Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a well-established name in the specialty coffee and tea industry, known for its rich history and commitment to quality. Founded in Los Angeles in 1963 by Herbert B. Hyman, the company initially served as a premium coffee supplier to local offices. It wasn't long before the first retail store opened in Brentwood, California in 1968, where it introduced the novel idea of selling whole beans and conducting in-store roasting demonstrations. By the 1970s, the brand had expanded to ten locations across Southern California and began offering a curated selection of exotic teas, setting a high standard for quality and innovation.

A significant milestone in the company's journey was the creation of the original Ice Blended drink in 1987, a signature beverage that predated similar offerings from competitors and quickly became a beloved staple on their menu. The late 1990s marked a period of international growth under the ownership of the Sassoon family, with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf rapidly expanding across Asia and the Middle East.

In 2019, the company entered a new phase of development when it was acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation for $350 million. This acquisition has fueled further global expansion and operational investments. As of December 2023, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf operates 1,164 stores across 24 countries, including a strong presence in the United States, Asia, and the Middle East. The brand's growth strategy involves both company-owned and franchised locations, with a focus on high-traffic urban centers and premium retail corridors.

For commercial real estate professionals, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is recognized for its international credibility and adaptable store formats, which range from full-service cafés to kiosks. This flexibility, combined with a strong brand equity and continued expansion into high-growth markets like the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and the Middle East, makes the company an attractive tenant for mixed-use, retail, and transit-oriented developments.