When we think of coffee, we only have a few coffee brands in mind, either the famous Starbucks or maybe from Tim Hortons. But sometimes, you may want to try something new. We’ve gathered 10 emerging coffee chains that you probably haven’t heard of. ☕
10. Blue Bottle Coffee
Let’s start our list with a coffee shop that first started as a coffee cart – Blue Bottle Coffee. Aside from its creative name, the coffee chain in Oakland, California, has become one of the leading players in the 3rd-wave coffee movement. They started roasting small batches of beans and sold them almost all throughout the day. James Freeman, the founder of Blue Bottle Coffee, was contacted by Nestlé in 2017 and is now valued at almost $700 million. Currently, there are a total of 72 active coffee chains.
Locations:72
9. Foxtail Coffee Co.
The next emerging coffee chain was founded last 2016 only, and they are consistently expanding their locations with a total of 56 active stores – Foxtail Coffee Co. It was founded in Winter Park, Florida, by an entrepreneur named Alex Tchekmeian. It slowly and consistently grew its branches and now has locations in Georgia. Their unique vibe is what makes them popular, too, and right now they’re planning to expand on a few more states – Texas, Indiana, and Carolinas.
Locations: 56
8. Bluestone Lane
Bluestone Lane Coffee is an Australian coffee shop that serves quality food as well as coffee. It was founded by Nicholas Stone, inspired by the Melbourne coffee scene. The coffee chain is quickly expanding and currently has 64 locations, most of which are in New York City, Orange County, and Southern California.
Locations: 64
7. Gregorys Coffee
Another third-wave coffee shop such as Blue Bottle Coffee, this is known for its eyeglass and hair logo – Gregorys Coffee. The coffee chain was founded by Gregory Zamfotis, and fun fact, the logo actually has a resemblance to his face. It’s well known for its artisanal coffee, and even though it started to operate in late 2006 only in New York, it has a total of 38 active locations now.
Locations: 38
6. Maman
If you prefer to enjoy your coffee in a calm and relaxing place in the middle of New York City, you could try this French-inspired chain that started out as an individual coffee shop that was just trying to go up despite having larger and more popular competitors way back in 2014. Maman has been so popular that it once landed the brand on “Oprah’s Favorite Things.” When you think of it, the name is so cool, calm, and when translated, it means “mother” in French – no wonder it has a cool and relaxing vibe. Right now, it has a total of 28 active locations.
Locations: 28
5. Go Get Em Tiger Coffee
This next emerging chain was founded by Charles Babinski and Kyle Glanville to provide much more fun coffee chains – Go Get Em Tiger Coffee (Gget). Many coffee chains resemble classic vibes and cozy areas, but this particular coffee brand wanted all of its locations to be more colorful and vibrant, as you could see on their chairs and furniture. The lively environment and the delicious drinks make the brand continuously emerge in the industry with a total of 8 locations. And instead of a line at the cashier, there will be a barista ready to assist you while sitting in your chair.
Locations: 8
4. Caffé Nero
Coming on our fourth list is the London-based Caffee Nero, which was established in Europe. We included this in the top emerging list, but it was founded way back in 1997 by Gerry Ford. With over 800 locations worldwide, in the U.S. alone, it already has 30 active locations in just a few years, which makes it an interesting cafe. What makes it unique, though, is the Italian culture, known for having one of the best pastries in the world.
Locations: 800
3. La Colombe
This next coffee brand is also known for its retail products – Lac Colombe. It recently expanded across the U.S., particularly in Philadelphia. It has over 30 locations and was founded by Carmichael and JP Iberti, which was part of the third wave of coffee. With its continued expansion, the coffee brand raised a total of $29 million in 2015. Its popularity continues and is now one of the best coffee shops in Philadelphia.
Locations: 32
2. Black Rock Coffee Bar
Our second coffee brand is the Oregon-originated Black Rock Coffee Bar. Founded in the town of Beaverton, Ore., by Daniel Brand and Jeff Hernandez in 2008, the coffee brand is well-known for its delicious coffee. The numbers don’t lie, as they have a total of 127 active locations all over the world and about 17 in the U.S.
Locations: 17
1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Last but not least is the Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Established in Portland, Ore., way back in 1999 and continues to serve coffee lovers up to this day. The 9-unit chain specializes in the third-wave coffee and has a record for the most expensive coffee bag ever purchased. Fun fact though, the founder Duane Sorenson and their employees would literally go to the coffee farms to look for the best beans to use when they were starting out. And now, with 9 active locations, it is continuously serving one of the classic coffee vibes in the industry.
Locations: 9
Next time you crave a coffee, maybe try something new; I’m sure you’ll not be disappointed when choosing any of these emerging coffee chains. Whether you want to try classic or be in a calm environment, there are several cafes to choose from.