Only partnership.

Starbucks in all markets around the world has no individual joining form.

Even China. Never.

Starbucks' whole foreign policy is: stick to the company's direct stores and don't want franchisees all over the world. In fact, Starbucks' direct selling method is more reflected in another level: when Starbucks joint ventures or authorized companies develop Starbucks coffee shops locally, they "stubbornly" refuse to join individuals. All local Starbucks coffee shops must be directly operated by local companies jointly invested or authorized by Starbucks.

The reasons given by Starbucks for its direct selling method are: people are operating behind the brand, and Starbucks strictly requires its operators to identify with the company's philosophy and brand, emphasizing the consistency of action, discipline and quality; Franchisees are all investors, and they only regard joining brands as a way to make money. It can be said that their only purpose is to make money rather than run a brand.