In 1877, Japanese migrant workers brought the first coffee beans to Japan after working in Brazilian coffee plantations. The Brazilian government gifted Japan with a large quantity of coffee beans as a token of gratitude.

In 2001, James Freeman founded Blue Bottle Coffee with a vision to sell fresh roasted coffee beans to local coffee lovers, differentiating from larger coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin'.

In 2002, James Freeman, a former musician, established Blue Bottle Coffee by opening a cafe in a small garage in San Francisco, which eventually grew into a prominent coffee chain.

In January 2004, Blue Bottle Coffee cart, run by James Freeman, drew a large crowd of 30 to 40 people, signaling the growing popularity and success of the fledgling business. This moment marked a turning point in the expansion of Blue Bottle Coffee.

In the early days of the original Blue Bottle location, an abundance of short, octagonal glasses called Gibraltars were accidentally ordered. Baristas began using these glasses to measure and test espresso shots, eventually adding steamed milk to create the 'Gibraltar' - a tiny, strong latte in a small glass tumbler.

In 2010, Blue Bottle Coffee expanded its operations by opening its first New York location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

In 2012, Blue Bottle Coffee secured $20 million in venture capital investment to support its growth and expansion.

French-Japanese TV Announcer Christel Takigawa mentioned the word 'omotenashi' during a presentation at the International Olympic Committee in Buenos Aires on September 8, 2013, which created a global buzz.

In 2014, Blue Bottle Coffee inaugurated its first cafe in Los Angeles, further expanding its footprint in the coffee industry. This move marked the company's continued growth and success in establishing a presence in different cities.

In 2015, Blue Bottle Coffee concluded a venture capital round, raising $70 million from investors led by Fidelity.

In September 2017, Nestle S.A. acquired a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, a significant move that marked the company's partnership with the world's largest food and drinks company.

In December 2019, Blue Bottle Coffee announced plans to eliminate disposable cups at some of their shops to increase sustainability, aiming for zero waste within a year.

In April 2020, Blue Bottle Coffee opened its first location in Central, Hong Kong, operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for takeaway only during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Blue Bottle Coffee locations showcase minimalist design elements inspired by Japanese culture, featuring clean lines, large windows, and warm touches, creating a simple yet elegant space for guests.

In February 2022, Blue Bottle Coffee opened Yutong Cafe, its first location in mainland China, situated in a historic building by Suzhou Creek in downtown Shanghai.

The company aims to achieve zero waste in all its US cafes by 2023, by reducing electricity and dairy emissions and implementing sustainable practices.

The company is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2024, offsetting carbon emissions associated with shipping online orders in the US, and implementing sustainable practices.