Alfred Peet

Alfred Peet (March 10, 1920 – August 29, 2007) was a Dutch-American entrepreneur and the founder of Peet's Coffee & Tea. Born in Alkmaar, Netherlands, Peet grew up in a family that operated a small coffee roastery. He moved to San Francisco, California, in the 1950s, where he was surprised by the poor quality of coffee in the United States. In 1966, he opened his first coffee shop, Peet's Coffee & Tea, in Berkeley, California, which is often credited with starting the craft coffee movement in the United States.

Peet's approach to coffee roasting was revolutionary at the time. He introduced dark roasted Arabica coffee beans to the American palate, which contrasted sharply with the lighter roasts that were prevalent. His commitment to quality and his meticulous approach to coffee roasting won him a loyal following. Peet's influence extended beyond his own business; he was a mentor to the founders of Starbucks, who adopted many of his roasting techniques.

Throughout his life, Alfred Peet remained passionate about coffee, often visiting coffee farms around the world to source the best beans. His legacy lives on through the company he founded, which continues to be a prominent name in the coffee industry.

Early Life

Alfred Peet was born in the Netherlands and spent his early years learning the coffee trade from his father, who owned a small coffee roastery. This early exposure to the coffee industry profoundly influenced his later career.

Career

In 1966, after moving to the United States and observing the lack of quality coffee, Peet opened the first Peet's Coffee & Tea store in Berkeley. His store became a hub for coffee enthusiasts and played a significant role in the development of the specialty coffee market in the United States.

Legacy

Peet's dedication to quality coffee has left a lasting impact on the coffee industry. He is remembered as a pioneer who introduced a new standard of coffee roasting and quality to the American market. His mentorship of the Starbucks founders also helped shape the future of the coffee industry.

Death

Alfred Peet passed away on August 29, 2007, in Ashland, Oregon. His death marked the end of an era for the specialty coffee industry, but his legacy continues through the company he founded and the coffee culture he helped cultivate.