The Economic Times

Magic Johnson quietly built 105 Starbucks stores in underserved urban neighborhoods; in 2010, he sold his stake back to Starbucks in a deal reported at about $75 million

In 1998, Starbucks teamed up with basketball legend Magic Johnson to establish coffee shops in urban neighborhoods lacking access to quality beverages. Over a span of 12 years, this synergy resulted in over 100 locations opening in major U.S. cities. The initiative sought to harness the economic influence of African American consumers.