South Korean Coffee Chain Caffé Bene is Coming to Houston

There's no shortage of places to get your caffeine fix in Houston and that's doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon. Powering your mornings with espresso and coffee in the near future, South Korean import Caffé Bene.

With over 1600 locations worldwide and more than 100 outlets in the United States, Caffé Bene plans to open its first Houston store in downtown. Located in GreenStreet, the Korean-import will occupy a 763 square-foot space near McCormick & Schmick’s on Fannin.

The coffee chain follows a growing trend of Asian-based coffee and tea houses opening inside the loop. Last year, Bambu Desserts and Drinks, a milk tea and che chain, made its premiere at Greenway Plaza followed by Kung Fu Tea in Montrose last month. Offering a similar menu to Bambu and Kung Fu Tea, Caffé Bene will serve bubble teas in addition to a traditional coffee menu, espresso and a variety of Korean desserts. The Asian-import will also offer its specialty, misugaru. The sweet caffeine-free grain-based drink can be used in conjunction with frappes and lattes or sipped on its own.

Dubbed the Starbucks alternative by Forbes, the chain is rapidly expanding across the country, recently announcing plans to open in San Diego and Philadelphia. The Houston location is expected to open this summer.