What were you doing when you turned 25? Or if you’re not there yet, what’s your vision for the big quarter-century celebration?
Well for us, we’re 25 and still growing and learning, still steeped in our core values, and we're surrounded by loved ones and friends. We wouldn’t choose to celebrate any other way!
On June 15, 1998 The Human Bean drive-thru opened for the very first time in Ashland, Oregon. And on that day a very special thing happened — the first drinks were served with a signature chocolate-covered espresso bean on top as a way of saying thank you for stopping by.
Today, we’re still saying thank you! And we’re still on a mission to do good and be good. We believe that something as simple as a delicious cup of coffee with a smile can set someone’s day on the right course. And that person can go on to fill other people’s cups, because we’ve already filled theirs at The Human Bean.
At the risk of getting a little mushy (pass the tissues and chocolate-covered espresso beans!) we’re brewing our favorite drinks and reminiscing on our favorite highlights from the last 25 years.
The Bean on Top
The very first cup we served had a chocolate-covered espresso bean on top. And so would every single cup that followed. It’s a small gesture, but we believe in making even the smallest of exchanges memorable and kind. Millions of tiny little beans later, here we are still using that gesture as our guide — a reminder that a little goes a long way, and we can always choose to be Kind Human Beans!
The Signature Drinks
And there’s The Snowy, named after Mt. Ashland in southern Oregon and created from a creamy blend of smooth white chocolate, espresso and milk. It turned the classic mocha on its head (in a good way!) and has been a crowd-pleaser at all of The Human Bean locations. The Pumpkin Snowy is an annual fall favorite, and the iced version cools as it sweetens your day. These signature drinks are our two best-sellers!
The Givebacks
Nothing unites people together like contributing to a great cause — and drinking delicious coffee! Starting with the first Coffee for a Cure giveback in 2005, we’ve collectively raised millions of dollars at The Human Bean locations around the U.S on our annual giveback days. On Earth Day each year, we generate funds to plant trees in coffee-growing regions around the world (161,900 trees to date!), and on our other giveback days the dollars go to programs in our local drive-thrus’ communities.
Coming up on June 16th is Mochas for Men, our annual fundraiser aimed at fighting men’s cancer (when $1 from every mocha sold goes to a local organization). And this October, we hope you’ll help us break the $3.5 million mark during Coffee for a Cure!
The People
Community means everything to us, which is why our support to all locations never stops. The Human Bean franchise partners are local leaders who donate their drive-thrus’ proceeds to organizations of their choosing on giveback days. Our baristas are doing amazing things at the espresso machine and in their personal lives (like raising families, attending college and volunteering). And then there’s our customers…just wow. There are some customers who are still visiting the same drive-thru that opened in Ashland in 1998 — it looks a little different now!
And the best part is that we continue to meet new people every day. Driving to work, heading to college, embarking on road trips, or treating a fur-ever friend to a Pup Cup. We’re honored to share both your everyday moments and life’s special moments with you. Thank you!
You all bean so much to us, and we look forward to another memorable, flavorful, eventful 25 years!