The winner for best chain coffeehouse is the one that started gourmet coffee culture in America. Dutch entrepreneur Alfred Peet opened his first location in Oakland in 1966, and generations of Americans had their first freshly roasted coffee beans in his establishments. Among the people who learned about coffee at Peet’s were the founders of this year’s runner-up, Starbuck’s. That chain has become noted for bizarre variations on coffee and non-coffee products. Peet’s maintains their focus on the bitter brew that brought them fame. — RF
Multiple locations in our coverage area, peets.com
Runner-up: Starbuck’s
