Winter (programmer)
Winter | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rafael Antonio Lozano Jr. March 20, 1972 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Independent software developer, consultant |
| Known for | Visiting every Starbucks outlet worldwide |
Winter (originally named Rafael Antonio Lozano Jr., born March 20, 1972) is an independent software developer and consultant. Formerly known as John Winter Smith, he legally adopted the single name "Winter" in 2006. He is widely recognized for his ambition to visit every Starbucks outlet around the globe, occasionally touring as many as 29 stores in one day.
Background
Winter’s birthplace is Chicago, Illinois, and he later relocated to Houston, Texas. He earned degrees in both philosophy and computer science from the University of Texas at Austin. His professional work centers on freelance programming.
Beyond his software career, Winter is an avid Scrabble competitor, having played in more than 7,000 tournament matches.
Starbucks
Starting in 1997, Winter embarked on a journey to visit Starbucks locations worldwide, concentrating solely on company-operated stores and excluding licensed franchises. To officially record a visit, he consumed at least a four-ounce serving of caffeinated coffee and captured photographic evidence, which he shared on his website.
His Starbucks endeavor has cost him over $100,000, with an average daily consumption of 10 coffee cups. On one occasion, he spent $1,400 on airfare to reach a Starbucks in British Columbia shortly before it shut down. By November 2021, Winter had visited upwards of 16,000 Starbucks sites globally, including over 13,000 within the United States and Canada.
Documentary
The 2006 documentary Starbucking, directed by Bill Tangeman and debuted at the Omaha Film Festival, chronicles Winter’s Starbucks travels. Released on DVD in April 2007, the film includes approximately 40 hours of footage showcasing his visits to numerous Starbucks locations and interactions with various individuals, including a romantic partner. Critics generally praised the documentary as "highly watchable," though noting it may have limited appeal for repeated viewing.