Jack in the Box is the latest quick-service brand to realize the value in serving a better coffee. The chain is now offering a new premium blend of coffee made with real Kona coffee beans from Hawaii. The new Kona Classic coffee blend is now being brewed for the chain's hot and iced coffee drinks.
"Kona coffee is renowned for its smooth, rich taste and is one of the world's most popular coffees," said Tammy Bailey, division vice president of menu marketing and promotions for Jack in the Box Inc., in a news release. "Our new Kona Classic blend is the perfect choice whether you're looking for a refreshing boost or complement to one of our many breakfast items, like the new Grilled Breakfast Sandwich we introduced last week at most of our restaurants."
Kona Classic is available at participating Jack in the Box restaurants for a suggested price of $1.39 and $1.59 for regular and large hot coffees, respectively, and $1.99 for a 24-ounce iced coffee.
Restaurants in Hawaii will continue to serve a specialty Kona blend produced by a local vendor, Hawaiian Paradise Coffee.
Jack in the Box CEO Linda Lang told analysts the company's earnings call in February that the company has a number of new beverage products in its pipeline to help the chain boost traffic in various dayparts. In addition to the new coffee, beverage iniatives this year will include limited-time beverage promotions, bundled deals with drinks and new flavors in shakes and smoothies.
Several other quick-service chains announced new coffee launches in recent months. Seattle's Best Coffee is now sold in Subway's stores as part of its new national breakfast program and will be in Burger King's stores later this year. Taco Bell is testing Seattle's Best as part of its upcoming breakfast program. Hardee's and Chick-fil-A both added new Columbian blends in fourth quarter 2009.
McDonald's was the first major chain to switch to a better coffee with the launch of its Premium Roast Coffee in 2006. The chain also has tapped into the huge specialty beverage market with the rollout last year of its successful espresso-based beverages in its McCafé line. The chain will complete that line in coming months with the national rollout of its frappes and smoothies.
