One Man Visited Every Starbucks in the World

Not everyone can say they’ve had a coffee in Starbucks outlets on six continents. But one man didn’t just say it—he did it. Meet Winter, a computer engineer from Texas who turned a casual thought into a life project: visiting every Starbucks in the world, ordering a coffee, and snapping a photo on the doorstep. It’s not about the drink. It’s about the ritual, the globe-trotting, and yes, the coffee.

Since 1997, Winter has visited over 11,000 Starbucks stores across 6 continents. He’s spent around HK$1.26 million (NT$4.9 million) on travel and coffee, making him one of the most dedicated unofficial Starbucks explorers on the planet.

The Idea That Changed Everything

It all started with a simple, possibly ridiculous question: "Could someone visit every Starbucks in the world?" Most people laughed it off. But Winter decided to find out. He quit his full-time job and became a freelance computer engineer—giving himself the flexibility to travel while keeping a steady income. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a mission that’s still going strong decades later.

Starbucks Growth—and Contraction

When Winter kicked off his journey in 1997, there were only 1,500 Starbucks stores across 4 countries. By its peak in 2007, Starbucks was opening at least 290 new stores every week. Winter traveled relentlessly to document them all. But soon came the closures. Within just a few months, 600 stores shut down. His timing had to be perfect—some locations vanished before he could reach them.

A Global Tour With More Than 29 Coffees in One Day

His travels have taken him to six continents—and some pretty remote corners. He’s been to Hawaii, Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, and the UK (which he’s visited four times). At one point, he drove 25,000 miles in a single stretch. On another, he drank 29 cups of coffee in one day just to hit as many stores as possible. It’s not just about ticking boxes—it’s immersion, documentation, and a deep appreciation for how Starbucks reflects local culture, even as a global brand.

The Favorite: A Retro Tea House in Hong Kong

Asked to name his favorite Starbucks, Winter doesn’t hesitate: the one on Duddell Street in Hong Kong. It’s designed like a vintage tea house, merging old-world charm with the Starbucks logo. It’s not just a coffee stop—it’s an experience, a piece of architectural coffee history that stands out even among thousands.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Starbucks stores has Winter visited?

Winter has visited over 11,000 Starbucks locations across six continents since starting his journey in 1997. While he hasn’t hit every single one, his count is among the highest documented by any individual.

How much money has he spent on this journey?

He has spent approximately HK$1.26 million (equivalent to NT$4.9 million) on travel and coffee during his decades-long mission to visit Starbucks stores around the world.

Did he really drink 29 coffees in one day?

Yes. During his travels, Winter once drank 29 cups of coffee in a single day in order to visit as many Starbucks locations as possible before some closed or became inaccessible.

Why did he start this project?

Winter was originally curious about whether it would be possible to visit every Starbucks in the world. Rather than dismiss the idea, he decided to try it—and turned it into a long-term personal mission that blended travel, coffee, and photography.

What’s his favorite Starbucks location?

Winter’s favorite is the Starbucks on Duddell Street in Hong Kong. The store is designed to resemble a classic retro tea house, offering a unique fusion of local architecture and the global coffee chain’s branding.

Is he still adding to his list?

Yes. Although he acknowledges he may never visit every Starbucks, Winter continues traveling and documenting new locations as they open or before they close.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Travelers

If you’re inspired by global coffee culture like Winter, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui for bright florals and juicy berries, perfect for light, travel-friendly brews. Their Yunnan Arabica offers a smooth, chocolatey profile great for filter or French press on the road. For something deeper, the PWN Golden Mandheling delivers earthy sweetness ideal for mug-sharing in far-flung cafes. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.