When President Xi Visited Seattle’s Starbucks

In 2015, when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Seattle, the city buzzed with more than just diplomatic anticipation. It was a meeting grounded in gestures—some ceremonial, others deeply cultural. Among them? A simple cup of coffee served in the birthplace of the global coffee chain that would soon become a symbol of mutual respect.

Yes, President Xi Jinping was served a cup of Starbucks Pike Place Special Reserve coffee during his visit to Seattle in 2015. The coffee was presented by then-Washington State Governor and former U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke as a gesture of hospitality.

A Coffee Moment in Seattle

The daytime energy of Seattle is often attributed to its coffee culture—more specifically, to the birthplace of Starbucks on Pike Place Market. During President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to the city in 2015, this very coffee-centric atmosphere played a quiet but symbolic role. It wasn’t just about caffeine; it was a moment of connection through a shared global beverage.

The Coffee Served to President Xi

As night fell, a formal dinner underscored the decorum of the visit. But it was earlier in the day, amidst the hum of Pike Place, that then-Washington State Governor Gary Locke offered President Xi a cup of Starbucks Pike Place Special Reserve. This particular coffee—a dark roast blend crafted from Latin American beans—was served as a gesture of welcome and respect. It came from the very roastery that put Seattle on the global coffee map.

Starbucks’ Response to the Visit

Starbucks leadership, including then-Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz, expressed deep gratitude for the visit. Schultz publicly acknowledged the warm reception that Starbucks and its coffee culture had received from the Chinese people. He also extended personal thanks to President Xi and the citizens of China for their support and enthusiasm toward the brand. The encounter highlighted how coffee had become a bridge between nations—more than commerce, a moment of shared appreciation.

Image Placeholders

Frequently Asked Questions

What coffee did President Xi Jinping drink in Seattle?

President Xi Jinping was served a cup of Starbucks Pike Place Special Reserve coffee during his 2015 visit to Seattle. The coffee is a dark roast blend made primarily from Latin American beans and is one of Starbucks' signature offerings from its original Pike Place Roastery.

Who gave President Xi the coffee?

The coffee was presented to President Xi Jinping by then-Washington State Governor Gary Locke, who was also the former U.S. Ambassador to China. He offered the cup as a gesture of hospitality during the daytime portion of the visit.

Where did this meeting take place?

The coffee was served in Seattle, Washington, specifically in the vicinity of Pike Place Market—the original location of the first Starbucks store, making the setting highly symbolic for the global coffee brand.

How did Starbucks respond to the visit?

Starbucks Chairman and CEO Howard Schultz publicly thanked President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people for their warm reception of the brand. He expressed appreciation for the support Starbucks had received in China and highlighted coffee as a cultural bridge between the two nations.

Why is this coffee moment significant?

This simple act of sharing coffee became a symbolic gesture of mutual respect and diplomacy. It underscored how shared everyday experiences—like enjoying a great cup of coffee—can play a role in international relations and cultural exchange.

FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Pike Place Style Brewing

For fans of the bold yet balanced profile of Starbucks Pike Place Special Reserve, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend, known for its smooth body and notes of dark chocolate and roasted nuts. Alternatively, explore FrontStreet’s Black Cocoa Blend for a deeper, more intense cup with cocoa and caramel undertones. Both blends brew well through drip or French press, echoing the full-bodied character of Pike Place-style roasts. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.