okaydo;842485932 said:
Yeah, I love it, too, NIMBYs be damned.
Yes, the parking garage blocks the view of the hills. But the result is a nice, spacious plaza that, when I went there in the middle of the day Saturday, was relaxed and populated.
Also, I like the lack of lines...well, I use self-checkout...but the longest I've had to wait is when I've been there at 5 am, and there was literally nobody in front of the store.
Believe it or not, I've never had Philz or Peet's or Cole's. If I were to try one, which should it be? (I have a coffee machine at home.)
Card's on the table....I'm biased.
I began going to Peet's just after high school, after '76, when Al Peet was serving coffee. In my opinion, their beans are over roasted......Peet's ain't no longer Peet's.
I've never been to Philz....never will....just out of principle.
I stick with Cole's......though to say "I drink Cole Coffee" to someone who isn't familiar with it sounds to them as, "I drink Cold Coffee."
Cole's used to be known, as is still referred as, Royal Coffee.
The little store (beans and urn coffee) was started by the wife, Helen, of one of Royal Coffee ( major green bean importer based in Emeryville) owners (Bob Fulmer) late 80's.
The coffee was roasted (still is) by McLaughlin Roasters, a cousin of the other owner, the late Pete McLaughlin.
(Max's Blend is named after Bob and Helen's son)
I remember the day they sold $1000 in cups of coffee.
That store became too successful for Helen, so she started the "brew by the cup" store next door.
Together, those stores have been a cornerstone for the neighborhood.
Bob and Helen sold to longtime manager MiKe Murphy......so where Cole's comes from, I really don't know....but then I really haven't asked (I still call it Royal).
Go to Cole's!!
Look for me...I'm the bald guy with the golden retriever chillin' with my coffee, Mondays and Wednesdays (other days I'm in and out, got to work sometime
Cheers!!
