Caffeinated California expats can now relax. The west coast based Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf made its long awaited opening yesterday to hordes of beverage thirsty patrons in the Times Square area. More specifically, the corner of 39th Street and Broadway will host the staple, leaving many New Yorkers to ask “Really? Another coffee chain?” But those New Yorkers are likely not in the know, or better yet haven’t tasted the smooth, blended drinks made by the west coast purveyor, typically referred to as “The Bean.” Perhaps yesterday’s reported lines out the door will serve as fair warning.

Founded in Brentwood, California in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has grown to over 750 outlets, making it one of the largest privately owned, family run coffee companies in the world. And all of the products are certified as kosher. With shops across California, Phoenix, Honolulu, Miami, and Detroit, yesterday marked the chain’s first foray into the greater metropolitan area, with rumors that more are to follow. With better and slightly less bold blends than churned out at Starbucks, the chain is known for their ice blended drinks- of which an estimated 20,000 are sold across the brand’s stores daily. For more information on the newest coffee outpost in our area, check their corporate site and continue to follow us here at LocalBozo.com as New Yorkers begin to succumb to the west coast coffee giant.

- Jane Van Arsdale