From the first coffee house opened in Constantinople to the current onslaught of high-quality coffee chains, coffee has been a beloved staple for centuries.
But which of these countless coffee shops has truly made it big?
In this post, we’ll look at the 7 famous coffee shop chains in the world as of 2023 and see what makes them special.
Although there are plenty of locally beloved coffee shops throughout the world, only some have managed to stand out from the crowd and become internationally recognized.
These 7 chains have set themselves apart with their high-quality coffee beans, creative marketing campaigns, and expert baristas.
From Starbucks to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, these are some of the most popular coffee chains in 2023.
Firstly, here’s a table listing the 7 most successful and famous coffee shop chains in the world:
| Rank | Coffee Shop Chain | Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Starbucks | Seattle, USA |
| 2 | Dunkin’ | Canton, USA |
| 3 | Tim Hortons | Toronto, Canada |
| 4 | Peet’s Coffee | Emeryville, California, USA |
| 5 | Caribou Coffee | Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, USA |
| 6 | Costa Coffee | Dunstable, UK |
| 7 | Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf | Los Angeles, USA |
#1 Starbucks
As the largest coffee chain in the world, Starbucks is no stranger to success.
Founded in 1971, the iconic and popular coffee chain has grown to over 35,000 franchise locations in 80 countries and serves over 60 million customers each week.
With a wide array of hot and cold drinks ranging from classic espresso drinks to innovative Frappuccinos, Starbucks stores have become a go-to spot for java coffee lovers everywhere.
The largest coffee company is also known for its commitment to sustainability – Starbucks sources its coffee beans from small farms around the globe and they’ve taken steps to reduce its environmental impact.
What’s more, Starbucks has created an unforgettable cafe brand that resonates with people all over the globe.
From their signature brand green logo to their cozy interior design, customers can feel at home when they visit a Starbucks.
It’s this sense of familiarity that makes them one of the most successful coffee chains in 2023.
#2 Dunkin’ Donuts Coffee
Dunkin’ Donuts is one of the most recognizable coffee chains to people around the world. It was founded in 1950 and has since grown to become a household name with over 11,000 restaurants in 33 states.
With its wide selection of coffee drinks, donuts, bagels, and other baked goods, Dunkin’ Donuts has become a favorite for those looking for a quick and tasty pick-me-up coffee shop.
The coffee company is also well known for its creative marketing campaigns including the infamous “America Runs on Dunkin” slogan.
To stay competitive in an ever-changing market, Dunkin’ Donuts has introduced new products such as brewed coffee, iced coffee as well as vegan donut options.
#3 Tim Hortons Coffee
Canada’s beloved coffee chain, Tim Hortons, has been a mainstay in the country’s coffee industry since its founding in 1964.
With over 4,000 shop locations across Canada and a few scattered throughout the United States and Europe, Tim Hortons store is easily one of the largest coffee companies in the world.
What sets it apart from other coffee chains is its commitment to providing customers with an authentic Canadian experience.
From their signature double-doubles to their unique breakfast sandwiches, Tim Hortons has become a favorite among Canadians and tourists alike.
#4 Peet’s Coffee
The fourth best coffee shop on our list is Peet’s Coffee, which was founded in 1966 when Alfred Peet opened his first coffee shop in Berkeley, California.
Since then, Peet’s Coffee company has become one of the most popular coffee brands known for its fresh roast coffee beans.
Peet’s is most popular for its dark roast options and signature drinks such as French Roast and Major Dickason’s Blend.
This coffee chain also offers a variety of signature French press coffee drinks such as cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and macchiatos.
In addition to the core menu items, Peet’s also sells unique specialty drinks like the Pumpkin Spice Latte and Peppermint Mocha during the holiday season.
Passionate about sustainability, this famous coffee brand has been working hard to reduce its environmental impact by using recyclable cups, compostable products, and ethically sourced premium espresso beans.
#5 Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee is a Minnesota-based coffee shop chain that was founded in 1992.
Popular for its quality and unique flavor, Caribou Coffee store has now grown to become one of the most famous coffee chains in the world.
It currently operates over 700 stores in the US including Ohio, Georgia, Virginia, Indiana, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. Caribou Coffee is also available at select grocery sales stores across the US.
What makes it so successful? The coffee chain has built a loyal customer base with its premium coffee beans and an extensive menu of specialty drinks.
Caribou also prides itself on its commitment to sustainability—all of its coffee is responsibly sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms.
This ethical approach to business has made them an appealing option for coffee lovers worldwide.
#6 Costa Coffee
Costa Coffee is one of the international powerhouse chain coffee shops that has made a name for itself with its hot and cold drinks.
Founded in London in 1971, the coffee roaster now has over 4,000 coffee shops in 31 countries.
The coffee chain is especially popular in Europe, where it’s become one of the leading coffee retailers.
Costa Coffee is known for its signature Mocha Italia blend and its wide selection of espresso-based drinks.
#7 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is one of the most famous and successful coffee shop chains in the world.
Founded in 1963, in Southern California, it has grown to become a global brand with more than 1,000 locations worldwide.
The company is known for its premium coffee roasting, blending, and brewing practices. It also offers a variety of tea blends, specialty items such as espresso drinks, and ice-blended beverages.
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is also known for its focus on sustainability – they only source their premium beans from farms that have been certified by Rainforest Alliance which ensures better environmental protection for farmers as well as better working conditions for employees.
The Fastest Growing Coffee Shop Chain
Dutch Bros Coffee is another coffee shop chain worth mentioning.
Although it’s not as well-known or successful as the other coffee shop chains mentioned above, it’s one of the fastest-growing coffee shop chains in the United States.
We wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes one of the most popular coffee companies in the coming years.
It’s really rising through the ranks by providing the best customer service and a one-of-a-kind coffee experience.
Dutch Bros currently has over 300 locations in the United States and is known for providing one of the best drive-thru coffee services.
Final Thoughts on Popular & Famous Coffee Chains
Coffee has become an integral part of the coffee culture around the world. In recent years, the popularity of pour-over coffee has resulted in a rise in the number of successful and popular coffee stores.
From classic Italian espresso bars to modern-day specialty shops, the list of the seven most successful and famous coffee stores in the world is diverse and ever-changing.
Who knows what exciting new coffee trends will emerge in the next few years?
One thing is certain though: we can always count on these seven legendary best coffee chains to bring us delicious beverages and delightful experiences.
FAQs
What is the most successful and famous coffee chain in the world?
Starbucks is one of the most iconic coffee companies in the world. This coffee company is renowned for its dedication to quality caffe ingredients, resulting in good coffee for its customers.
How have these coffee companies, chains changed in more recent years?
All 7 coffee companies have embraced digital tools such as mobile ordering and loyalty programs that have enabled them to tap into new markets, resulting in even more success.