National Coffee Day History

History of National Coffee Day

The history of National Coffee Day seems a bit, well, cloudy. We believe September 29 came about as a jolting reminder to get back to work following a long summer — even though it’s a full week after the first day of fall. After all, Americans have turned procrastination into an art form.

On the other hand, the history of coffee itself clearly goes back to 15th century Yemen. (Check out Dave Eggers’ recent book for a fascinating look at how it all went down.) As for Europeans, they got their first taste about 100 years later — with Venice leading the way. Per the National Coffee Association, it wasn’t a smooth ride: “Some people reacted to this new beverage with suspicion or fear, calling it the ‘bitter invention of Satan.’ The local clergy condemned coffee when it came to Venice in 1615. The controversy was so great that Pope Clement VIII was asked to intervene. He decided to taste the beverage for himself before making a decision, and found the drink so satisfying that he gave it papal approval.”

Mainland Europe’s first official coffeehouse (no, they didn’t serve lattes) opened in Venice around 1645.

Back in the U.S., if it weren’t for the Boston Tea Party in 1773, Americans may never have swapped tea for coffee. When the colonies revolted against King George III’s hefty tea tax, tea was out and coffee was in. Things really started to percolate in the mid 1800s when brothers John and Charles Arbuckle started selling coffee to cowboys in the American West. James Folger successfully introduced coffee to gold miners in California. Upon returning to San Francisco in 1865, Folger became a full partner of The Pioneer Steam Coffee and Spice Mills — which eventually became the J.A. Folger & Co. in 1872.

Other brands including Maxwell House and Hills Brothers soon entered the coffee market. A yearning for “speciality” coffee took hold in the 1960s and a little Seattle company called Starbucks changed everything in 1971. Today the U.S. coffee shop market has grown to a $45.4 billion industry, according to Allegra World Coffee Portal’s 2019 Project Café USA report. Dry coffee sales topped $9 billion in 2017 in the U.S.

Thanks King George III!

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While the U.S. and Canada celebrate National Coffee Day on September 29, other nations mark this day throughout the calendar. International Coffee Day happens just two days later on October 1. The International Coffee Organization has pledged to help struggling coffee farmers worldwide make a living wage.

Free Coffee and Coffee Day Deals

Here’s where to find the best deals on National Coffee Day 2020:

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is the place to be this National Coffee Day as all guests will receive a free brewed coffee, with no purchase necessary. If you’re a reward member then it’s even better, you’ll be able to grab a free brewed coffee and a free doughnut.

High Brew Coffee

Get your fingers and thumbs at the ready because on September 29 at 2PM in every timezone High Brew Coffee will be offering a limited number of free product coupons that can be used in named retail outlets. If you manage to get your hands on a coupon then you’ll be able to pop into one of the names stores and grab yourself a can of coffee.

Dunkin’

Dunkin’ has gone all out and renamed it National Dunkin’ Day. What do you get on National Dunkin’ Day on Tuesday, September 29? A free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase at their restaurants, with the offer being limited to one per order.

McDonald’s

If you take up the offer within the McDonald’s app then you’ll be able to grab yourself a Premium Roast or Iced Coffee for $0.99.

Godiva

Godiva will be offering 30% of coffee bags throughout National Coffee Day. You can pop into one of their stores or take advantage of the offer online.

Sheetz

Order through the Sheetz app on National Coffee Day and you can claim a free cold brew.

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