Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Nyc Closed

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC locations have officially closed, marking the end of an era for fans of the California-based café chain. While the brand remains active globally, its absence in New York City leaves a noticeable gap in the specialty coffee and tea scene.

If you’ve ever strolled through the bustling streets of New York City and spotted that familiar green-and-white sign—Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf—you might have stopped in for a refreshing iced tea or a rich, smooth latte. For years, this California-born café chain offered a comforting oasis amid the city’s fast pace. But lately, many New Yorkers have noticed something unsettling: those once-busy locations are now dark, their doors locked, and their windows papered over. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC closed, and with it, a piece of the city’s café culture quietly faded away.

This isn’t just about a single store closing. It’s about a broader shift in how we consume coffee and tea, how businesses adapt—or fail to adapt—to changing urban landscapes, and what it means when a beloved brand retreats from one of the world’s most competitive markets. Whether you’re a daily regular who misses your favorite oat milk chai or just curious about what happened, this article will walk you through the story behind the closures, the reasons behind them, and what comes next for both the brand and its loyal fans.

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Key Takeaways

• Multiple NYC locations have shut down: Several Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf cafes across Manhattan and Brooklyn have permanently closed over the past few years.
• Parent company restructuring played a role: Strategic shifts by parent company, JDE Peet’s, led to a focus on core markets outside the U.S.
• Rising operational costs in NYC were a major factor: High rent, labor expenses, and competition made it difficult to sustain profitability.
• Shift in consumer preferences impacted sales: Demand for artisanal, locally roasted coffee and tea reduced foot traffic at chain locations.
• Brand remains strong internationally: Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf continues to thrive in Asia, the Middle East, and other global markets.
• Fans can still enjoy products online: Select beverages and merchandise are available through the official website and select retailers.
• Local alternatives are filling the void: Independent cafes and other chains are stepping up to meet the demand for quality coffee and tea in NYC.

The Rise and Fall of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in NYC

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf first opened its doors in Los Angeles in 1963, long before the third-wave coffee movement took off. Known for its high-quality whole-bean coffee and handcrafted teas, the brand built a loyal following across the U.S., especially in warm-weather states like California, Arizona, and Florida. But it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the chain began expanding into major metropolitan areas, including New York City.

By the mid-2010s, several Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf locations had popped up in high-traffic areas like Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side, and even Brooklyn. These cafes offered a unique blend of comfort and consistency—something that appealed to both tourists and locals. The menu featured signature drinks like the Ice Blended beverages, which became a cult favorite, along with a wide selection of loose-leaf teas, pastries, and light meals. For many, it was a reliable spot to grab a drink before a Broadway show or during a lunch break.

But by 2020, the landscape began to change. The pandemic hit the food and beverage industry hard, and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was no exception. Foot traffic dropped dramatically as offices emptied and tourism slowed. While some locations managed to pivot with takeout and delivery, the model wasn’t sustainable long-term. By 2022 and into 2023, multiple NYC locations quietly shut their doors, with little public announcement.

Today, a quick search on Google Maps shows only a handful of remaining locations—most of which are in airports or inside larger retail spaces. The standalone cafes that once dotted the city are gone, replaced by pop-up shops, new chains, or empty storefronts. The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC closed not with a bang, but with a whisper—leaving fans wondering what went wrong.

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Why Did Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC Close?

There’s no single reason why Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC closed. Instead, it was a perfect storm of economic, cultural, and strategic factors that made it increasingly difficult for the brand to thrive in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Rising Operational Costs

New York City is notorious for its high cost of doing business. Rent in Manhattan, especially in prime locations like Times Square or near major subway hubs, can easily exceed $100,000 per month. For a café that relies on volume and moderate pricing, these costs are hard to justify—especially when sales don’t meet projections.

Labor costs are another major burden. NYC’s minimum wage has steadily increased, and with it, the cost of staffing a café. Unlike fast-food chains that rely on high turnover and part-time workers, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf positioned itself as a premium experience, requiring trained baristas and customer service staff. This meant higher wages and more investment in employee retention—expenses that squeezed profit margins.

Utilities, insurance, and supply chain costs also played a role. The brand’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and high-quality beans meant it couldn’t cut corners on sourcing. When combined with rising inflation and global supply chain disruptions, the financial pressure became overwhelming.

Increased Competition

New York City is a coffee lover’s paradise—but also a battlefield for café chains and independents alike. In the years since Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf arrived, the city has seen an explosion of third-wave coffee shops, each offering unique roasts, brewing methods, and atmospheres.

Brands like Blue Bottle, Stumptown, and Intelligentsia brought a new level of craftsmanship to the scene, appealing to customers who value transparency, sustainability, and flavor complexity. At the same time, local roasters like Sey Coffee, Variety Coffee Roasters, and Devoción opened flagship locations that doubled as community hubs.

Compared to these newcomers, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf began to feel outdated. Its menu, while consistent, lacked the innovation and seasonal rotation that modern consumers expect. The Ice Blended drinks, once a novelty, started to seem more like a gimmick than a premium offering.

Even other national chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ adapted more quickly to local tastes, introducing plant-based options, mobile ordering, and loyalty programs. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, by contrast, moved slowly—sticking to its original formula even as the market evolved.

Changing Consumer Preferences

Today’s coffee and tea drinkers are more informed and selective than ever. They care about where their beans come from, how they’re roasted, and whether the company supports fair trade and environmental sustainability. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, while offering some ethically sourced options, didn’t make sustainability a central part of its branding.

Moreover, the rise of health-conscious consumers has shifted demand toward lower-sugar, plant-based, and functional beverages. While the brand did introduce oat milk and sugar-free syrups, it lagged behind competitors in offering adaptogenic teas, cold brews with added probiotics, or nitro-infused drinks.

Tea drinkers, too, have become more adventurous. Loose-leaf tea bars and specialty shops like Tea Drunk and Palais des Thés have gained popularity, offering curated experiences and rare blends. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s tea selection, though broad, often felt mass-produced and lacking in depth.

Corporate Restructuring and Strategic Shifts

In 2019, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was acquired by JDE Peet’s, a global coffee giant formed from the merger of Jacobs Douwe Egberts and Peet’s Coffee. As part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on core markets, JDE Peet’s began evaluating underperforming locations—especially in the U.S.

New York City, despite its size and foot traffic, was deemed less strategic than markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, where the brand has a stronger presence and higher growth potential. In countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and the UAE, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf cafes are often located in malls, airports, and tourist destinations—places where American brands are still seen as aspirational.

As a result, resources were redirected overseas. Marketing budgets, new product development, and expansion plans were prioritized for international markets, leaving U.S. locations—including those in NYC—with less support and innovation.

This shift wasn’t unique to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. Many American chains have struggled to maintain relevance in their home country while chasing growth abroad. But for a brand that once prided itself on being a “neighborhood café,” the move felt like a betrayal to loyal customers.

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The Impact on NYC’s Café Culture

The closure of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC locations has left a noticeable gap in the city’s café ecosystem. While it may not have been the most avant-garde or locally beloved spot, it served a specific role: offering a consistent, accessible experience for people who wanted quality without the pretension.

A Loss of Accessibility

For many New Yorkers—especially tourists, students, and office workers—Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was a reliable option. It wasn’t trying to be the next big thing; it was just trying to be good. The cafes were clean, the staff was friendly, and the drinks were made with care. You didn’t need to know the difference between a V60 and an Aeropress to enjoy a cup.

Now, that accessibility is gone. Independent cafes, while wonderful, often have limited seating, higher prices, or irregular hours. Chains like Starbucks are everywhere, but they come with their own set of criticisms—overcrowding, corporate feel, and a lack of authenticity.

The absence of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf means fewer options for people who want a quiet place to work, a quick tea on the go, or a familiar drink in an unfamiliar part of the city.

What’s Filling the Void?

So, who’s stepping in to fill the gap? The answer is a mix of old and new players.

Independent cafes are thriving, especially in neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Harlem, and the Lower East Side. Places like Sey Coffee in Bushwick and Abraço in the East Village have built loyal followings by focusing on quality, community, and unique experiences.

At the same time, other chains are expanding. Blank Street Coffee, a tech-driven mini-chain, has opened dozens of small-format locations across NYC, offering fast, affordable coffee with a modern twist. Similarly, Bluestone Lane, an Australian-inspired café, has brought a fresh aesthetic and menu to the city.

Even traditional players like Dunkin’ and Starbucks are evolving. Dunkin’ has introduced more premium drinks and plant-based options, while Starbucks continues to invest in Reserve Roasteries and experiential locations.

But none of these fully replicate what Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf offered: a balance of quality, consistency, and comfort. For now, New Yorkers are adapting—choosing new favorites, supporting local spots, or simply making do.

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What’s Next for Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf?

Just because Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC closed doesn’t mean the brand is gone for good. In fact, it’s still very much alive—just not in the city that never sleeps.

Global Growth Continues

Internationally, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is stronger than ever. The brand operates over 1,000 locations worldwide, with a particularly strong presence in Asia. In countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and Thailand, it’s a status symbol—a place to see and be seen.

These locations often feature modern designs, expanded menus, and localized offerings. In Dubai, for example, cafes serve date-infused lattes and cardamom teas. In Seoul, you’ll find seasonal drinks inspired by Korean flavors like yuzu and honey citron.

This global success suggests that the brand’s core appeal—quality ingredients, handcrafted drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere—still resonates. It just needs the right market conditions to thrive.

Online and Retail Presence

For fans in the U.S., especially in cities like NYC, the brand hasn’t completely disappeared. Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf products are still available online through its official website and retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

You can order whole-bean coffee, loose-leaf teas, and even ready-to-drink bottled beverages. The website also offers gift sets, brewing equipment, and seasonal specials—perfect for recreating the café experience at home.

While it’s not the same as walking into a cozy shop and ordering a fresh drink, it’s a way to stay connected to the brand. And for those who loved the Ice Blended drinks, the company has even released DIY kits so you can make them yourself.

Could NYC Return?

Could Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf make a comeback in New York City? It’s possible—but unlikely in the near future.

For a return to happen, the brand would need to rethink its strategy. That could mean smaller, more efficient locations, a stronger focus on digital ordering, or partnerships with local roasters and tea suppliers. It might also require a shift in branding—embracing sustainability, innovation, and community engagement in a way that feels authentic to NYC.

Until then, the city will continue to evolve, with new cafes rising and old ones fading. But for those who remember the green-and-white sign, the memory of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC closed will remain—a quiet reminder of a simpler time in the city’s ever-changing café culture.

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How to Cope with the Closure: Tips for Fans

If you’re mourning the loss of your favorite café, you’re not alone. Here are some practical tips to help you move forward—and maybe even discover something better.

Try Local Alternatives

Instead of chasing the familiar, use this as an opportunity to explore. Visit a new independent café each week. Ask baristas for recommendations. Try a tea you’ve never had before. You might be surprised by what you find.

Some great NYC spots to check out:
– Sey Coffee (Bushwick): Known for light-roast, single-origin coffees.
– Abraço (East Village): A tiny but mighty spot with excellent espresso and olive oil cake.
– Tea Drunk (East Village): A tea lover’s paradise with rare Chinese and Taiwanese blends.
– Bluestone Lane (Multiple locations): Australian-style café with great lattes and avocado toast.

Recreate Your Favorite Drinks at Home

Miss your usual order? You can make it yourself. Buy Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf beans or tea online, and invest in a good grinder and brewer. For Ice Blended drinks, blend coffee, ice, milk, and sweetener in a high-speed blender.

Join Online Communities

Connect with other fans on social media or forums like Reddit. Share recipes, memories, and tips for finding the next best thing. You might even organize a virtual tasting party.

Support the Brand Online

Even if you can’t visit a café, you can still support Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf by purchasing their products online. Every order helps keep the brand alive—and maybe, one day, brings it back to NYC.

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Conclusion

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf NYC closed not because it failed to deliver quality, but because the world changed around it. Rising costs, fierce competition, shifting tastes, and corporate strategy all played a role in its departure. But while the cafes are gone, the brand’s legacy remains—both in the memories of its fans and in its continued success around the world.

For New Yorkers, this closure is a reminder of how quickly the city evolves. What’s here today may be gone tomorrow. But it’s also an invitation to explore, to support local businesses, and to appreciate the unique flavors that make NYC’s café scene so vibrant.

So the next time you pass by a shuttered storefront with a faded green sign, take a moment to remember. And then step into the café next door—you might just find your new favorite spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf close in NYC?

The closures were due to a combination of high operational costs, increased competition, changing consumer preferences, and corporate restructuring by parent company JDE Peet’s, which shifted focus to international markets.

Are there any Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf locations left in New York?

As of 2024, most standalone locations in NYC have closed. A few may remain in airports or inside larger retail spaces, but they are no longer prominent in the city.

Can I still buy Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf products?

Yes, you can purchase their coffee, tea, and merchandise online through the official website and select retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Will Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf return to NYC?

There’s no official announcement about a return. A comeback would likely require a new business model tailored to NYC’s competitive market.

What are some good alternatives to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in NYC?

Try independent cafes like Sey Coffee, Abraço, or Tea Drunk, or explore chains like Bluestone Lane and Blank Street Coffee for high-quality drinks.

Did the pandemic cause the closures?

The pandemic accelerated the decline, but the closures were also driven by long-term challenges like rising rents, labor costs, and shifting consumer habits.