# The Human Bean

The Human Bean is an American national coffee company and coffeehouse chain based in Medford, Oregon. The Human Bean has 260+ drive-thru coffee locations open or in development in 25 U.S. states. The drive thru espresso brand started franchising in 2002.

## History

In 1998, The Human Bean opened its first store in Ashland, Oregon.
A duo of husband and wife teams decided to open a stand-alone, drive-thru coffee shop. It wouldn't be just any business. It would be part of the community. It would be good and do good.
They would make a difference and do right by their customers. They would listen. They would treat team members and franchise partners like family, and treat everyone in the supply chain like the good human beans they are.
In early-2002, the company began franchising their brand throughout southern Oregon and nationwide.
The Human Bean has 181 locations. The franchise is located in 23 U.S. states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, and West Virginia.
While most locations are drive-thru only, there are a few locations that offer indoor seating in addition to the drive thru.

## Menu and Products

While coffee remains the cornerstone of this drive-thru company, The Human Bean is committed to menu innovation, offering a diverse selection of drinks, including smoothies, Italian sodas, tea, and more.
In January 2024, they introduced their new Bright® Energy drink. The company says it's “energy done Bright” with caffeine extracted from clean, green coffee beans. Each drink also contains an antioxidant-rich, sustaining energy blend of B6 and B12 vitamins, Ginseng Root, and L-Carnitine.

## Franchising

The Human Bean drive-thrus are growing nationwide, bringing quality coffee and a unique business model to local communities. Their goal is for you to enjoy the returns from your investment while receiving the benefits of being part of The Human Bean family. At The Human Bean, it's all about “we.” Their leadership team and franchise partners come from a wide range of trades and backgrounds. They blend their collective experiences to brew-up a welcoming and rewarding company culture in the world of coffee.
Meet the Team:
* Co – Founder, CEO & President, Dan Hawkins
* Co – Founder, Vice President, Tom Casey
* Chief Operating Officer, Scott Anderson
* Chief Marketing Officer, Janie Page
* Sr. Director of Franchise Support, Leslee Swanson
* Sr. Director of Franchise Operations, Danae Pinhiero
* Director of Franchise Sales, Angela Beeks
* Director of Franchise Development, Justin Hawkins
Those interested in Franchising with The Human Bean can inquire at franchise.thehumanbean.com or via their form.

## App

The Human Bean changed its punch cards to provide easier access for customer to earn rewards and be updated with the latest offers and news.
To stay current with evolving consumer trends, The Human Bean refreshed its app and loyalty rewards program in November 2023, making it easier and faster for customers to earn free drinks.
The updated app offers seamless ordering, reward tracking, and balance reloading, enhancing the overall coffee experience. Their loyalty program now features tiered status levels—Silver, Gold, and Platinum—where customers earn beans (points) at varying rates, rewarding their most dedicated fans more quickly. Each tier unlocks exclusive offers and special access to menu items. The app also keeps users connected with personalized deals, location services, and the latest updates.

## Givebacks

Committed to making a difference, The Human Bean holds four annual giveback events: Earth Day, St. Jude, Food Drive, and Coffee for a Cure.

### Earth Day

Every Earth Day, The Human Bean donates one tree for every drink purchased to Trees for the Future. All locations participate, making this a nationwide day of giving back to their global community. To date, they have planted 213,994 trees.

### St. Jude

The Human Bean starts a new partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in 2024. During this giveback, all locations will donate $1 for every drink purchased on June 20 to St. Jude.

### Food Drive

Each year The Human Bean chooses a Friday in August to give $1 for each drink sold to local food pantries and programs that work to end hunger. On average, it takes $1 to provide three meals for those in need. In 2024, The Human Bean was able to donate the equivalent of 202,998 meals to local food-focused organizations.

### Coffee for a Cure

On one very special day in October—during Breast Cancer Awareness Month—100% of all sales from The Human Bean locations all around the country are donated to support patients with mammograms, post-diagnosis care and support, and breast cancer education.

## Awards and Recognition

In January 2021, The Human Bean was named one of the Top 100 of Entrepreneur ’s Franchise 500.
In February 2021, Scott Anderson, COO of Nation's Restaurant News Most Influential Restaurant Executives in the Country.
In July 2021, The Human Bean was named one of Nation's Restaurant News Top 25 Fastest Growing Restaurant Chains in America by Nation's Restaurant News.
In September 2023, The Human Bean was ranked in the Franchise Times Top 400 List.