die on customer service, yet their employees have some of the lowest pay and worst benefits of any industry. That's one reason so many retail experiences are mediocre for the public.

Starbucks represents something beyond a cup of coffee.

We woke up one day, and all the sudden Starbucks was in the middle of this political crossfire between the people who want to bring a gun into Starbucks and the people who want to prevent it. It is a very difficult, fragile situation.

In times of adversity and change, we really discover who we are and what we're made of.

I think the currency of leadership is transparency. You've got to be truthful. I don't think you should be vulnerable every day, but there are moments where you've got to share your soul and conscience with people and show them who you are, and not be afraid of it.

California, in a sense, is almost Starbucks' largest country, with almost 3,000 stores.