Latest news with #BlueBottle
San Francisco Chronicle
13 hours ago
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
Blue Bottle Coffee workers are unionizing in the Bay Area
Staff at four Blue Bottle cafe locations in the East Bay are seeking to unionize, the first in California to join East Coast locations of the Bay Area-founded chain in forming a collective bargaining unit. Staff at Blue Bottle's Berkeley location and at three Oakland locations — in Old Oakland, on Piedmont Avenue and inside the old W.C Morse building on Broadway — are asking the company to voluntarily recognize the Blue Bottle Independent Union by Friday at noon to commence bargaining. According to the union an 'overwhelming majority' of workers at these locations signed union cards. In 2024, the Blue Bottle Independent Union first unionized the company's six locations in the greater Boston Area. The push follows recent unionization efforts at national coffee chains Peets and Starbucks locations in California and at Bay Area chain Highwire Coffee. The Bay Area's high cost of living and Blue Bottle's lack of healthcare benefits led the workers to seek unionization, said Alex Reyes, a Blue Bottle employee for the past 10 years currently working as a shift lead at the Berkeley location. 'We're juggling so many things, like hospitality and keeping customers safe, while management might be jumping from one cafe to another,' Reyes said. 'It's a tall ask.' Blue Bottle founder James Freeman launched the specialty coffee company in Oakland in 2002, growing to more than 70 U.S. cafes. Giant food conglomerate Nestle bought a majority stake in Blue Bottle in 2017. Reyes claimed there was a noticeable drop in how the company invested in its employees after this purchase, with what he sees as drops in the quality of staff training and product quality. A representative from Blue Bottle did not immediately respond to the Chronicle. Blue Bottle has taken progressive stances on issues such as paying coffee producers a fair price for their beans and, temporarily, doing away with single-use containers. Still, getting the company to recognize the union looks like an uphill battle, but Reyes believes there is support to be found among customers. 'We, workers, are the face of the company. We make the product and interact with people from behind the bar,' Reyes said. 'Support will be high when it spreads.'
Vancouver Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Flying 12 hours in business class — an honest review of the $6000 experience
I recently flew 12 hours from Hong Kong to Vancouver on Cathay Pacific in Business Class . Let me preface this review by saying: any time you get to lie flat on a long-haul flight, it's a luxury. The lounges, service and in-air food are what truly set apart a memorable experience, especially for a frequent flyer. With a steep $6,000 price tag to go from HKG to YVR (or vice-versa), you're probably wondering: is it worth it ? I was, too, as it had been a few years since I'd been on a Cathay flight. I memorably flew with them for the first time in 2006, and was so blown away, I still have a paper dinner menu from that flight. Interest around international travel is up this year, as more and more Canadians opt to skip the U.S. The Hong Kong Tourism Board shared that Canadians' intent to travel to Hong Kong this year has increased by a whopping 30 per cent. The Asian metropolis has always been one of my favourite cities around the globe: a unique history, fabulous food and shopping, and a vibrant nightlife have kept me returning over the years. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Read on for everything you need to know about Cathay Pacific's Business Class experience. My 2025 experience kicked off with a visit to the Cathay Pacific lounges – yes, there are multiple — at HKG. As their hometown airport, expectations are high – and certainly didn't disappoint compared to what we might be used to at YVR (our limited offerings include the rather un-premium Plaza Premium lounge, the fairly decent Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, as well as a smaller Cathay Pacific one, to name a few). My favourite HKG Cathay option was The Pier Business Class Lounge, which includes the airline's first-ever tea room with blends by Jing , as well as the iconic noodle bar. Both were excellent options, and a special shoutout goes to the baristas working the coffee cart: after several excursions to HKG over the years, I'm convinced this is the only quality latte at the entire airport (avoid this airport's Blue Bottle at all costs, which I typically love). Relaxation rooms, shower suites and work stations are also available here. Upon boarding, the lead flight attendant came over to introduce herself, give me a tour of the pod and offer a beverage: the non-alcoholic Cathay Delight, made of coconut milk, kiwi juice and fresh mint is always a win – but the Laurent-Perrier brut is also nice for some bubbly. Initially, I was a bit disappointed I didn't have one of the new Aria suites – currently only available on the London to Hong Kong route and expected to roll out on the Vancouver planes later this year – but the overall experience quickly made up for that. Despite the pod appearing a bit dated, I appreciated the amount of storage space. If you like to keep several items handy – for me, it's a laptop , AirPods , chargers , vitamins and skincare – you won't be fussed. As a frequent flier, I always look forward to a long-haul flight amenity kit. Cathay partnered with British-based Bamford, offering mini-sized versions of the brand's cooling gel , multi-purpose balm and pillow mist , leaning into a wellness theme. Initially, I wanted to see products from a more well-known luxury brand – but the products were quality and completely elevated the overnight experience. The leather case was a nice touch, too, and easy to reuse as a makeup bag or for smaller toiletries. In-flight service began with an always-appreciated hot towel, warm nuts and a pretty swanky meal service for being 30,000 feet above the ground. Among the many options, I opted for an appetizer and main that are tied to two well-known Hong Kong Michelin star restaurants: the chilled abalone and cucumber with black vinegar from Duddell's and the pan-seared Chilean sea bass with saffron sauce from Louise , which is my all-time favourite restaurant in Hong Kong. The Duddell's abalone certainly lived up to the hype, and is arguably one of the best items I've enjoyed in the sky on any flight. Louise's sea bass was decent, however, a tad bland, and not quite to par with what I've come to know and love from the restaurant itself (which I highly recommend on a visit to Hong Kong). Regardless, it was still an elevated choice considering – and I would get it again, but maybe add a little salt. Cheese, Häagen-Dazs ice cream or fresh fruit followed, for some simple but solid dessert options (although the ice cream was very frozen – beware!). Dining has a leisurely vibe in-air on Cathay Pacific, which is ideal for someone who wants to immerse themselves in the entire multi-course experience. For those looking to get in a full night's sleep or get some work done, however, be mindful of the time to get dishes cleared. I'm a fast eater, so I opted to use the call button to speed up the process. Where the menu truly stood out was on the all-day options, which could be requested at any time during the flight. Noodles (a popular choice) and a burger with fries are on the docket, both of which were excellent. Key detail: the fries were delicious and not soggy. For those looking to indulge in a drink, the cocktail and wine lists were extensive, edging out Canadian competitors. The Chateau Lynch-Bages from Pauillac is a tried and true choice, but for those feeling experimental, Chinese wine – not readily available in North America – is available. On the non-alcoholic front, the Hong Kong-style milk tea appeared to be a popular choice with those on my flight. Wi-Fi on the flight was solid, at least for the time I was using it. For the movie watchers, Cathay's entertainment system offered a comprehensive cross-section of choice; however, the screen was a bit slow to react to my selection, something I assume will be updated in the new Aria suites. I opted to go with some relaxing music, which was a nice alternative. Following dinner and some work, it was time to get some shut-eye. Cathay provides a hotel-style pillow, 400-thread count cotton duvet and perhaps the most important details for a high-quality snooze — a mattress pad and eye mask. Combined with the Bamford pillow spray , I got in a full eight hours with zero interruption. The sleep was so solid, in fact, I nearly dozed through breakfast. I'm glad I didn't, though, as the pre-landing meal was also impressive. In-flight breakfasts are usually nothing to write home about, however, there were a few nice touches here, like warmed cherry tomatoes, a shockingly decent croissant with butter and jam and – small detail – a tea bag dish (oversteeped tea is a no-no). Congee, a traditional rice porridge found in South and East Asia, was also available and looked delicious. Guests were invited to make a chocolate selection from a box, a nice touch before landing. After 12 hours in the air, it was time to land in my hometown of Vancouver. Overall, I was rested and relaxed, which is the top marker of success on any long-haul business class flight. Despite some marginal room for improvement — which I believe will be corrected with the new Aria suites — Cathay proved they offer a solid and competitive product in the aviation space. The experience is worth it — but not at full price. My suggestion is to keep a flexible travel schedule and use Google flights to set alerts about price drops or leverage the points and miles within the Oneworld alliance system to fly free. Beyond that, stay tuned for the Aria suites to launch on the Vancouver route later this year to get the most value out of your flight. Hoping to score a great deal on your next hotel? Check out for exclusive savings on over one million hotels worldwide. Sign up for free here . Shopping Essentials , a category written by research-obsessed shopping fanatics, is now on Canoe . 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Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Blue Bottle Coffee to Open Its First Nevada Location at UnCommons
Specialty coffee company to bring exceptional coffee and distinct cafe experience to Southwest Las Vegas in March 2025 Photos available for download here. LAS VEGAS, Feb. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Bottle Coffee will open its first Nevada coffee shop at UnCommons, Southwest Las Vegas' vibrant 40-acre urban campus across from the new Durango Casino & Resort. Set to open in March, the cafe will bring Blue Bottle's expertly roasted coffee, brewed with care, to both Las Vegas locals and visitors. More than just a cafe, the new location will be a place to slow down, savor each cup and embrace the quality and hospitality that defines Blue Bottle. Since its founding in Oakland, California in 2002, Blue Bottle has been dedicated to creating meaningful coffee moments. With a meticulous approach to sourcing, roasting and brewing, Blue Bottle invites guests to discover their perfect cup, whether they prefer bold blends or bright, lightly roasted single origins, or the beloved New Orleans-Style Iced Coffee (NOLA) – a guest favorite made with coffee, chicory and a hint of sweetness. Blue Bottle's arrival in Las Vegas marks the next chapter in its global expansion as it brings cafes to new communities around the world. Following recent expansion across Asia, the opening at UnCommons represents Blue Bottle's first new US market in recent years. Alongside this milestone, the company remains focused on strengthening its presence in existing markets and furthering its global reach. "Las Vegas is a dynamic and fast-growing market, making it a meaningful addition to Blue Bottle's ongoing growth," said Karl Strovink, CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee. "As we expand into new and existing markets, this opening allows us to share our dedication to serving beautifully crafted coffee. Our cafe at UnCommons will be a welcoming space where guests can gather and experience the artistry and care that make Blue Bottle special." The new café will join a curated lineup of exceptional dining, residential and lifestyle offerings at UnCommons, which has quickly become a cornerstone of Southwest Las Vegas. "Blue Bottle Coffee embodies the level of thoughtfulness and excellence that defines the UnCommons experience," said Jim Stuart, partner at Matter Real Estate Group. "Their commitment to craftsmanship makes them a natural fit for our community. We're thrilled to welcome them to Southwest Las Vegas as they continue their journey of transforming coffee culture." More information about UnCommons is on the website at as well as on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. To learn more about Blue Bottle Coffee, visit or follow the brand on Instagram and Facebook. About Blue Bottle CoffeeBlue Bottle Coffee was founded by James Freeman in Oakland, California, in 2002 with a simple yet revolutionary idea: to serve delicious coffee, roasted fresh and brewed to order, sourced from the finest coffee farms. Today, Blue Bottle is a global network of cafes in the US and Asia. We are the leader in specialty coffee, driven by our obsession for quality and our commitment to environmental health. Our belief is simple and our goal unchanged: to connect the world to delicious coffee, because delicious coffee makes life more beautiful. Follow Blue Bottle on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, or visit for more information. About UnCommonsUnCommons, a groundbreaking 40-acre urban campus in southwest Las Vegas, is transforming the way people work, live, and connect through forward-thinking design and a community-centered approach. At the heart of UnCommons is a vibrant dining scene, showcasing the finest in local and regional culinary talent. Trendsetting restaurants, including all'Antico Vinaio, AMARI Italian Kitchen & Wine Shop, General Admission, Salt & Straw, SunLife Organics, Teaspoon, Todo Bien, Urth Caffé and Wineaux, offer a world-class dining experience, with more exciting openings to come in 2025. Vestra provides the ultimate in luxury apartment living with 830+ contemporary residential units and resort-style amenities, including a spacious pool, co-working areas and features for pampering pets. UnCommons is also home to a curated selection of lifestyle brands like Speakeasy Candle Co., Capelli Salon, and Daela Cosmetic Tattoos, as well as fitness hubs such as The Good Place, set to open soon. The campus is further enriched by The Assembly by Kiln, a next-generation 5,000-square-foot conference and event space, and Kiln's innovative coworking and lifestyle space, slated to debut in spring 2025. UnCommons features over 500,000 square feet of cutting-edge office space, which is home to leading companies including DraftKings, CBRE, BDO and Deloitte. Developed by Matter Real Estate Group and designed by globally renowned architectural firm, Gensler, UnCommons prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship, earning coveted certifications from WELL™ Certification and Green Globes®. More information is available on the website at on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Blue Bottle Coffee LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
