The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has a rich and fascinating history and controversies. Founded by Herbert Hyman, the brand started small but grew to become one of Starbucks’ fiercest competitors. In today’s article on coffee beans and tea leaves, we will explore its origins, traditions, and the inspiration behind its success. We will also highlight coffee beans and tea leaves in detail. To wrap things up, we’ll even share a delicious recipe inspired by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
For your convenience, we’ve included a summary for each section, making it easy to follow along and quickly grasp the main points.
History Of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was founded in 1963 by Herbert Hyman in Los Angeles as an office coffee service. Inspired by quality coffee beans and coffee discovered on a honeymoon in Sweden, Hyman and his wife opened their first store in Brentwood in 1968, pioneering the sale of whole coffee beans and allowing customers to sample roasted coffee. By the 1970s, the company expanded to 10 stores and added exotic teas. In 1987, the signature Ice Blended drink was created, boosting popularity and influencing Starbucks’ Frappuccino. Starbucks unsuccessfully attempted to purchase the company in 1991.
In 1996, Singaporean brothers Victor and Sunny Sassoon acquired Asian franchise rights, significantly expanding the brand in Asia and globally. They purchased the parent company, International Coffee & Tea LLC, in 1998, leading to further international growth. Leadership transitioned over the years, with Mel Elias, Sunny Sassoon, and John Fuller serving in executive roles.
In 2019, Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) acquired Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf for $650 million, its largest investment, and began consolidating store operations. The store count decreased from 1,189 in 2019 to 1,048 by 2021. The Sassoon family remains a significant shareholder.
Summary
Coffee Beans and Tea Leafs, founded in 1963 in Los Angeles, revolutionized coffee retail with whole beans and sampling. Its 1987 Ice Blended drink boosted fame, inspiring Starbucks’ Frappuccino. Global expansion followed under the Sassoons, and Jollibee acquired it in 2019 for $650 million.
Who is Herbert Hyman?
Herbert Hyman is the founder of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Los Angeles. Herbert Hyman, born on December 6, 1931, in Los Angeles, had a natural flair for business from an early age. While pursuing an English degree at UCLA, he ventured into a successful vending machine business, supplying snacks and drinks to fraternity houses. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to drop out of college before graduating to focus entirely on his growing venture. However, by 1963, Hyman felt he had reached the peak of his vending career and decided to explore new opportunities.
In 1966, Hyman married Mona, an accountant, and their honeymoon in Sweden became a pivotal moment in his life. There, he discovered the richness of gourmet coffee, sparking the idea of introducing high-quality coffee to Los Angeles. By 1968, he had opened the first Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf store in Brentwood. Hyman’s approach was innovative—he sold whole beans, highlighted their country of origin, and allowed customers to sample coffee varieties while observing the roasting process.
The store quickly gained popularity, attracting high-profile patrons such as Ronald Reagan, Johnny Carson, Jacques Cousteau, and Lee Marvin, who even volunteered behind the counter. Under Hyman’s leadership, the brand expanded to 10 stores across Southern California, adding exotic teas to its menu. In 1998, he sold the company to the Sassoon brothers, marking the end of his direct involvement but leaving behind a legacy that reshaped the coffee industry. Herbert Hyman passed away on April 28, 2014, but his influence on gourmet coffee continues to thrive.
Summary
Herbert Hyman, founder of Coffee Beans and Tea Leafs in Los Angeles, introduced gourmet coffee to the city in 1968. Inspired by a trip to Sweden, he sold whole beans and exotic teas, attracting high-profile patrons. The brand grew to 10 stores before Hyman sold it in 1998, leaving a lasting impact on the coffee industry.
Controversy
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand has faced its fair share of controversies over the years. One of the more notable incidents occurred in 2012 when a hidden camera was discovered in a store’s bathroom in Encino, California. A customer, Roderick Smith, found the camera and, along with others, raised concerns. However, the company initially dismissed the complaint, suggesting the camera resembled a flash drive. This led to a lawsuit, and while the company eventually cooperated to assist in identifying the culprit, the incident sparked a major public backlash.
In 2019, the brand found itself in another public relations nightmare after an error in promotional artwork for Singapore Armed Forces Day. The soldier featured in the artwork was not from the Singapore Armed Forces, which outraged many, despite the company’s apology. Adding to the turmoil, in 2018, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was wrongly implicated in an animal cruelty incident when a pest control company, linked to the brand’s parent company, removed stray cats from a hotel. Despite the company having no direct involvement, it faced severe criticism for the association.
In 2022, the company faced another round of controversy when it was revealed that the farms supplying its eggs used battery cages, which sparked animal cruelty accusations. These controversies have at times overshadowed the brand’s successes, but it continues to work on restoring its reputation.
Summary
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf brand has faced several controversies, including a 2012 incident involving a hidden camera in a store bathroom, a 2019 error in promotional artwork, and accusations of animal cruelty in 2018 and 2022. Despite these issues, the company, known for its coffee beans and tea leaf products, continues to work on restoring its reputation.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, known for its high-quality coffee beans and tea leaf offerings, has built a reputation for serving premium beverages. Founded by Herbert Hyman in 1963, the brand initially focused on importing, roasting, and selling gourmet coffee in Los Angeles. Over the years, it expanded its menu to include exotic teas and innovative drinks like the signature Ice Blended, which became a staple of the brand. Despite facing challenges and controversies, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has continued to grow globally, offering a range of coffee and tea options to customers who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship in every cup.
Summary
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, known for its quality coffee beans and tea leaf products, was founded in 1963. Despite challenges, it remains a global brand offering premium beverages.
Here’s a simple recipe using Coffee Beans and Tea Leafs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of freshly brewed coffee (using Coffee Beans & Tea Leaf coffee)
- Ice cubes
- Milk or cream (optional)
- Sweetener (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew a cup of your favorite Coffee Beans & Tea Leaf coffee.
- Let it cool for a few minutes.
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour the cooled coffee over the ice.
- Add milk, cream, or sweetener if you like.
- Stir and enjoy your refreshing iced coffee!
In conclusion, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1963 to becoming a global coffee and tea brand is a testament to its innovation and dedication to quality. From introducing unique coffee experiences to overcoming challenges, the brand has left a lasting mark on the industry. Thank you for reading!
