Brewing More Than Just Coffee: Inside the Human Bean's Unique Approach
Coffee-Fueled Community: Meet Vikki Mitchell and her husband Pat, the power couple behind the Central California outposts of The Human Bean, where Java meets camaraderie in delightful drive-thrus!
This duo transformed their mutual passion for java and togetherness into a flourishing empire of locally-focused coffee joints across the Central Valley and Coast. Their tale commenced when Pat sold his food manufacturing business, and the twosome moved full-time to Templeton, their dream destination. Retirement didn't stick for Pat, so they embarked on a fresh endeavor, choosing The Human Bean, enticed by its culture of compassion and exceptional products.
Vikki embracing some loyal fans
"The Human Bean's patronage and support of not only franchisees but the communities they serve instantly resonated with us," Vikki expressed. "They treat you like a partner, not just a number."
Pat and Vikki savoring Morro Bay views
Community commitment is incorporated in every single cup they serve. From backpack drives and Scout cookie booths to animal shelter adoptions and school career fairs, they're constantly brainstorming ways to give back.
Community events galore
"Last year alone, we participated in over 150 events, aiming to surpass that number this year," Vikki disclosed.
The Human Bean at a Visalia baseball game
Up close and personal with agriculture, Pat tends a one-acre garden, yielding produce donated to the local food bank during the Food Drive Giveback. Their annual Coffee for a Cure event donates 100% of proceeds to local breast cancer centers, often with staff volunteering as baristas.
Celebrating Cancer patients with Coffee for a Cure
On a more educational front, they champion educators through Teacher Appreciation gestures, like complimentary drinks and espresso beans. This year, 1,779 teachers from 61 schools received drink cards, espresso beans, and partnership materials, igniting overwhelming gratitude. "Teachers told us it made their day," Vikki shared. "Now, many schools seek year-round collaboration."
Bringing hometown warmth to every location, the Mitchells emphasize regular appearances at community events, hiring local staff, and even utilizing produce from neighboring businesses. Through initiatives such as the "Kind Human Bean" award, they foster compassion in the youth, cultivating an ecosystem of empathy from ground level.
While a franchise, the Human Bean, under the Mitchells' tutelage, feels like a cherished hometown gem wherever it's served. So, when in Visalia, Porterville, or Clovis, drop by for a drink that tastes of more than just delicious coffee—it's brewed with love, camaraderie, and community at its core.
Swing by:The Human Bean Clovis, CA Location:1720 Shaw AvenueClovis, CA 93611
For more locale info, check out their website.
Molly, a Central Valley local, resides in the area with her brood. A Fresno State alumna, she is actively involved in uplifting her community and takes pleasure in highlighting the remarkable individuals and groups that make the Central Valley an exceptional home.
Did You Know?The Human Bean Central California is part of a broader network of coffee houses under the The Human Bean brand, founded in 1998 in Ashland, Oregon. The Human Bean is renowned for its specialty-grade coffee, real-fruit smoothies, and Bright Energy drinks, as well as its drive-thru format. In Central California, The Human Bean has flourished under the ownership of Vikki Mitchell and her husband Pat, who have emphasized community involvement and local focus in their operations.
- The Mitchells' lifestyle, rooted in community engagement, led them to extend their coffee business beyond traditional offerings, organizing events such as backpack drives and school career fairs, making The Human Bean more than just a home-and-garden establishment, but a active partner in the communities it serves.
- In addition to their home-and-garden one-acre garden, the Mitchells demonstrate their commitment to the community by donating produce from their garden to the local food bank during the Food Drive Giveback, embodying the lifestyle integration of their business with the needs of their local home.
