Blue Bottle Coffee Company

Blue Bottle Coffee Company is a coffee roaster and retailer headquartered in Oakland, California, United States. Founded in the early 2000s by James Freeman, the company has since grown to include numerous locations in the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

History

James Freeman founded Blue Bottle Coffee Company in 2002, initially operating from a 186-square-foot potting shed in Oakland. The company's name was inspired by The Blue Bottle, a historic Viennese coffee house. Freeman's goal was to roast coffee in small batches to sell within 48 hours of roasting, ensuring maximum freshness.

Products and Services

Blue Bottle Coffee Company offers a variety of coffee beans, coffee drinks, and coffee brewing equipment. The company is known for its dedication to quality and freshness, with a focus on single-origin beans and meticulous brewing methods. In addition to coffee, Blue Bottle also offers a selection of teas and pastries.

Business Model

Blue Bottle Coffee Company operates both physical retail locations and an online store. The company's retail locations are designed to be welcoming and minimalist, with a focus on the coffee experience. The online store offers coffee beans, brewing equipment, and subscriptions for regular coffee deliveries.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite its popularity, Blue Bottle Coffee Company has faced criticism for its high prices and the environmental impact of its single-use coffee cups. The company has also been criticized for its decision to accept a large investment from Nestlé, which some customers felt was at odds with Blue Bottle's artisanal image.

See Also

• Third wave of coffee
• Specialty coffee
• Coffee roasting