Quick Answer
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) was founded in Los Angeles in 1963 and is one of the few chains built on both coffee and tea drinks. The Jollibee group bought it for US$350 million in 2019, when it had about 1,189 locations, roughly three-quarters franchised. It now operates in 23 international markets, including the US, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines and the Middle East.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1963, Los Angeles |
| Owner | Jollibee group (2019, US$350 million) |
| Locations | About 1,189 (2019) |
| Markets | 23 international markets |
| Known for | Coffee and tea drinks |
3 Lessons for Café and Bubble Tea Operators
- Coffee and tea side by side: tea lattes and blended drinks need tea and powders.
- Big groups also buy tea brands: Jollibee also invested in Taiwan’s Milksha. See the Milksha brand story.
- Franchise growth: see brand licensing.
How Tang Sugar Supports Cafés and Bubble Tea Shops
Tang Sugar supplies tea, powders, creamer, syrups and packaging from Taiwan, quoted together for your menu and consolidated into one shipment. We also offer an international sourcing agent service and tea shop planning. Contact us for bulk and wholesale quotes.
Note: this article summarizes public information about the brand. Caitang International (Tang Sugar) has no partnership or affiliation with the brands mentioned; brand names and trademarks belong to their owners. Figures are as of each source’s publication date.
Products in this article
All 487 Bubble Tea & Boba Ingredients →
FAQ
Which country is Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf from?
The United States. It was founded in Los Angeles in 1963.
Who owns it?
The Jollibee group, which bought it in 2019.
How many locations are there?
About 1,189 at the 2019 deal; it now operates in 23 international markets.
Is it related to Milksha?
Both are brands the Jollibee group has invested in.
Related Reading
The Milksha Brand Story: A Dairy Farming Family and a Creamer-Free Fresh Milk Tea Brand from Tainan
Where Is Starbucks From? Seattle Roots, 40,990 Stores Worldwide and 600 in Taiwan
Where Is Peet’s Coffee From? The 1966 Berkeley Roaster and Its New Owner
Taking a Bubble Tea Brand Overseas: Market Assessment, Trademarks, Ingredient Supply Chain and Store Replication
