LOS ANGELES — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, the 1,000-plus-unit coffee and tea franchise, has been named the No. 2 Best Coffee Chain in America in Newsweek’s Readers' Choice Awards for Best Coffee Chain 2026. The ranking was selected by the publication’s expert panelists and contributors, and voted on by readers. 

Since opening in Southern California in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has expanded across 23 countries. The brand is known for its premium coffee, handcrafted espresso beverages, specialty teas, and signature Ice Blended® drinks. Newsweek cited the brand’s relaxed, sunny café experience and its focus on sourcing the top 1% of Arabica beans. 

"We're honored to be recognized by Newsweek readers," said Peter Vavra, director of franchise development. “For more than 60 years, we've focused on serving great coffee and tea while creating a space for people to gather. It's rewarding to be recognized by the people who visit our cafés.”

The award is particularly meaningful because Newsweek readers helped determine the final ranking, bringing the consumer voice directly into the selection process. Earning the No. 2 spot places The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf among the top coffee chains in the country and reflects the strength of its coffee, tea, and handcrafted beverage offerings. The recognition also gives the brand another point of distinction as it competes for guests in a crowded coffee beverage market.

The recognition adds to a milestone year for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf as the brand continues expanding its global footprint and introducing new menu offerings. With more than 1,000 cafés across 23 countries, the company remains focused on delivering premium coffee, handcrafted beverages and a welcoming café experience that has defined the brand for more than six decades. With 77 open franchised locations and 10 more in development, the brand is currently looking to partner with qualified operators who want to expand the beloved brand in both traditional and nontraditional formats. For more information on franchising, visit https://1851franchise.com/the-coffee-bean-and-tea-leaf.

About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Born and brewed in Southern California since 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has become a global specialty coffee and tea house known for its iconic, handcrafted beverages, and distinctive flavors and crave-worthy innovation with a California vibe. For more than 60 years, the brand has prided itself on the journey of its coffee and tea from farm to cup into a modern café experience guests love and operators are proud to own. Rooted in decades of craft and fueled by innovation, the brand was the first to introduce the iconic Ice Blended® beverage category and continues to build on that legacy with a menu that includes espresso, cold brew, matcha, and tea lattes. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf continues to lead the caffeinated beverage category and inspire viral drink trends on social media while staying focused on premium quality and a handcrafted café experience. Now with over 1,000 locations across 23 countries, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf serves more than 110 million coffees, tea, and Ice Blended® beverages each year.