In this piece, we are going to look at 15 Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US. If you want to skip our detailed industry analysis of the coffee industry, you can go directly to 5 Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US.
Isn't coffee just the best? Made from beans grown in Africa and Asia, it's a classic go-to drink all over the world. After those beans go through the drying, roasting, and grinding process, we get that amazing cup we can't get enough of.
In 2023, the coffee beans market was valued at around $35.23 billion, and it's expected to grow by 6.10% until 2032, hitting a whopping $60.07 billion. And get this: coffee isn't just delicious, it also packs some health perks like lowering the risk of diabetes and heart disease. That's probably why more and more people are jumping on the coffee bandwagon worldwide, and the trend is only going to get bigger in the future. Cheers to coffee and its awesome benefits!
The US coffee market is set to hit a whopping $33.64 billion by 2029, chugging along at a solid 3.69% growth rate. Coffee chains are go-to spots for us busy bees — super convenient for those "get-up-and-go" coffee lovers. We Americans sure dig our top-quality java, and we're all about finding those perfect coffee spots that serve good vibes along with our daily brew.
Instant coffee gets a high-five too for being a quick and easy fix when we need that caffeine hit fast. Artisanal coffee is all the rage, especially those single-origin blends that win over hearts (and wallets!). People are splurging more on unique coffee experiences, and Starbucks is even rolling out special roasteries for the single-origin coffee crowd.
And hey, here's a neat twist: More folks are getting into certified coffee these days, caring about where their brew comes from. Those certifications promise quality coffee sourced sustainably, focusing on transparency, eco-friendly farming practices, and maintaining top-notch quality throughout the coffee-making journey. It's not just about the taste, it's about feeling good knowing you're sipping on the real deal from start to finish! So, let's raise a cup to great coffee and the journey to enjoy every sip!
Amidst the realm of coffee, let’s also see some of the biggest companies sitting amongst the players at the top of charts before we jump to 15 Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US; namely, The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQGS:KHC), Nestlé S.A. (Other OTC:NSRGY), Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQGS:SBUX) are going to be discussed.
The Kraft Heinz Company (NASDAQGS:KHC) Maxwell House came out swinging with their instant iced lattes with foam, shaking things up in July 2023. It's their first big launch in almost a decade, and they're looking to attract the younger crowd while battling it out with heavyweights like Starbucks and Dunkin'.
Looks like their plan is working out as their net sales bumped up by 0.6% to $26.6 billion and net income shot up by a whopping 20.2% to $2.8 billion for the year 2023. It's clear Maxwell House is brewing up some serious success!
Nestlé S.A. (Other OTC:NSRGY), one of the big players in the coffee world, had a pretty solid year in 2023. Their growth game was on point with organic growth at 7.2% and pricing at 7.5%. They did see a tiny dip in real internal growth, though, at -0.3%.
They spread that success far and wide, rocking it in different spots and categories. Sales-wise, they raked in $105.61 billion, a tad lower than the previous year at $107.2 billion. Tough break, though, as foreign exchange hit them with a 7.8% blow and net divestitures chipped away at sales by 0.9%.
Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQGS:SBUX), another big player in the coffee world, kicked off the year like a boss! In Q1, which ended on 31 December 2023, they smashed records with consolidated net revenues hitting $9.4 billion, an 8% jump from the same quarter previous year.
Moreover, their comparable store sales also went up by 5% globally, with both North America and International regions seeing a nice boost of 5% and 7%, respectively. And let's not forget the U.S. Starbucks Rewards gang – they hit a whopping 34.3 million members during the quarter.
15 Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US
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Methodology
To construct our list of 15 Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US, we first relied upon sources across that listed best coffee chains in America to curate initial list of coffee chains. From here, we noted down the ratings for each of the best high quality coffee chains from various sources (Tripadvisor, Yelp, Google etc.), that we got out of our consensus approach. Based on both, the ratings and number of ratings, we then ranked the coffee chains and now present to you this list of ours: 15 Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
15. Dutch Bros. Coffee
Rating: 4.5
Number of Ratings: 98
Oh, Dutch Bros Coffee's origin story is so cool! From a humble pushcart on railroad tracks to a thriving coffee empire, their creamy brews are a must-try for coffee lovers. The white mocha cold brew and the Golden Eagle breve are definitely fan favorites, allowing Dutch Bros. Coffee grab a place in our list of Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US.
14. Alfred Coffee
Rating: 4.5
Number of Ratings: 100
Alfred Coffee is the bomb diggity with its eye-catching café designs and killer menu. And who can resist their iconic "But first, coffee" logo? They've got locations in LA, San Francisco, Austin, and even all the way to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia! The World Famous Iced Vanilla Latte is a must-try; it's like a party in your mouth.
13. Ziggi’s Coffee
Rating: 4.5
Number of Ratings: 100
Ziggi's Coffee is all about keeping it local with their coffee and food ingredients sourced from nearby vendors. Their menu is a dream with a variety of coffee options, alternatives, frozen treats, and fruit smoothies, along with some tasty food items. They've got different store setups, but the double drive-thru is the real MVP. Started by the dynamic duo, Brandon and Camrin Knudsen, in Longmont, Colorado back in 2004, they've been on a roll with locations popping up like daisies. From six spots in 2016 to a total of 76, as of 2023, they're making their mark.
12. Ellianos Coffee
Rating: 4.6
Number of Ratings: 98
Ellianos Coffee is like the drive-thru king of specialty coffee chains, rocking that double-sided action for speedy service without compromising quality, and making it into our list of Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US. Their motto screams “Italian quality at America’s pace,” and they're all about dazzling their customers with top-notch drinks. Their menu is a flavor fiesta, with signature sips like Caffé Dolce, Milan Mint Mocha, Tuscany Toffee... you get the idea. Add in hot coffees, teas, smoothies galore, and even some tasty food treats like breakfast sandwiches and cookies.
Founded in sunny Lake City, Florida, by the power couple Scott and Pam Stewart in 2002, Ellianos has blossomed into 26 locations across the US, as of 2023.
11. Classic Rock Coffee Company and Kitchen
Rating: 4.5
Number of Ratings: 119
Classic Rock Coffee Company and Kitchen draws inspiration from the Hard Rock Café but carves out its own niche in the market by targeting a Millennial-friendly hipster audience. The ambiance is enhanced by the constant soundtrack of upbeat classic rock music, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for customers to indulge in a variety of offerings such as coffee, frappes, smoothies, protein shakes, pastries, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, and more. The interior is adorned with electric guitars, album covers, and collections of classic rock albums for patrons to peruse.
Established in Springfield, Missouri in 2011, the company operates in eight locations worldwide, including six in the US, one in Egypt, and one in India, as of 2023.
10. Caribou Coffee
Rating: 4.5
Number of Ratings: 122
Number 10th on our list of Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US is Caribou Coffee . Caribou Coffee prides itself on offering high-quality, handcrafted coffee-centric beverages with the slogan “Life is short. Stay awake for it.” Their menu features a wide array of classic and signature coffee drinks, along with tea, cocoa, and other beverages, as well as all-day breakfast items such as sandwiches, bagels, and baked goods. The company emphasizes sustainability by achieving various US coffeehouse milestones, such as obtaining 100% Rainforest Alliance certification and serving 100% Clean Label beverages. Caribou also sources its primary egg supply from cage-free sources for its breakfast items.
Operating as part of the Panera Brands portfolio, along with Panera Bread and Bagel Brands, Caribou Coffee was founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1992 by John and Kim Puckett. While international franchising has been ongoing, the company officially launched its domestic franchising program in 2021. As of 2023, Caribou Coffee has over 750 locations globally, consisting of 339 company-owned, 144 non-traditional, and 288 franchised coffeehouses spanning 11 countries.
9. It’s a Grind Coffee House
Rating: 4.4
Number of Ratings: 141
9th on our list of Highest Quality Coffee Chains in the US is It’s a Grind Coffee House is all about serving up top-notch gourmet coffee, heavenly espresso drinks, and hip, healthy cold bevvies alongside some fresh-baked goodies in a cozy, community-centric vibe. Picture blues and jazz vibes paired with plush wingback chairs for that ultimate chill-out session. Started by the awesome duo Marty Cox and Louise Montgomery in Long Beach, California, back in 1995, It’s a Grind has been spreading the coffee love. With 81 locations and some on international soil, they're definitely making waves.
8. Dunkin
Rating: 4.4
Number of Ratings: 174
Dunkin', formerly known as Dunkin' Donuts, has rebranded to focus more on coffee and sandwiches, moving away from its original image. Renowned for its slogan "America Runs on Dunkin'," the franchise is a dominant player in the coffee industry worldwide. Dunkin' Brands, the parent company, also owns the Baskin-Robbins ice cream brand. Established in the mid-1940s by William Rosenberg as Open Kettle, the business transitioned to Dunkin' Donuts in 1950. Undergoing a significant refresh, the brand now offers a wider range of options, including espresso machines and cold-brew beverages on tap. Having begun franchising in 1955, Dunkin' experienced steady growth over the past decade, reaching a peak of 12,957 locations in 2020. While the number has slightly decreased since then, Dunkin' operates globally, with 3,713 outlets in almost 40 countries outside the US, all of which are franchised.
7. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Rating: 4.5
Number of Ratings: 171
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is devoted to ethically sourcing its coffee and tea, establishing direct partnerships with farmers and growers. Through its "impacting lives from seed to cup" philosophy, the company's initiatives, such as the Caring Cup program, aim to support local schoolchildren in the US, promote employee development, and enhance the well-being of coffee and tea producers. Recently, in 2019, the chain was acquired by Jollibee Foods Corp., the largest restaurant company in the Philippines, for $350 million.
Founded by Herb Hyman in 1963 in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf boasts a global presence with more than 1,000 locations worldwide. The chain operates in dozen US states and the District of Columbia, as well as in 40 other countries internationally.
6. Aroma Joe’s Coffee
Rating: 4.6
Number of Ratings: 165
Aroma Joe’s Coffee distinguishes itself as a drive-thru chain guided by three principles: No intercoms, No mistakes, No attitudes. Targeting a younger demographic, the chain offers a variety of hot and cold coffee beverages, along with its own branded Rush energy drink. Aroma Joe's signature coffee blend, sourced from the best Arabica beans, is sustainably and ethically produced in Maine, where it is craft roasted by award-winning roasters and holds a 100% Rainforest Alliance Certification.
Established in New Hampshire in 2000 by brothers Marty and Tim McKenna, and cousins Brian and Mike Sillon, Aroma Joe’s Coffee commenced franchising in 2013. The chain has expanded its footprint in recent years, growing from 42 locations in 2016 to the current total of 100+ outlets, all located in the US, with none being company-owned.
