North Berkeley in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Peet’s Coffee & Tea
Berkeley History
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, April 5, 2012
1. Peet’s Coffee & Tea Marker
Inscription.
Peet’s Coffee and Tea. Berkeley History. A revolution began here in 1966 when Alfred H. Peet (1920-2007) opened his first coffee roastery and store. Arriving in San Francisco in 1955, “Mr. Peet” was dismayed by the poor quality of coffee in his adopted country. He had learned about coffee roasting from his father in Holland and had further refined his tastes working in the tea business in Indonesia. Seeking a place for his specialty coffee business, Mr. Peet took the advice of a prophetic friend who suggested this spot, which in time came to anchor Berkeley’s famed “Gourmet Ghetto.” Over the years, Mr. Peet gained devotees and counseled new coffee entrepreneurs, sparking the coffee revolution that swept the country.
A revolution began here in 1966 when Alfred H. Peet (1920-2007) opened his first coffee roastery and store. Arriving in San Francisco in 1955, “Mr. Peet” was dismayed by the poor quality of coffee in his adopted country. He had learned about coffee roasting from his father in Holland and had further refined his tastes working in the tea business in Indonesia. Seeking a place for his specialty coffee business, Mr. Peet took the advice of a prophetic friend who suggested this spot, which in time came to anchor Berkeley’s famed “Gourmet Ghetto.” Over the years, Mr. Peet gained devotees and counseled new coffee entrepreneurs, sparking the coffee revolution that swept the country.
Erected 2009 by Berkeley Historical Plaque Project.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1966.
Location. 37° 52.819′ N, 122° 16.099′ W. Marker is in Berkeley, California, in Alameda County. It is in North Berkeley. It is at the intersection of Vine Street and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east on Vine Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2124 Vine Street, Berkeley CA 94709, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexico’s Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Juice Bar Collective (within shouting distance
Another marker is no longer nearby. Live Oak Park (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, April 5, 2012
2. Peet’s Coffee & Tea Marker
The marker is to the right of the entrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,208 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
